Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer

Introduction: The Magic of Jacket Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Jacket potatoes, also known as baked potatoes, are one of those universally loved dishes that manage to be both comforting and versatile. Whether you top them with melted cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, or heartier fillings like chili con carne or tuna mayo, a jacket potato offers a satisfying bite every time. Traditionally, these potatoes are slow-baked in the oven to achieve that iconic crispy skin and fluffy interior. But with the invention of the air fryer, that classic jacket potato experience has not only become faster, but also crispier and more energy-efficient.

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to replicate the golden, crispy results of deep-frying or roasting—without the excess oil or the long cooking times. This makes them ideal for jacket potatoes. The outer skin becomes beautifully crunchy, while the inside remains tender and steamy. Plus, there’s no need to wait for a conventional oven to preheat for 20 minutes or heat up your entire kitchen. It’s quick, mess-free, and ideal for everyday meals.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing jacket potatoes in your air fryer—from choosing the right type of potato and seasoning it correctly, to tips for ensuring an evenly cooked center. Whether you’re a home cook, a busy student, or simply someone looking to make the most out of their air fryer, this is the ultimate how-to for achieving the perfect air-fried jacket potato.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Jacket Potatoes?

Before we dive into the actual recipe, it’s helpful to understand why the air fryer is such a fantastic method for making jacket potatoes.

✅ 1. Faster Cooking Time

A conventional oven may take over an hour to cook a baked potato properly. The air fryer cuts that time significantly, often to just 35–45 minutes depending on the size of the potato.

✅ 2. Crispier Skin

Air frying produces a dry, high-heat environment that encourages the skin of the potato to turn golden-brown and crispy—ideal for those who enjoy eating the skin along with the fluffy middle.

✅ 3. Even Cooking

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, allowing for more consistent cooking. No more half-cooked centers or soggy bottoms.

✅ 4. Energy Efficient

Using an air fryer consumes far less energy than heating a large oven, especially if you’re cooking just one or two potatoes.

✅ 5. Healthier Option

Because no extra oil is required (or just a tiny amount), jacket potatoes made in the air fryer can be a lower-fat alternative to their oven-baked or deep-fried cousins.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

🥔 Essential Ingredients (For 2 Medium Potatoes)

• 2 large russet or Maris Piper potatoes (about 250–300g each)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or oil spray)

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

• Optional: cracked black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika

🍴 Optional Toppings

• Sour cream and chopped chives

• Grated cheddar cheese

• Butter

• Baked beans

• Tuna and sweetcorn mix

• Chili con carne

• Guacamole or salsa

🔧 Recommended Equipment

• Air fryer (any model; basket style works best)

• Fork or skewer (for pricking)

• Tongs (for safe flipping and removing)

• Small bowl (for oil and seasoning mix)

• Sharp knife (for serving and checking doneness)

Choosing the Right Potato

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to jacket potatoes. You want a potato that is starchy, not waxy. Starchy varieties yield a light and fluffy interior when cooked, which is what you’re aiming for.

🥔 Best Potato Varieties for Jacket Potatoes:

• Russet potatoes (USA): High starch, thick skins, ideal for jacket potatoes.

• Maris Piper (UK): Excellent all-rounder, great texture.

• King Edward (UK): Slightly floury texture, produces a fluffy result.

• Yukon Gold (can work): More waxy, but still makes decent baked potatoes.

Avoid using waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or New Potatoes—they are better suited for boiling or roasting.

How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Jacket Potato: Step-by-Step Recipe

⏱️ Total Time: 40–45 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2 (easily scalable)

🔹 Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the skin begins to crisp immediately upon contact with the hot air.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash & Scrub:
   Clean your potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Scrub off any dirt using a vegetable brush or clean cloth. Pat them dry with a towel.

2. Prick the Skins:
   Use a fork or skewer to prick each potato 5–6 times around the surface. This prevents them from bursting during cooking.

3. Oil & Season:
   In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt and any optional spices you enjoy (e.g., garlic powder, pepper).
   Rub the oil mixture evenly across each potato with your hands or a brush.

🔹 Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes

1. Place in Air Fryer:
   Lay the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; they should not be stacked or touching too closely for optimal airflow.

2. Cooking Time:

   • Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 35–45 minutes depending on size.

   • Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking (at around the 20-minute mark) for even crisping.

3. Check Doneness:
   Insert a knife or skewer into the center of the potato. It should slide in effortlessly, indicating a fluffy interior. If not, cook for an additional 5–10 minutes.

🔹 Step 4: Serve and Top

Once your potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, remove them carefully using tongs.

• Slice open lengthwise, press gently to open up the center.

• Fluff with a fork and add a knob of butter or your favorite toppings.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Filling Ideas

One of the best things about jacket potatoes is how customizable they are. You can turn them into a full meal or keep it light for a side dish.

🧀 1. Classic Cheese and Beans

• Grated cheddar cheese

• Warm baked beans

• A dash of Worcestershire sauce

🐟 2. Tuna Mayo Delight

• Canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise

• Sweetcorn

• Optional: diced red onion or chives

🥩 3. Hearty Chili Topping

• Beef or veggie chili (prepared ahead)

• Sour cream

• Chopped cilantro

🥬 4. Vegan Dream

• Hummus

• Roasted vegetables

• Tahini drizzle

🍳 5. Breakfast Potato

• Scrambled eggs

• Bacon bits or tofu crumbles

• Hot sauce

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to help you make the best jacket potatoes in your air fryer every time:

✅ 1. Size Matters

Try to use potatoes that are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Large potatoes may need a few extra minutes.

✅ 2. Avoid Foil

Unlike in the oven, don’t wrap your potatoes in foil in the air fryer. Foil traps moisture, which will soften the skin rather than crisping it.

✅ 3. Use a Thermometer (Optional)

The internal temperature should reach about 98°C–100°C (208–212°F) for a fully cooked potato.

✅ 4. Crispier Skin Hack

For extra crispy skin, give the potato a second quick brush of oil 10 minutes before the end of cooking.

✅ 5. Make Ahead Option

You can pre-cook jacket potatoes and reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 8–10 minutes to regain crispness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

🧊 Storing Leftovers:

• Cool completely before refrigerating.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating in Air Fryer:

• Preheat to 180°C (356°F).

• Reheat potato for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Nutritional Information (Per Medium Potato, No Toppings)

Add-ins and toppings will increase the calorie and fat content.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food—Now Made Easier with an Air Fryer

Jacket potatoes are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a humble potato, a drizzle of oil, and a sprinkle of salt, you can create a dish that’s crispy, fluffy, and comforting. The air fryer takes this classic to new levels—cutting down on cooking time, enhancing texture, and making it easier to enjoy this wholesome comfort food any day of the week.

Whether you’re preparing them for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a cozy solo evening meal, jacket potatoes in the air fryer are a go-to solution. Plus, the limitless topping combinations mean you’ll never get bored. From cheesy indulgence to spicy chili to nutritious veggie mixes, there’s a filling for every taste.

So next time you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and easy—don’t heat up your entire oven. Turn to your trusty air fryer and enjoy the magic of a jacket potato, crispy and perfect every single time.