How to Cook Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of perfect jacket potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, then cooking them in an air fryer is the way to go. This modern kitchen appliance is a game-changer when it comes to making this classic comfort food. Air frying is an efficient and healthier method of cooking compared to traditional baking or microwaving.
Choosing the Right Potato
Choosing the right potato is crucial for getting the perfect texture and taste.
Baking potatoes have a high starch content, a crispy outer crust, and a fluffy interior when cooked. Some popular baking potato varieties include:
- Maris Piper: A favourite in the UK, Maris Piper potatoes are versatile and offer a dry and fluffy texture when cooked.
- Russet Potatoes: A classic choice for jacket potatoes, russets yield a lovely combination of crispy skin and soft flesh.
King Edwards potatoes are an excellent alternative. They are known for their light, creamy flavour and fluffy texture.
Preparing the Potato
Before you throw your potato in the air fryer, there are a few things you need to do first so that you get delicious baked potatoes every time.
Washing and Scrubbing
First things first, give your potato a good wash under cold running water and use a vegetable brush to thoroughly scrub the skin. This helps to remove any dirt and debris that might still be clinging on. Pat the potato dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Poking Holes
Next, grab a fork and gently poke several holes all over the potato’s surface. This is important to avoid the potato bursting open in the air fryer. It also allows the heat to penetrate evenly, ensuring your jacket potato comes out perfectly cooked.
Seasoning the Potato
Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potato. Of course, you can just have your potato plain if you prefer, but I love to season mine and always get complimented on how good they taste.
Choose your preferred oil from the options below:
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Rapeseed oil
- Canola oil
- Coconut oil
Apply a thin layer of the chosen oil all over the potato. Be generous, as it will not only add flavour but also help to achieve that crispy skin. If you prefer, you can use a small amount of butter instead of oil.
For the seasoning, mix together the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Feel free to adjust the measurements to suit your taste buds. Now, sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the oiled potato. Make sure to completely coat the surface for maximum flavour.
There you have it! Your potato is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Experiment with different seasonings and oils to find your personal favourite combination.
Air Frying Instructions
Preheating the Air Fryer
To start, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Preheating allows the temperature inside the air fryer to be consistent, ensuring even cooking for your jacket potato. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. I have a Tower Duo Basket Air Fryer, and mine takes three minutes to heat up.
Cooking Time
Once the air fryer is ready, poke a few holes in your scrubbed and dried potato using a fork. This helps steam escape and prevents the potato from bursting during cooking. Lightly coat the potato with oil and season as above.
I’ve recently started using air fryer liners, making cleaning up so much easier. If you do use one then I’ve found it best to put the liner in after the air fryer has heated up at the same time as putting your food in. Otherwise, the liners tend to go out of shape and shrivel up a little.
Now, place your potato in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so if you’re cooking multiple potatoes, leave enough space between them.
| No. of Potatoes (Medium Sized) | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 40-45 minutes |
| 2-3 | 45-50 minutes |
| 4 or more | 50-55 minutes |
Turning the Potato
Halfway through the cooking time, turn the potato to ensure even cooking on all sides. Use a pair of tongs to carefully turn the potato, being mindful of the hot air fryer basket. Continue cooking the potato until a fork can easily pierce it or when the internal temperature reaches approximately 93°C (200°F).
Remember, every air fryer is different and cooking times may vary slightly. Always make sure to check your potato for doneness before removing it from the air fryer.
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Cheese and Beans
You can’t go wrong with cheese and beans for a classic British topping. Simply heat up a can of your favourite baked beans and place it on your fluffy jacket potato. Add a generous amount of grated Cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt over the beans. Add extra flavour with a sprinkle of black pepper or paprika if you fancy.
Tuna Mayo
Tuna mayo is another popular choice for jacket potato toppings. Mix a tin of drained tuna with a dollop of mayonnaise for a simple filling. I always like to add some diced red onion to my tuna mayo too. Scoop the tuna mayo onto your freshly cooked jacket potato and serve with a side salad or some crunchy coleslaw.
Bacon and Sour Cream
For a more indulgent topping, try bacon and sour cream. Fry up some crispy bacon rashers and combine them with a generous dollop of cool sour cream. If you’re a fan of chives, chop a few and mix them into the sour cream. Once your bacon is cooked, lay it on top of your jacket potato and spoon on your flavourful sour cream.
Chilli and Vegetables
For a hearty option or a meal in itself, try pairing your jacket potato with some chilli and vegetables. You can choose a classic minced beef chilli or a vegetarian option with mixed beans. Serve your hot chilli on top of your fluffy baked potato, and accompany it with some steamed vegetables or a crunchy side salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
To achieve delicious and crispy jacket potatoes in your air fryer, follow these quick and easy tips:
- Choose the right potato: For a perfect jacket potato, opt for a medium-sized potato with a firm and smooth skin. This ensures a more even cooking process and better texture.
- Pierce the potatoes: Before cooking, make sure to pierce your potatoes with a fork several times. This prevents them from bursting during the cooking process and allows steam to escape, resulting in a drier and fluffier interior.
- Season generously: To enhance the flavour, rub the potatoes with a bit of oil and season them with salt and pepper. This not only adds taste but also contributes to a crispy skin.
- Turn during cooking: Turn your potatoes halfway through the cooking process to achieve uniform crispiness. It ensures even browning and prevents any potential soggy areas.
- Cook in a single layer: When placing your potatoes in the air fryer, ensure they’re arranged in a single layer with enough space around them. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
- Adjust the temperature: Cooking at the right temperature is key for a perfect jacket potato. A higher temperature will give you crispier skin, while a lower temperature will allow the potato to cook through without overcooking the exterior.
How to Cook Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer – FAQ
How Long Does a Jacket Take in the Air Fryer?
To cook a perfectly fluffy and crispy jacket potato in your air fryer, it typically takes about 30-45 minutes. The exact time can vary based on the potato size and the air fryer model. Here’s a rough guide to help you:
- Small potato: 30-35 minutes
- Medium potato: 40 minutes
- Large potato: 45 minutes
Make sure to shake your air fryer basket gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Should you Microwave Potatoes Before Air Frying?
Microwaving potatoes before air frying can save you some time. If you’re in a rush, here’s what you can do:
- Wash and dry your potato.
- Pierce the potato with a fork a few times.
- Cook it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the potato to your air fryer, cook it at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or until the potato skin is crispy and golden brown.
However, if you have the time, it’s best to cook the potato entirely in the air fryer to achieve a more consistent texture and crispiness.
Is it Cheaper to Cook a Jacket Potato in an Air Fryer or Oven?
In general, air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens. So, cooking a jacket potato in an air fryer might save you some money on your energy bill. The amount saved would depend on your air fryer, oven, and energy prices.
Do you need to Pierce the Potato in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you do need to pierce your potato before cooking it in the air fryer. Doing so allows steam to escape, preventing the potato from exploding or getting overly soggy. Use a fork to poke the potato a few times before placing it in the air fryer basket.
