If you’ve ever wondered how to get perfectly fluffy interiors and irresistibly crispy skins on your spuds, then this Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a game-changer that combines the speed of the microwave with the magic of the air fryer, delivering a comforting, hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe shows you how to achieve that classic jacket potato texture and flavor with minimal fuss but maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together to transform a humble potato into a crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered delight. Each element plays a crucial role: the potatoes provide the hearty base, the oil crisps the skin to golden perfection, and a touch of salt brings out the natural flavor.
- 4 Jacket Potatoes (about 290g each): Choose large, dry potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet for the perfect fluffy inside.
- 2 tsp Oil: Use a light oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil, to help crisp the skin without overpowering flavor.
- Salt: A sprinkle enhances the natural earthy taste and gives that irresistible seasoned crust.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by pricking each potato all over about four times with a fork. This simple step ensures steam escapes while cooking, keeping the flesh light and fluffy. For this recipe, four potatoes are the perfect amount for a family meal or sharing with friends.
Step 2: Microwave the Potatoes (Quickest Method)
Place your potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. The times vary depending on how many potatoes you cook at once and the power of your microwave. For four large potatoes, plan for about 14 minutes. Test with a knife to check if they’re tender all the way through. If needed, continue microwaving in 1-minute bursts until soft.
Step 3: Oil and Season the Skins
Coat each potato’s skin evenly with oil using a spray or by rolling them in oil poured on a plate. This oil layer is key to achieving a beautifully crisped skin in the air fryer. Then sprinkle generously with salt to add that essential savory crunch.
Step 4: Crisp the Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Transfer the oiled and salted potatoes to your air fryer basket, cooking at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes. This step crisps the skin perfectly and seals in all that fluffy goodness inside. If you crave extra crispy skins, feel free to leave them in a little longer until your desired texture is achieved.
Alternative: Air Fryer Only Method (Really Crispy Skins)
If you want to skip the microwave step, simply place the dry, pricked potatoes directly into the preheated air fryer at 200°C (400°F) and cook for 45 minutes, turning halfway through. Test doneness by inserting a sharp knife—the potato should feel soft without resistance.
How to Serve Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
Jacket potatoes are like a blank canvas, ready for your favorite toppings! Classic options include a generous dollop of butter and a sprinkle of grated cheese, sour cream with chives, or chili con carne for a hearty meal. The sky’s the limit with options like baked beans, coleslaw, or avocado salsa to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy green salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. The crispy skin juxtaposed with chilled, fresh salad greens makes for a meal that’s both comforting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your potatoes into twice-baked delights by scooping out the cooked flesh, mixing it with cheese and herbs, and then refilling the skins before a quick air fryer crisp. Or, slice them open and fold in colorful toppings to create loaded potato boats that look as great as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover jacket potatoes, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days, ready for a quick reheating.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these potatoes fresh, you can freeze the flesh scooped out after cooking. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and use it later for mashed potatoes or potato cakes. The skins don’t freeze well as they lose their crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the whole potato back into the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that crispy skin and piping hot fluffy interior much better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use any type of potato for this recipe?
For the best results, go with starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper. They become beautifully fluffy inside and crisp outside. Waxy potatoes don’t produce the same texture.
Do I have to use the microwave first?
Microwaving speeds up the cooking process significantly, but it’s not essential. The air fryer only method takes longer but gives extra crispy skins if you have time.
Can I add toppings before air frying?
It’s best to air fry the potato skin plain and add toppings afterward. Adding toppings before air frying may result in burnt or uneven cooking.
What oil is best to use?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil works best to crisp the skin without affecting flavor.
How do I know when the potato is cooked through?
Use a sharp knife or skewer to pierce the center of the potato. It should slide in easily without resistance, indicating a soft and fluffy inside.
Final Thoughts
This Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe brings together convenience, texture, and flavor in one beautifully simple dish. Whether you’re short on time or looking to impress with a classic comfort food twist, you’ll love how effortlessly you can achieve perfectly cooked potatoes with crispy skins and fluffy centers. Give it a try for your next meal and watch this become a weekly favorite in your kitchen!
PrintJacket Potato in the Air Fryer Recipe
This quick and easy air fryer jacket potato recipe delivers perfectly soft insides with crispy skins. Using a combination of microwave and air frying techniques, you can enjoy fluffy, tender potatoes with a crunchy exterior in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a simple side dish or a hearty base for your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 Jacket Potatoes (about 290g / 10.2 oz each)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tsp Oil (for coating the potato skins)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Prick each potato all over with a fork about four times to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Microwave Cooking: Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high. Cooking times vary by quantity: 1 potato – 8 minutes, 2 potatoes – 10 minutes, 3 potatoes – 12 minutes, 4 potatoes – 14 minutes. Turn potatoes once halfway through microwave time. Check doneness by inserting a knife; if still firm, microwave in 1-minute intervals until soft.
- Oil and Season: Coat the potato skins with spray oil or roll them in 2 teaspoons of oil on a plate. Sprinkle generously with salt for added flavor and crispiness.
- Air Fryer Crisping: Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes. Cook longer if you prefer extra crispy skin.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve with your choice of toppings.
- Alternative Air Fryer Only Method: For an even crispier skin, skip the microwave step. Air fry the potatoes at 200°C (400°F) for 45 minutes, turning halfway through. Test doneness with a sharp knife; if firm, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until tender. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Cooking times in the microwave depend on the potato size and microwave wattage; adjust accordingly.
- Use oil sparingly for a healthier option or opt for cooking spray.
- To test doneness, the potato should feel soft inside when pierced with a knife.
- For extra crispy skin, extend air frying time beyond 10 minutes if using the microwave+air fryer method.
- Leftover cooked potatoes can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the air fryer for crispy skin.
