Cooking a jacket potato to perfection is an art, and using an air fryer can make the process quicker and easier while still delivering that crispy skin and fluffy interior we all love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve the perfect jacket potato using an air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen gadget because they cook food quickly and evenly with little to no oil. This makes them perfect for preparing jacket potatoes, which benefit from the high, even heat that the air fryer provides. The result is a crispy, golden-brown skin and a soft, fluffy center—just like a traditional oven-baked potato, but in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic jacket potato in the air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes: Choose medium to large-sized potatoes, such as Russets or King Edwards, which are ideal for baking.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps to crisp up the skin.
- Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for a crunchy finish.
- Optional Toppings: Butter, sour cream, grated cheese, chives, bacon bits, or anything else you fancy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your potatoes start cooking immediately, helping to achieve that perfect crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your potatoes:
- Wash and dry: Thoroughly wash the potatoes with running water to remove dirt. Dry them well with a kitchen towel.
- Poke holes: Using a fork, poke several holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
- Oil and season: Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil, ensuring the skin is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle the potatoes with salt, covering them evenly. The oil helps the skin to crisp up nicely, while the salt adds flavour and crunch.
3. Cook the Potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not touching each other to allow air to circulate around them, which is key to even cooking.
Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-45 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s a good idea to check on the potatoes halfway through cooking and give them a turn to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Check for Doneness
To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or skewer into the centre of one. If it slides in easily and the potato feels soft inside, it’s ready. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Then, slice them open and fluff up the insides with a fork. Add your favourite toppings—whether it’s a classic knob of butter, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese—and enjoy your delicious air-fried jacket potato!
Tips for the Perfect Jacket Potato
- Choose the right potato: Russet or King Edward potatoes are best for baking due to their starchy nature, which creates a fluffy interior.
- Don’t skip the oil: Even though an air fryer is designed to cook with less oil, a small amount on the skin helps achieve that traditional crispy texture.
- Customize your cooking time: If you prefer a softer skin, reduce the cooking time slightly, or if you like extra crispy skin, you can extend it by a few minutes.
Conclusion
Cooking a jacket potato in an air fryer is a simple yet effective method that delivers all the flavour and texture of a traditional baked potato in a fraction of the time. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you can enjoy a crispy-skinned, fluffy-centred potato that’s perfect as a side dish or a meal on its own. Whether you’re pressed for time or just looking for a new way to enjoy a classic comfort food, the air fryer is a fantastic tool to have in your kitchen. So, give it a try and experience the delicious results for yourself—once you do, you might never go back to baking them in the oven again!
