Ingredients

• 1 large baking potato (Maris Piper recommended)
• 1 teaspoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• Salt (to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare the Potato:
   • Scrub and wash the potato thoroughly, then pat dry with a kitchen towel.
   • Pierce a few times with a fork.
   • Rub the skin with oil and season with salt.
2. Cook in the Air Fryer:
   • Place the potato in the air fryer basket.
   • Set the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 40 minutes.
   • Flip the potato halfway through to ensure even cooking.
3. Check for Doneness:
   • Pierce with a fork or knife—if it slides in easily, the potato is cooked.
   • If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes for extra crispiness.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Slice open and add your favorite toppings such as butter, cheese, sour cream, or baked beans.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 292 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 404mg

Enjoy a perfectly crispy and fluffy air fryer jacket potato—quick, easy, and delicious! 🥔✨

Why Use an Air Fryer for Jacket Potatoes?

The air fryer revolutionizes the way we cook jacket potatoes by combining convection heat with high airflow, leading to:

• Crispier Skins: The intense, circulating heat ensures a golden, crispy skin that rivals traditional oven-baked potatoes.
• Fluffier Interiors: The inside stays light, airy, and perfectly cooked, thanks to even heat distribution.
• Faster Cooking Time: Unlike oven-baked potatoes that can take up to an hour and a half, the air fryer cuts this down to 40-50 minutes.
• Less Energy Use: The air fryer consumes less energy than a full-sized oven, making it a more efficient and cost-effective method.
• No Need to Preheat: Skip the preheating step—just pop the potato in, set the time, and let the air fryer work its magic.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Jacket Potatoes

To achieve the perfect jacket potato, selecting the right type of potato is essential. The best varieties are starchy and fluffy, which means they cook to a light, airy texture inside while crisping up beautifully outside.

Best Potatoes for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes:

• Maris Piper (UK) – The classic choice for jacket potatoes, known for a light, fluffy texture and crispy skin.
• Russet Potatoes (US & Canada) – High starch content makes them perfect for baking, ensuring a crisp skin and soft center.
• King Edward (UK) – Another excellent choice for a floury and tender inside with a crunchy outer layer.
• Idaho Potatoes (US) – Great for a hearty, restaurant-style baked potato.

Avoid Using:

• Waxy potatoes like Red Bliss, Yukon Gold, or New Potatoes—they hold too much moisture and won’t crisp up properly.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Jacket Potato Skin

A jacket potato isn’t complete without a beautifully crispy, golden skin. Here are a few simple tricks to achieve maximum crunch:

• Dry the Potato Thoroughly: After washing, pat the potato dry completely—moisture prevents crisping.
• Rub with Oil: A light coat of olive or vegetable oil enhances crispiness and gives the skin a golden-brown color.
• Generously Season with Salt: This adds flavor and helps draw out moisture, further crisping the skin.
• Pierce with a Fork: This prevents steam buildup, allowing the inside to cook evenly while keeping the skin crisp.

How to Check If Your Jacket Potato is Cooked Perfectly

To ensure the potato is fully cooked and fluffy inside, perform these quick tests:

• Fork Test: Insert a fork or knife—if it glides in easily with no resistance, the potato is done.
• Squeeze Test: Gently squeeze the potato with tongs—if it feels soft and gives under pressure, it’s perfectly cooked.
• Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier skin, cook for 5-10 extra minutes at 200°C (400°F).

Delicious Topping Ideas for Jacket Potatoes

The beauty of jacket potatoes lies in their versatility. You can keep it simple with butter and salt or turn it into a loaded meal with various toppings.

Classic Toppings:

• Butter & Salt – The ultimate comfort-food classic.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melted over the hot potato for a rich, gooey bite.
• Sour Cream & Chives – Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the hot, crispy potato.
• Baked Beans & Cheese – A UK favorite, combining creamy baked beans with grated cheddar.

Protein-Packed Toppings:

• Tuna & Mayonnaise – A delicious, high-protein option.
• Chili Con Carne – Add hearty beef chili for a filling, flavorful meal.
• Pulled Pork & BBQ Sauce – A sweet and smoky combination that turns the potato into a full meal.
• Shredded Chicken & Pesto – Fresh, herby, and packed with protein.

Vegan & Healthy Options:

• Hummus & Roasted Veggies – A creamy and nutrient-rich topping.
• Guacamole & Salsa – Brings a Mexican twist with fresh, zesty flavors.
• Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms – Earthy, healthy, and delicious.
• Greek Yogurt & Chopped Herbs – A healthier, high-protein alternative to sour cream.

How to Store & Reheat Leftover Jacket Potatoes

If you have leftovers, air fryer jacket potatoes store well and can be reheated easily.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the Air Fryer: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes to regain crispiness.
• Reheat in the Oven: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin back up.
• Microwave (Least Recommended): Heat for 2-3 minutes, but this method softens the skin rather than keeping it crispy.

Why You Should Try Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes

• Healthier Alternative to Deep-Fried Potatoes: Enjoy crispy potatoes with less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Less Cooking Time Than the Oven: No need to wait 90 minutes for an oven-baked potato—this air fryer version is ready in 40-50 minutes.
• Crispier & More Flavorful: Air circulation ensures the skin gets extra crispy while the inside remains light and fluffy.
• Customizable to Any Diet: Whether you’re vegan, keto, high-protein, or gluten-free, jacket potatoes can be adapted to fit any eating style.

Conclusion: A Foolproof, Crispy, and Fluffy Jacket Potato Every Time

The Air Fryer Jacket Potato is a game-changer for potato lovers. With its crispy golden skin, soft fluffy center, and endless topping possibilities, this simple dish becomes a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal.