Can you cook jacket potato in the air fryer? You certainly can cook baked potatoes in an air fryer, and they cook faster than oven baking. Making this recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.
You can use two methods to make great baked potatoes in the air fryer: microwave them first, then finish them in the air fryer, or air frying them for the whole duration.
Either way, you’ll make the best baked potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy inside.
We’ll also give you some serving suggestions and storage information. And if you have any leftovers, we’ll tell you how to freeze them and reheat them.
How to cook jacket potato in the air fryer?
First, decide how much time you have? A time-saving tip is microwaving them before crisping off the potato skin in the air fryer.
What Potatoes to Use?
For the best baked potato in the UK, look for large baking potatoes, usually labelled just that! ‘Baking Potato’ and sold singularly or in multi-packs.
Or you can use large starchy potatoes such as King Edwards or Maris Piper.
In America, look for Russet Potatoes, aka Idaho potatoes.
Scrub potatoes clean before cooking and pat dry before cooking the potatoes.
What oil to use?
For cooking jacket potatoes in air fryer, you want to use an oil with a high smoking point so it can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.
We recommend using avocado oil, rapeseed oil (canola oil), olive oil or coconut oil.
You can use cooking spray oil to coat the potato skins or roll them around on a plate with oil on.
Seasoning
I usually season with sea salt as I add flavour with my favorite toppings.
However, if serving plain, you may want to add more flavour to the skin; feel free to add smoked paprika or garlic powder.
Quick Air Fry Baked Potato Method
The quickest way to cook air fry jacket potatoes is to microwave your potatoes first.
Pierce each one a few times with a fork and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
Cooking Time
The amount of time needed to cook a whole potato varies based on the microwave’s power, the size of the potato, and how many you’re cooking at once.
Remember to cook in the microwave first to soften the inside then use the air fryer to crisp up the skin
| How many Potatoes approx 290g each |
Microwave Cook Time on High |
Air Fryer Cook Time at 200°C / 400°F |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Potato | 8 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 2 Potatoes | 10 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 3 Potatoes | 12 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 4 Potatoes | 14 minutes | 8 minutes |
If cooking medium potatoes, you may need to deduct a minute, or for larger potatoes, you may need to cook in further 1-minute intervals until soft inside.
Cook on high for the above time, then use a knife to check if soft all the way through.
Brush oil outside each potato, or use a cooking spray oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, then place them in the air fryer basket. No need to preheat your air fryer.
Now transfer the microwaved jacket potato into the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes (same time for all amounts of potatoes). This will crisp up the saggy soft skin caused by the steam in the microwave.
Air Fryer Jacket Potato
It will take longer to cook if you do not use a microwave before air frying your potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 400°F
Brush oil around the outside of each potato, sprinkle sea salt over them and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
How long to cook jacket potato in air fryer?
Cook time for baking potatoes is 40-50 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Time will vary depending on size.
They are ready when the skin on the potatoes turned golden and the skin crisps on the outside. Just check to see if they are soft in the middle.
How to check baked potatoes are cooked?
To check they are fully cooked, insert a sharp knife into the centre of the potato; once the knife pierces through the crispy potato skin, it should slide into the flesh easily with no resistance.
If it is still hard inside, air fry the potatoes in 2-minute intervals until ready. If the potatoes are huge and the skin is getting too brown for your liking, you can wrap them in foil and continue cooking them in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Jacket potatoes are a great side dish in themselves. Cut them in half, fluff the inside up with a fork, and then all they need is butter, salt, and pepper.
