How To Cook Jacket Potato In Air Fryer UK Style!

Have you ever wished for a super crispy and fluffy jacket potato, but didn’t want to wait forever for it to cook in the oven? Learn how to cook jacket potato in an air fryer UK style! The air fryer can be your kitchen superhero, giving you that perfect crispy skin and soft, fluffy inside in less time. It’s easy, quick, and delicious!

Here’s how you do it: First, give your potatoes a good scrub and dry them off. Then, give them a little coat with some oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make the skin crispy. Pop them in the air fryer, set the timer, and soon have the tastiest, crispiest jacket potatoes. Whether you top them with butter or go fancy with a pesto chicken filling, they’re bound to be a hit!

Preparing Your Potato

Before we start exploring how to cook jacket potato in air fryer UK style, let’s make sure our potatoes are ready to go into the air fryer. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose the Right Potato: For the best jacket potatoes, pick medium-sized baking potatoes. They’re the perfect size for one person and cook evenly.
2. Clean and Dry: Give your potatoes a good scrub under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Then, dry them thoroughly with some kitchen paper. This step is important because dry skin crisps up better.
3. Oil and Season: Next, place your clean, dry potatoes on a plate. Drizzle a little spray oil over them. Use your hands to rub the oil all over the potato skins so they are well-coated. Sprinkle some salt and a bit of pepper over them. Remember, the salt isn’t just for flavour—it helps make the skin super crispy!

Cooking Your Jacket Potato

Now that your potatoes are ready, let’s explore how to cook jacket potato in air fryer UK style. Follow these steps to get them just right:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer on to 200°C (about 400°F). It’s important to let the air fryer heat up before you put the potatoes in. This helps to start the cooking process right away and ensures the skins get crispy.
2. Arrange the Potatoes: Place your prepared potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching too much, as they need space around them for the air to circulate and cook them evenly.
3. Cooking Time: Cook the potatoes for about 40-50 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer. After 20 minutes, open the air fryer and use tongs to turn the potatoes over. This helps them brown evenly and prevents one side from getting too dark.
4. Check for Doneness: To see if they’re ready, poke a sharp knife into one of the potatoes. It should go in easily with no resistance, and the inside should feel soft and fluffy. The skin should be crisp and golden.
5. Microwave Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the potatoes on high for 8-10 minutes before air frying. After microwaving, they’ll only need about 15-20 minutes in the air fryer. Just remember to check them early to make sure they don’t overcook.

Tips and Tricks

Getting your jacket potatoes just right in the air fryer can be easy if you know a few handy tips. Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfect results every time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Spacing the potatoes properly allows the hot air to circulate each potato, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
2. Regularly Check and Turn: Halfway through cooking, it’s a good idea to check your potatoes and give them a turn. This prevents them from getting too brown on one side and promotes an even crispness all around.
3. Pierce the Skins: Before cooking, lightly pierce the potato skins a few times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and helping the insides become fluffy.
4. Adjust Cooking Times: Not all air fryers are the same, and cooking times can vary. Start checking your potatoes a bit earlier than the recommended time, especially if it’s your first time making them in your specific air fryer.
5. Use Seasonings: While salt and pepper are great for enhancing flavour, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs. These can be added before cooking to infuse the skins with extra taste.
6. Serving Suggestions: Jacket potatoes can be a meal on their own with the right toppings. Classic options include cheese and beans, sour cream and chives, or even coleslaw. For a more substantial meal, top them with chilli or leftover bolognese sauce.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Jacket potatoes made in the air fryer can be the base for an endless array of delicious meals. Here are some creative variations and serving ideas to inspire you:

1. Classic Comfort: Top your jacket potato with a generous helping of grated cheddar cheese and a scoop of baked beans. For added richness, a dollop of butter or sour cream can go a long way.
2. Pesto Chicken: Mix some classic green pesto with mayonnaise and toss it with slices of roast chicken breast. Serve this atop your fluffy potato along with a side of mixed leaf salad for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
3. Breakfast Potato: Start your day with a potato filled with scrambled eggs, bits of crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of chives. It’s hearty and will keep you energized through the morning.
4. Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, top your potato with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese and a few olives for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Spicy Chili: Spoon some spicy beef or vegetarian chilli over your potato for a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for colder days.
6. Tuna Melt: Combine canned tuna with a little mayonnaise, chopped onions, and celery. Pile it onto your baked potato and top with a layer of shredded cheese, then pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Conclusion

Cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With the right preparation and some creative toppings, you can transform a simple potato into a meal that delights and satisfies. Whether you opt for a traditional topping like cheese and beans or venture into more gourmet territory with pesto chicken, the possibilities are endless.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly crispy skins and fluffy interiors every time. Remember, the key to great results lies in choosing the right potatoes, not overcrowding the air fryer, and adjusting the cooking times as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do You Put A Jacket Potato In The Air Fryer?

The cooking time for a jacket potato in an air fryer typically ranges from 40 to 50 minutes at 200°C (about 400°F), depending on the size of the potatoes. It’s a good practice to start checking for doneness after about 35 minutes by piercing the potato with a fork to see if it’s soft inside.

Should I Microwave My Potato Before Air Frying?

Microwaving your potato before air frying is a great time-saving tip. Microwaving for about 8-10 minutes on high can significantly reduce the overall cooking time in the air fryer, requiring only an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy skin. This method is particularly useful when you’re short on time.

Is A Baked Potato Better In The Oven Or Air Fryer?

Whether a baked potato is better in the oven or air fryer can depend on your preferences for texture and convenience. Air fryers tend to cook potatoes faster and can produce a very crispy skin, which many people enjoy. Ovens, on the other hand, cook more slowly but can sometimes achieve a more even softness inside. Both methods can yield delicious results; it often comes down to how much time you have and the texture you prefer.

Should You Wrap Jacket Potatoes In Foil To Cook?

In an air fryer, it’s generally not necessary to wrap jacket potatoes in foil. The circulating hot air in an air fryer is designed to crisp the skin effectively, and wrapping it in foil could prevent the skin from becoming as crispy as desired. However, if you prefer a softer skin or are using an oven, wrapping in foil can help cook the potato more evenly and retain moisture.

Is It Faster To Cook A Potato In An Air Fryer Compared To An Oven?

Yes, cooking a potato in an air fryer is generally faster than in an oven. Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food by circulating hot air, which speeds up the cooking process.