If you love comfort food with a crispy edge, Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) are about to become your new obsession. There’s something deeply satisfying about piercing through a shatteringly crisp potato skin and finding the fluffy, steamy potato inside—especially when you can make it in under an hour, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This recipe hits all the right notes: easy prep, straightforward ingredients, and wonderful results every time. Whether you’re making them as a hearty side dish, a main for a cozy night in, or a fun party snack, these Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) are bound to win fans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) is their simplicity—every ingredient plays an essential role in creating those legendary crisp skins and tender, pillowy centers. Here’s what you need, plus a few ideas for personal flair.
- Russet potatoes: Starchy and hearty, these are your best bet for that classic jacket potato experience—crisp on the outside, fluffy within.
- Olive oil: Rubbing the skins with oil is the secret to that deep golden color and irresistible crunch.
- Kosher salt: Sprinkling generously means every bite boasts robust savory flavor and texture.
- Butter (optional): The classic melty topper that adds richness—don’t skip this unless you must!
- Sour cream (optional): Adds creaminess and tang, perfectly balancing the potato’s earthiness.
- Shredded cheese (optional): Sprinkle over hot potatoes for melty, cheesy goodness (cheddar is a classic).
- Chopped chives (optional): These fresh, green flecks give a subtle oniony lift and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Bacon bits (optional): For a smoky, salty punch, bacon bits up the fun and flavor—totally optional but highly encouraged.
How to Make Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes)
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a thorough scrub under running water—scraping away any dirt or residue. Dry them off well with a clean towel. Pricking each potato several times with a fork is a crucial step as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any potato explosions in your air fryer. This little bit of effort goes a long way toward perfect Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes).
Step 2: Oil and Season
Place your clean, pricked potatoes on a plate. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each one, then use your hands to rub the oil all over the skins for even coverage. Next, sprinkle the potatoes generously with kosher salt. This not only works wonders for flavor but gives you that iconic jacket potato skin you crave. If you like a bit of extra seasoning, a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs can add an aromatic twist at this stage.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange
While you finish seasoning your potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the potatoes start cooking in a hot environment, which makes a huge difference in the final texture. Once hot, place the potatoes in the basket, making sure they’re in a single layer and not touching. Crowding the basket will lead to less crispy results, so give them some space!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Slide the basket back into the air fryer and cook the potatoes for 35 to 45 minutes, giving them a flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model, so start checking around the 35-minute mark. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are deeply golden and crisp, and a knife easily slips through the center. Don’t rush this step—the magic of Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) is all about texture!
Step 5: Fluff and Top
Once your potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a plate and let them cool for a couple of minutes (nobody likes a burnt palm). Slice each potato lengthwise, gently squeeze the ends to open, and fluff the interior with a fork. It’s like opening a present! Pile on your favorite toppings—whether it’s a knob of butter melting into the hot potato, a cool dollop of sour cream, gooey cheese, or all the fixings.
How to Serve Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes)
Garnishes
For the full jacket potato experience, the fun is in the toppings! Classic garnishes like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives bring both creaminess and visual appeal. Bacon bits make any serving feel extra special. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper on top as a finishing touch really takes these Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) over the edge.
Side Dishes
While they’re perfectly satisfying on their own, Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) pair wonderfully with all kinds of dishes. Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal. For a laid-back vegetarian spread, try with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. They’re such a blank canvas, you can make them fit almost any meal plan!
Creative Ways to Present
To turn these potatoes into a showstopper, set up a jacket potato bar for gatherings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Cut the hot potatoes into wedges and stuff them with chili or BBQ pulled pork for a fun twist. Mini versions make adorable appetizers for parties. However you present them, Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) always steal the show on the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before storing them. Place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you’ve already added toppings, try to remove them beforehand to help keep the skins crisp and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes)! Once cooked and cooled, wrap each potato tightly in foil, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them plain, then reheat and add toppings just before serving.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these potatoes is in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, which restores their crispy skin. Alternatively, use a hot oven. Microwave reheating works too, but the skins won’t be as crisp—still delicious for a quick fix, though!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are the gold standard for that classic fluffy interior and crispy exterior, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary and the final texture will be a bit different.
How do I know when my jacket potatoes are done?
The best indicator is when a sharp knife or fork glides easily through the center with no resistance. The skins should be boldly crisp and golden—don’t be afraid to cook a few extra minutes if you want them extra crunchy.
Can I make Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook a batch in advance and store them in the fridge. They reheat particularly well in the air fryer or oven, which brings the crispiness back to the skins. Add toppings just before serving for best results.
Should I wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying?
No foil needed! In fact, the direct circulation of hot air is what gives Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) their signature crisp skins. Foil would just steam them, which is not what we want here.
What’s the best way to make the skins extra flavorful?
Try rubbing the outside of your potatoes with a little garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs along with the olive oil and salt before air frying. This adds a lovely savory punch that infuses into every bite of the crispy skin.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the comfort and versatility of Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes). They’re foolproof, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you haven’t tried this method yet, trust me—it’s a total game changer. I hope you make these soon and fall as in love with them as I have!
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Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make perfectly crispy and fluffy Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes with this easy recipe. These baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Olive Oil:
- 1 tablespoon
Kosher Salt:
- 1 teaspoon
Optional Toppings:
- butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching.
- Air Fry: Air fry for 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the skins are crispy and a knife easily pierces through the center.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer, let cool for a few minutes, then slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model.
- For extra flavor, rub the skins with garlic powder or herbs before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
