There’s something comforting about a jacket potato with a fluffy centre and golden, crispy skin. Traditionally, they take around an hour in the oven. With an air fryer, you can cut the cooking time almost in half while still getting that perfect texture.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer, plus tips for seasoning, filling ideas, and reheating leftovers.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Jacket Potatoes?
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Faster cooking: Ready in about 35–45 minutes compared to 60–90 minutes in the oven.
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Crispier skin: The hot air circulation gives a satisfying crunch.
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Energy efficient: Air fryers use less electricity than a conventional oven.
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No need to preheat the oven: Pop them straight in.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 medium baking potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward work well)
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1–2 teaspoons olive oil or rapeseed oil
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Pinch of sea salt
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Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavour
Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
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Wash and dry: Scrub the potatoes under cold water and pat dry with a tea towel.
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Pierce the skin: Use a fork to prick each potato several times to prevent it from bursting.
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Season: Rub lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps crisp up the skin.
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Cook: Place the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway through.
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Check doneness: Insert a knife or skewer. If it slides in easily, they’re ready. Larger potatoes may need up to 50 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, slice open and fluff the inside with a fork. Add your favourite toppings, such as:
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Grated cheese and baked beans
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Tuna mayo and sweetcorn
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Sour cream and chives
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Leftover chilli or curry
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A simple knob of butter with cracked black pepper
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Tips for Perfect Jacket Potatoes
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Choose evenly sized potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket — leave space for air to circulate.
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For extra-crispy skin, brush with a bit of oil again after 25 minutes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
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Batch cooking? Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 180°C.
Common Questions
Can you wrap jacket potatoes in foil for the air fryer?
It’s best not to. Foil stops the skin from crisping. Use foil only if you want softer skin.
Do you need to microwave first?
Not essential, but if you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before finishing in the air fryer to reduce cooking time.
What’s the best potato for air fryer jackets?
Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet (if available in the UK) give fluffy insides and crisp skin.
