Air Fried Baked Potatoes (The Best Air Fried Jacket Potatoes)
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can make proper baked potatoes in an air fryer, the answer is a definite yes. In fact, once you’ve tried air fried baked potatoes, you may never want to switch your oven on again.
The skins become beautifully crisp while the inside turns fluffy and soft, giving you everything you want from a classic jacket potato in less time and using less energy than a conventional oven.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a simple lunch or a healthy side dish, these air fried jacket potatoes couldn’t be easier to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy skins every time
- Fluffy, soft centres
- Uses very little oil
- Cheaper to cook than using a full-sized oven
- Easy to customise with your favourite toppings
- Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 4 medium baking potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edward or similar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
The Best Potatoes for Air Fried Jacket Potatoes
While almost any potato can be baked, floury varieties give the fluffiest results.
Some of the best include:
- Maris Piper
- King Edward
- Rooster
- Russet potatoes
Choose potatoes that are a similar size so they cook evenly. If you have all different sizes then some of the air fried baked potatoes will be well done and others still raw in the middle!
How to Make Air Fried Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Wash the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water.
Dry them well using kitchen paper or a clean tea towel.
Removing the moisture helps the skins become wonderfully crispy.
Step 2: Prick the Skins
Use a fork to prick each potato several times.
This allows steam to escape during cooking.
Step 3: Oil and Season
Rub the potatoes with the olive oil until they’re lightly coated.
Sprinkle generously with sea salt.
This helps create that delicious crispy jacket.
Step 4: Air Fry
Place the potatoes into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for the hot air to circulate.
Cook at 200Ā°C for 40-50 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
The exact cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes.
They’re ready when a knife slides easily into the centre.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Slice a cross into the top of each potato.
Gently squeeze the sides of your air fried baked potatoes to open them up before fluffing the inside with a fork.
Now comes the best partāadding your favourite toppings!
How Long Do Air Fried Jacket Potatoes Take?
As a general guide:
| Potato size | Cooking time |
|---|---|
| Small | 35-40 minutes |
| Medium | 40-45 minutes |
| Large | 50-60 minutes |
If you’re unsure, simply cook them for a few extra minutes. It’s much easier to add time than to rescue an undercooked potato.
Do You Need Foil?
No.
In fact, it’s better not to use foil.
Leaving the potato uncovered allows the circulating hot air to crisp up the skin properly.
Wrapping potatoes in foil traps moisture, leaving the skin much softer.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Baked Potatoes
Dry the Potatoes Well
The drier the skin before cooking, the crispier it will become.
Don’t Skip the Oil
You only need a tiny amount, but it makes a noticeable difference to the texture.
Give Them Space
Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so the potatoes need room.
Turn Halfway Through
Turning helps the skins crisp evenly on all sides of your air fried baked potatoes.
Healthy Jacket Potato Toppings
One of the reasons I love jacket potatoes is how versatile they are.
Some healthier topping ideas include:
- Baked beans
- Cottage cheese and chives
- Cottage cheese with pineapple – this is my absolute favourite!
- Tuna and sweetcorn
- Chilli con carne
- Leftover curry
- Chicken and salsa
- Greek yoghurt with herbs
- Pulled chicken
- Prawns with light mayonnaise
- Roasted vegetables
- Homemade baked beans
Adding a good source of protein alongside your potato helps make it a much more satisfying meal.
More Indulgent Toppings
If you’re after a proper comfort food dinner, try these toppings for air fried baked potatoes:
- Mature cheddar
- Cheese and beans
- Pulled pork
- Slow-cooked beef brisket
- Garlic mushrooms
- BBQ chicken
- Bacon and cheese
- Creamy chicken filling
Can You Cook Frozen Jacket Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
Yes. Many frozen jacket potatoes cook beautifully in an air fryer.
Simply follow the packet instructions, although you’ll often find they become crispier than they do in a microwave.
Can You Reheat Jacket Potatoes?
Absolutely. Air fryers are one of the best ways to reheat leftover air fried baked potatoes.
Cook at 180Ā°C for 8-10 minutes until piping hot throughout.
The skin crisps up again beautifully.
Storage
Store leftover jacket potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Allow them to cool completely before refrigerating.
Can You Freeze Baked Potatoes?
Yes. Cook them fully, allow them to cool, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly in the air fryer or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my jacket potatoes crispy?
Usually it’s because they weren’t dried properly before cooking, weren’t coated with a little oil or the air fryer basket was overcrowded.
Should I microwave potatoes first?
You can if you’re short of time. Microwave them for 6-10 minutes before transferring them to the air fryer to finish crisping the skins.
However, cooking them entirely in the air fryer usually gives the best texture.
What temperature should I cook jacket potatoes in the air fryer?
200Ā°C is ideal for most air fryers and produces crisp skins with fluffy centres.
Can I cook more than one potato at once?
Yes, provided you don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each potato so the hot air can circulate.
Can I make my air fried baked potatoes without crispy skins?
Yes, simply cook them wrapped in foil. I prefer my air fried baked potatoes with crispy skins but the choice is yours.
My Favourite Way to Serve Air Fried Jacket Potatoes
Jacket potatoes are one of those meals I never seem to get bored of. They’re inexpensive, filling and incredibly versatile, which makes them perfect for busy evenings when I don’t want to spend ages cooking.
Most often, I’ll top mine with baked beans and a little mature cheddar, but leftover chilli or slow-cooked brisket also make amazing fillings. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or expensive ingredientsāsometimes the simplest meals are the ones you come back to again and again. I love air fried baked potatoes too because they can be put in and left to cook while I sit and read!
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 210 calories per potato (before toppings)
Do you like air fried baked potatoes or prefer them baked in the oven or microwave? Let me know your favourite toppings in the comments!
