Why you should try air fryer jacket potatoes
Cooking Jacket Potatoes ensures the heat circulates evenly around the potato which creates a superior crunch. You save energy because you do not need to heat a large oven for a few potatoes. The high heat in the small basket makes the skin delicious while the inside stays steaming and soft. It is a reliable method for making a healthy meal base in less time.
Step by step: air fryer jacket potatoes
Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Use a fork to prick each potato several times on all sides to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. This prevents the potatoes from splitting or bursting while they are inside the machine.
Season the skin: Rub the olive oil all over the outside of the potatoes using your hands or a pastry brush for even coverage. Sprinkle the sea salt over the oiled skin so it sticks well. The combination of oil and salt is what makes the exterior extra crispy and full of flavour.
Air fry the potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes into the basket in a single layer without them touching each other. Cook at 200 degrees for 45 minutes and turn them over halfway through the cooking time. Turning them halfway ensures that the heat reaches the bottom for an even texture.
Finish and serve: Remove the potatoes carefully using tongs when they are soft in the middle and the skin is dark and crisp. Cut a deep cross in the top of each potato and push the sides to open them up. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings such as butter cheese or baked beans.
Good advice for air fryer jacket potatoes
Choosing the right potato is the most important factor for success. Always look for floury varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward to get the best Jacket Potatoes. These types of potatoes have a high starch content which results in the fluffy texture you want. Make sure you dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding the oil because any moisture will steam the skin instead of crisping it. Try to choose potatoes that are all a similar size so they finish cooking at the same time. If you have very large potatoes you may need to add 5 or 10 minutes to the timer. Do not stack the potatoes in the basket as the air needs to flow freely around each one. Let them rest for a minute after cooking before cutting them open to allow the steam to settle inside.
You can also experiment with different seasonings like garlic salt or black pepper on the skin for extra variety.
If you are looking for more simple ideas, you may also like
air fryer chicken patties,
air fryer salmon pieces or
air fryer chicken schnitzel.
