Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes: crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered spuds that are pure comfort food perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll transform humble potatoes into a stunning side dish that’s just as delicious piled high with toppings or simply sprinkled with salt. Whether you’re craving an easy dinner, a hearty lunch, or a crowd-pleasing side, these Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are a game changer for weeknight cooking and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes is in their simplicity. Each ingredient, from the potatoes themselves to the finishing drizzle of olive oil, comes together to deliver that classic baked potato experience with ease in the air fryer. Every item on this list pulls its weight in taste, texture, and that irresistible golden color.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Their high starch content creates that perfectly fluffy interior and a reliably crisp skin.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Rubbing the potatoes with oil wraps each one in a golden, crispy jacket during air frying.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Sprinkling sea salt enhances the flavor and gives the skins that classic savory crunch.
- Optional toppings (butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits): Dress up your potatoes with these tasty extras for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub under running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them crisp up later. Next, use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato. This little step prevents steam from building up inside and ensures your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes cook evenly and safely with that signature fluffy texture.
Step 2: Season and Oil
Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into your palm and rub it over each potato, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Sprinkle the sea salt generously over every surface so every bite gets that moreish, salty crunch. Taking the time to give each spud its own attention here pays off when those skins turn gorgeously golden and crispy.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure none are touching. This lets the hot air circulate freely, crisping every inch. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 35 to 45 minutes, turning the potatoes over about halfway through. They’re ready when the skins are crisp and a knife slides through the center with no resistance. If you love super-crispy skins, add an extra 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Rest and Fluff
Once your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are cooked, let them rest for about 5 minutes—the steam inside will finish softening their insides. Then, make a slit down the center, gently fluff the potato with a fork, and watch the steam billow out. This is the moment where everything comes together: that rich aroma, the crackle of the skin, and fluffy potato inside, just begging for toppings.
Step 5: Pile on the Toppings
Now for the fun part! Load up your jacket potatoes with your favorite toppings—think melting butter, a generous dollop of sour cream, gooey shredded cheese, snipped chives, or smoky bacon bits. With their irresistibly crispy skins and creamy interiors, these potatoes are guaranteed to disappear fast.
How to Serve Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
Garnishes
The right garnish takes Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes from everyday to extraordinary. Try a dusting of smoked paprika, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or a decadent swirl of herbed butter. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt can liven things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
On their own, these potatoes are a hearty side, but they love being part of a spread. Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite vegetarian chili. For a cozy, classic combo, pair them with roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. They’re versatile enough to fit into any meal, from weeknight suppers to festive feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes into a star attraction by creating a loaded potato bar at your next gathering—set out bowls of toppings and let everyone customize to their heart’s content. You can also halve and stuff them with savory fillings, or scoop and mash the insides, then bake again for a twice-baked potato vibe. The crisp skin catches all the toppings, making every bite a little celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and structure for up to 3 days. Just hold off on adding toppings until you’re ready to reheat and serve for the best results.
Freezing
For an easy future meal, you can freeze cooked jacket potatoes. Wrap each cooled potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap, pop them into a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—though a quick zap in the microwave will work in a pinch.
Reheating
To bring Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes back to their crispy glory, reheat them directly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, until heated through and the skins re-crisp. Microwaving is faster, but you’ll miss out on that signature crunch, so the air fryer method is definitely worth the extra few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes?
While russet potatoes are the gold standard for that classic fluffy inside and crisp skin, you can use Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes as well. Just note that waxier potatoes may have a creamier texture and slightly less crispy jackets, but the results will still be delicious.
How do I know when jacket potatoes are done in the air fryer?
The best sign is a crisp, golden skin and a knife or fork that slides easily all the way to the center of the potato. If you’re unsure, give them an extra few minutes—just check every couple minutes so they don’t overcook.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No foil is needed for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes! Skipping the foil means the hot air can circulate directly around each potato, making the skins extra crispy. Plus, it streamlines the process for easy clean-up later.
Can I add other seasonings to the potatoes before air frying?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cracked pepper, or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost. Just keep the olive oil and salt base, and the potatoes will still crisp up perfectly.
What’s the easiest way to serve these for a crowd?
The best trick is to cook a big batch, slice each potato open, and set up a topping bar with various cheeses, fresh herbs, and your favorite add-ons. Everyone can build their own perfect Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes, making your meal interactive and fun!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy skin and fluffy potato, and making Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes at home is just so satisfying. Whether you keep them classic or pile on the toppings, these potatoes let you indulge in comfort food with minimal fuss. Give them a try and see why they’re bound to become your new weeknight favorite!
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Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer jacket potatoes with this easy recipe. These fluffy potatoes are seasoned with sea salt and can be topped with your favorite ingredients for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- butter
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- chives
- bacon bits
Instructions
- Prep Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, turning once. Potatoes are done when skins are crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes, then slice open, fluff the insides, add desired toppings, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on potato size.
- For extra-crispy skin, add 2–3 minutes of air frying.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- 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: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
