If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a crispy skin and fluffy interior, look no further than this delightful Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these potatoes come out golden, tender, and ready to be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you want a simple snack or a hearty side, this recipe brings a fuss-free, quick way to enjoy classic baked potatoes with all the soul-satisfying textures and flavors you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect crispy skin and pillowy softness inside.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes give you the ideal fluffy texture when baked.
- Olive oil: Brushing the potatoes with oil helps achieve that irresistible crispiness on the outside.
- Sea salt: Adds just the right amount of seasoning to enhance natural potato flavor.
- Optional toppings: Butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits—these add layers of creaminess, freshness, and savory goodness.
How to Make Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry each potato well and pierce the skin several times with a fork. These small holes allow steam to escape, ensuring your potatoes cook evenly without bursting.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Next, coat each potato with a light layer of olive oil, which will help crisp the skin beautifully. Sprinkle sea salt generously over the skin—it not only adds flavor but also draws out moisture to enhance the crunch.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for achieving that beautifully roasted skin from the moment the potatoes touch the basket.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate all around each one. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Step 5: Check Doneness
After the initial cooking time, test the potatoes by poking them with a fork. They should feel soft inside, signaling that they are perfectly cooked. If they need more time, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until tender all the way through.
Step 6: Serve
Once done, slice open the potatoes lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. This opens up a fluffy canvas for you to pile on your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, or cheese. Each bite brings a mix of crunchy, soft, and savory sensations that make the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe, classic garnishes like a pat of melting butter, dollops of sour cream, freshly chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or crispy bacon bits really shine. They add creaminess, color, and bursts of flavor that turn a simple baked potato into a memorable meal.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with almost anything—think a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty chili. The versatility of these potatoes makes them an excellent accompaniment whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a cozy night in.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes into loaded potato skins by scooping out some of the fluffy insides, mixing them with cheese and toppings, then refilling the skins before a quick air fryer crisp. Alternatively, slice the potatoes into rounds after baking and serve as crispy potato “coins” for appetizers or snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack or meal later.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked jacket potatoes for longer storage. Wrap each potato tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy skin and fluffy inside, reheat your leftover potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method restores that freshly baked texture far better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture, which yields that classic fluffy inside. However, you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier result, though the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Do I need to pierce the potatoes before cooking?
Yes, piercing with a fork helps steam escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly inside and out.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The best way is to test by inserting a fork or skewer; it should slide in easily without resistance. Softness inside confirms that the potato is perfectly done.
Can I add seasoning other than sea salt?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs on the potatoes before air frying to customize the flavor profile.
Is it possible to cook these potatoes in a regular oven instead?
Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 to 60 minutes. However, the air fryer shortens the cooking time and gives a wonderfully crisp skin.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe is like unlocking a quick, tasty secret to perfect comfort food every single time. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a crispy, fluffy treat that’s endlessly versatile. I truly hope you give this recipe a go and discover just how effortlessly delicious baked potatoes can be when using your air fryer.
Print
Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes offers a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly baked potatoes with a crispy skin and fluffy interior using an air fryer. Ideal as a delicious side or a comforting main dish, these potatoes are seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt and can be topped with your favorite classic garnishes.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel and pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with sea salt to enhance flavor and help crisp the skin.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature when the potatoes are placed inside.
- Cook: Place the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become crispy and evenly cooked.
- Check Doneness: Use a fork to test if the potatoes are soft on the inside. If not fully cooked, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the potatoes are tender throughout.
- Serve: Once done, slice open the potatoes and fluff the interior with a fork. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits, and serve hot.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the best texture with a fluffy interior.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the potatoes and the model of your air fryer.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway through cooking helps achieve an evenly crispy skin.
- Use a fork or skewer to check for doneness instead of piercing too many holes to avoid moisture loss.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings according to your preferences.
