Air fryer jacket potatoes

50 min Dinner Lunch
Air fryer jacket potatoes

Few things beat the ease of piping hot air fryer jacket potatoes. A generous scoop of herb butter melts into the fluffy potato, making it incredibly scrumptious. This recipe delivers everything you love about jacket potatoes in less time, so you always have a quick option for dinner.

New recipe

Ingredients

4 Baking potatoes
1 tbsp Olive oil
2 tsp Fine salt

Herb butter

100 g Soft butter
1 tbsp Shallots, finely chopped
2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
30 g Parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp Lemon zest, unsprayed
Flaky salt

Instructions

  • Scrub the potatoes well and prick them with a fork.
  • Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • Place them in an air fryer and bake for about 45 minutes at 180 °C.
  • Meanwhile, mix the butter with the remaining ingredients and season to taste.
  • Cut a cross into each jacket potato and gently press so they open up.
  • Serve with herb butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Make the herb butter for your jacket potatoes ahead of time. This allows the flavours of garlic, shallot, parsley, and lemon zest to develop a more pronounced taste. Simply mix soft butter with these finely chopped ingredients and shape it into a log using wax paper or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Otherwise, freeze it for up to 6 months. You can slice off portions as needed, whether it is chilled or frozen.

Clean and dry the potatoes so the olive oil sticks well and gives you that crisp skin. It also prevents excess moisture from making them soggy instead of roasted. First, scrub them under running water to remove any dirt and then dry them thoroughly.

FAQ: Questions about air fryer jacket potatoes

Find answers to common questions about making air fryer jacket potatoes. From getting the skin perfectly crisp to preparing toppings in advance, we cover the basics.

How long should I bake jacket potatoes in the air fryer?

You should bake jacket potatoes in the air fryer at 180 °C for around 45 minutes. This works well for medium to large potatoes, giving you fluffy centres and a crisp skin. Very large potatoes may need closer to an hour, while smaller ones can be ready in as little as 35–40 minutes. If you prefer an even crunchier skin, turn the heat up to 200 °C and reduce the cooking time to 35–45 minutes. You can check doneness with a fork or knife; it should glide in easily when the potatoes are ready to serve.

Why is my air fryer jacket potato skin not crispy enough?

If your air fryer jacket potato skin is not crispy enough, consider a few adjustments. First, make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after washing them to remove excess moisture. After baking them initially at 180 °C for 45 minutes, increase the heat to 200 °C and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes. Also, brush the olive oil evenly over the skins because the oil aids in browning. Lastly, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; proper air circulation is crucial so they can bake evenly.

What type of potatoes should I use for air-frying?

Use russet potatoes for air-frying jacket potatoes. They have a high starch content and thick skin, which makes the inside fluffy and the outside crispy. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but they will not be as crispy or fluffy as russets. Avoid waxy varieties like red or new potatoes because they stay firm and do not give the fluffy texture jacket potatoes need.

Can I microwave potatoes before air-frying?

Yes, you can microwave potatoes before air-frying them. This helps achieve crispy skin and a fluffy interior. Start by scrubbing and pricking 4 baking potatoes. Microwave them for about 5–7 minutes until they are fork-tender but not fully cooked. Next, brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of fine salt. Preheat your air fryer to 180 °C, and air fry the potatoes for 7–10 minutes, turning once, until the skins are golden and crisp.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

1603 Kcal

Fibre - 22.6 gram fibers
Protein 4.8 18.8 gram
Fat 52.7 95.6 gram
Carbohydrates 42.5 167.7 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Easy air fryer jacket potatoes

Baking jacket potatoes in the air fryer is the simplest and easiest way to get delicious potatoes. Unlike boiling or microwaving, the air fryer creates a crispness similar to oven-baked potatoes but much quicker.

The potatoes are lightly brushed with olive oil and seasoned with fine salt, encouraging them to develop an appetising golden colour. With their rustic look and homely flavour, these air fryer jacket potatoes prove that everyday ingredients can feel special with the right method.

Irresistible crisp skin with a soft, fluffy inside

The secret to a good jacket potato lies in the contrast of textures. The air fryer locks in high heat, which crisps the skin until it crackles slightly under the fork. Inside, the flesh turns soft and airy, ready to soak up the herb butter or toppings of your choice. 

By pricking the potatoes beforehand and serving them straight from the fryer, you make sure the skin stays crisp while the inside remains light and steaming, exactly like how most of us prefer our jacket potatoes.

Served with aromatic herb butter

Our aromatic herb butter is the best way to savour these air fryer jacket potatoes. Soft butter is mixed with finely chopped parsley, shallot, garlic, and lemon zest. As it melts into the potato, it infuses each forkful with savoury richness and fresh, herbaceous flavour.

The creamy texture of the butter balances the fluffy interior, while the lemon zest adds brightness that cuts through the indulgence. Add flaky salt before serving to give it a nice contrast to the potatoes and rich butter.

Try these mains and sides for a complete dinner

Jacket potatoes fit effortlessly into any meal, complementing everything from hearty roasts to lighter salads. For a classic family meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak. They also make a great partner for oven-roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. They also pair well with a bowl of tomato soup or a hearty stew for comforting warmth.

For a complete air-fryer dinner, pair your jacket potatoes with air fryer chicken thighs or air fryer salmon with soy sauce. You can also add corn on the cob in the air fryer or try bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer.

Create a few twists of your own

Feeling adventurous? Then, take your recipe for air fryer jacket potatoes and add your own creative twists. For a spicier version, sprinkle the potatoes with smoked paprika or a pinch of chilli powder before baking. Or load them with cheese, baked beans, and vegetables like mushrooms and red pepper.

Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yoghurt on top for a cooling finish, or crumble a little blue cheese into the butter for an indulgent finish. Depending on your taste, you can swap parsley for fresh dill, chives, or thyme. And for more crunch, scatter toasted seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving. Small changes like these offer up the great joy of air-fryer jacket potatoes that feel new and exciting with every try.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/air-fryer-jacket-potatoes/