Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food with Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes! These perfectly crispy-skinned baked potatoes have irresistibly fluffy interiors, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. With just a handful of humble ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform simple russet potatoes into a show-stopping side or standalone meal. Whether loaded with your favorite toppings or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter, Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are a joy to make and even more delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to incredible Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes is using just the basics, but treating each ingredient like the star it is. Every element plays a vital role — from ensuring that signature crispy skin to creating the light, pillowy centers. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few insider tips to nudge your spuds to greatness:
- 4 medium russet potatoes: The fluffy texture and thicker skins of russets truly set the gold standard for baked potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This splash of oil is key for crisping up those potato skins to golden, crackly perfection.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Don’t skimp — a good sprinkle brings out all the earthy flavor and crunchiness in each bite.
- Optional toppings (butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits): Let your inner potato artist shine and pile on your favorites to create the ultimate personalized potato.
How to Make Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt, then dry them thoroughly. This not only helps you get a deliciously edible skin but also ensures even crisping in the air fryer. After drying, pierce each potato several times with a fork — this is your insurance policy against any potential potato explosions as they cook!
Step 2: Oil & Season
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and gently rub it all over their surfaces, making sure every inch is coated. This creates that signature shatteringly crisp skin you crave. Next, sprinkle the sea salt evenly onto the oiled skins, which will season every bite and add a savory crunch.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the potatoes in your preheated air fryer basket, making sure they’re spaced out and not touching — air circulation is the secret to even cooking. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 35 to 45 minutes. About halfway through, flip the potatoes over for a uniform crisp. You’ll know they’re done when a sharp knife slides in with zero resistance and the skins are audibly crispy.
Step 4: Fluff & Top
Remove the potatoes with care (hot potato alert!), and using a sharp knife, cut a slit right through the top of each one. Gently pinch the ends to open them up, then use a fork to fluff those tender insides. Now for the fun part — pile on all your favorite toppings and serve immediately while the Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are piping hot.
How to Serve Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
Garnishes
A classic nob of creamy butter is always a winner, but don’t stop there. Spoon on cool sour cream, melt a handful of shredded cheddar, or scatter on snipped chives for a vibrant finish. A shower of crispy bacon bits or even a dusting of smoked paprika can make your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes restaurant-worthy at home.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are the ultimate versatile companion! Serve them alongside grilled steak, juicy chicken, or even a hearty stew for the perfect meal. They also make a brilliant addition to a mixed salad or can be split and filled with a fresh veggie medley for a lighter option. No one will complain about a dinner plate starring Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Try building a DIY potato bar at your next gathering, loaded with bowls of savory toppings and let everyone construct their own masterpiece. Or, twice-bake your Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes by scooping out the insides, mixing them with cheese, and mounding them back in before a final quick air fry. They also look fabulous quartered and stacked high with colorful toppings for eye-catching party platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your cooked potatoes cool to room temperature, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to four days, ready to be transformed into quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Wrap each cooled potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. You can store them this way for up to three months. Frozen potatoes are your busy weeknight’s best friend.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer crispiness, reheat your potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes straight from the fridge. If reheating from frozen, allow a bit more time and check that they’re heated through. The oven also works well, while the microwave is best reserved for speed since the skin won’t crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the gold standard for jacket potatoes because of their texture and thick skin, but you can experiment with Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes for a fun twist. Just keep in mind, cooking times may change since these other varieties are usually smaller or have different moisture levels.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No foil is required (or recommended) when making Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes. Skipping the foil allows the hot air to work its magic and develop that crave-worthy, ultra-crispy skin you simply can’t get otherwise.
Why is it important to pierce the potatoes before air frying?
Piercing potatoes with a fork creates small vents for steam to escape, which prevents any messy potato explosions in your air fryer. It’s a must-do step for safe, consistent results!
How can I tell if my Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are fully cooked?
They’re ready when you can easily insert a knife all the way through and the center feels soft and fluffy. The skins should be golden-brown and crisp to the touch — if in doubt, give them a little longer. Larger potatoes may need a few more minutes to achieve that dreamy texture.
What toppings can I use besides the classics?
The sky’s the limit! Try sautéed mushrooms, pulled pork, chili, broccoli with cheese, spicy salsa, or even leftover roasted veggies. Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes are a fantastic canvas for whatever flavors you’re craving.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes yet, now’s the perfect time! They’re virtually foolproof, deeply satisfying, and delightfully customizable. With just a few pantry staples and your trusty air fryer, you can create crave-worthy potatoes any night of the week. Gather your toppings, invite a friend, and treat yourself to the best baked potato experience right at home.
Print
Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy perfectly crispy and fluffy jacket potatoes made easy in the air fryer. These russet potatoes are seasoned with olive oil and sea salt, then topped with your favorite toppings for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and dried
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- butter
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- chives
- bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Pierce each potato with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve: Remove, cut a slit, fluff the insides, and add desired toppings.
Notes
- For crispier skin, avoid wrapping in foil.
- Cooking time may vary based on potato size and air fryer type.
- For larger potatoes, allow extra cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
