How Do You Cook Jacket Potatoes in an Air Fryer?

Craving a jacket potato with crispy skin and a fluffy center—but don’t want to wait an hour for the oven to do its thing? You’re not alone. That’s where the air fryer comes in as a total game-changer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to cook the perfect jacket potato in an air fryer—faster, easier, and just as satisfying as the traditional method. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a hearty dinner side, or a customizable comfort meal, air fryer jacket potatoes are the ideal solution.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Baking potatoes	2–4 medium to large	Choose starchy varieties like Russet (US) or Maris Piper (UK) for fluffy insides
Olive oil	1–2 teaspoons per potato	For crispy, golden skin; can be replaced with avocado oil or spray
Salt	To taste	Sea salt or kosher salt works best for texture and flavor
Optional toppings	As desired	Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, baked beans, chives, bacon bits, etc.

💡 Tip: Try to pick potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose and Prep Your Potatoes

Start by selecting medium to large starchy potatoes, such as Russet (in the US) or Maris Piper (in the UK). These types have a fluffy interior when cooked—perfect for jacket potatoes.

Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Since you’ll be eating the skin, make sure it’s clean. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

2. Pierce and Season the Potatoes

Use a fork to pierce each potato 4–6 times all around. This allows steam to escape during cooking and helps prevent them from bursting.

Next, rub each potato with a teaspoon or two of olive oil. This step is essential for getting that signature crispy, golden skin. After oiling, sprinkle the potatoes generously with salt. Sea salt or kosher salt adds both crunch and flavor.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. While some models don’t require preheating, doing so helps ensure the skin starts crisping up immediately.

4. Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s a bit of space between each one for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, or the potatoes may cook unevenly.

Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 35 to 45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip each potato with tongs to promote even browning. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the type of air fryer you’re using.

5. Check for Doneness

After about 35 minutes, check your potatoes by inserting a knife or skewer into the center. If it slides in easily without resistance, they’re ready. If not, give them another 5–10 minutes and check again.

6. Serve and Customize

Once cooked, transfer the jacket potatoes to a plate or serving dish. Use a knife to make a deep cross on top and gently squeeze the sides to fluff up the insides.

Now it’s time for toppings! Classic options include butter, sour cream, grated cheddar, baked beans, or fresh herbs like chives. Make it your own—go simple or get creative.

What Is an Air Fryer Jacket Potato?

A jacket potato is the British term for a baked potato with its skin left on—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. The name comes from the idea that the potato “wears” its skin like a jacket during baking. In the UK, it’s a popular comfort food, often served with a variety of savory toppings like butter, cheese, beans, or tuna mayo.

So, what makes an air fryer jacket potato different?

It’s all about the method of cooking. Instead of baking the potato in a traditional oven for over an hour, you can cook it in an air fryer, which uses rapid air circulation to mimic the effect of deep frying—without the oil. This results in beautifully crispy skin and perfectly tender insides, in less time and with less energy.

An air fryer jacket potato is ideal for busy weeknights, solo meals, or when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen with a conventional oven. Plus, the air fryer helps lock in flavor and texture in a way that many find even better than traditional baking.

FAQ About Cooking Jacket Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Can I Cook More Than One Potato at a Time?

Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes at once—as long as they fit in the air fryer basket without overlapping or crowding. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so if the potatoes are stacked or too close together, they may cook unevenly. For best results, choose potatoes that are similar in size and place them in a single layer.

If you have a smaller air fryer, it’s better to cook in batches than to compromise on texture.

Do I Need to Wrap Them in Foil?

No, and in fact, you shouldn’t wrap them in foil if you want that signature crispy skin. Foil traps moisture, which steams the potato rather than baking it, resulting in soft or rubbery skin.

If you prefer softer skin or are keeping the potatoes warm for a longer time, you can wrap them after cooking. But for that restaurant-style crisp, leave the foil out.

How Do I Make the Skin Extra Crispy?

The key to extra crispy skin lies in three simple steps:

Dry the potatoes completely before cooking.
Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Don’t overcrowd the basket, allowing hot air to circulate freely.

You can also extend cooking time by a few minutes at the end if needed—just monitor closely so they don’t overcook.

Can I Pre-Cook Them in the Microwave First?

Yes, this is a handy shortcut if you’re short on time. You can microwave the potatoes for 5–8 minutes (depending on size) to soften the insides, then finish them in the air fryer for about 10–15 minutes to crisp up the skin.

However, purists may prefer the full air fryer method for better flavor and consistency. The microwave-to-air fryer combo is more about convenience than perfect texture.

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Let leftover jacket potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes. This helps restore the crispy exterior while warming the inside.

Avoid microwaving leftovers unless you’re okay with soft skin—quick but not crispy.

Can Sweet Potatoes Be Cooked the Same Way?

Yes! Sweet potatoes cook beautifully in the air fryer using a similar method. They may take slightly less time due to higher natural sugar and moisture content—around 30–40 minutes depending on size. The skin won’t get quite as crispy as a regular potato, but the insides turn out sweet and creamy.

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