Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes

Equipment

• Air Fryer (Basket-style or Oven-style)
• Vegetable scrub brush
• Fork
• Tongs
• Pastry brush (or clean hands for rubbing oil)

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 4 medium-to-large Russet or King Edward potatoes (approx. 220g–250g / 8–9 oz each, similar in size for even cooking)
• 1.5 tbsp Olive oil (or avocado oil / melted beef tallow for an extra-crispy finish)
• 1 tsp Flaky sea salt or coarse kosher salt
• ½ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp Garlic powder (optional, for seasoned skin)

Classic Serving & Garnish Suggestions

• 4 tbsp Salted butter (1 tbsp per potato)
• ½ cup Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese , freshly shredded
• 4 slices Cooked bacon , crisped and crumbled
• 2 tbsp Fresh chives or scallions , finely sliced

Instructions

1. Scrub and Dry Thoroughly

1. Wash the potatoes under cold running water using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris. Crucial Step: Dry each potato thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any excess surface moisture will steam the skin instead of crisping it, so make sure they are completely dry before proceeding.

2. Dock the Skin

1. Using the tines of a fork, prick each potato 6 to 8 times all over. This prevents internal steam pressure from building up and causing the skins to split unevenly during cooking.

3. Oil and Season Generously

1. Place the dried potatoes in a bowl or on a clean prep board. Drizzle with the olive oil, using your hands or a pastry brush to ensure every millimeter of the skin is coated. Generously sprinkle the coarse sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using), rubbing the seasoning gently so it adheres firmly to the oiled surface.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the potatoes hit immediate high heat, jumpstarting the skin-crisping process instantly.

5. Cook to Crispy Perfection

1. Place the seasoned potatoes directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching so hot air can circulate freely:
2. Initial Roast (25 Minutes): Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes.
3. Flip (At 25 Minutes): Use tongs to carefully flip each potato over to promote even browning and crispness.
4. Final Roast (15–20 Minutes): Continue cooking at 200°C (400°F) for another 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Test for Doneness

1. Insert a knife, skewer, or fork into the thickest center of a potato. It should glide through effortlessly with zero resistance. If the center still feels firm, continue air frying in 5-minute increments until tender.

7. Cut, Fluff, and Serve Immediately

1. Remove the potatoes with tongs and let them rest for 2 minutes. Cut a cross or an lengthwise slit down the top center. Gently squeeze the ends toward the middle with a clean kitchen cloth to pop the steaming flesh open. Use a fork to fluff the steamy interior, drop in a pat of butter, season lightly with extra salt, and load with your preferred toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 235 kcal — · Protein: 4.5 g 9% · Fat: 5.2 g 7% · Carbohydrates: 44.0 g 16% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0.8 g 4% · Fiber: 4.6 g 16% · Sugar: 1.8 g — · Sodium: 590 mg 26%