A jacket potato in the air fryer beats the oven on two counts: crispier skin and a shorter cook. No microwave shortcut needed — just the right time and a couple of small steps. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does a jacket potato take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry a medium jacket potato at 200°C (400°F) for 35–45 minutes, depending on size, until the skin is crisp and a knife slides through easily.
Q: How do you get crispy jacket potato skin?
A: Prick it, rub the skin with a little oil and salt, and don't wrap it in foil — foil steams the skin soft.
Times by size
| Potato | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small (180g) | 200°C / 400°F | 30–35 min |
| Medium (250g) | 200°C / 400°F | 35–45 min |
| Large (350g+) | 200°C / 400°F | 45–55 min |
The crispy-skin method
- Prick all over with a fork so steam escapes.
- Rub with oil and salt for crisp, seasoned skin.
- Air fry at 200°C, turning once halfway.
- Test with a knife — it should slide in with no resistance.
Tips
- Skip the foil — it traps steam and softens the skin.
- In a hurry? Microwave for 5 minutes first, then air fry 15–20 to crisp.
- Love a crispy potato? See roast potatoes and sweet potato, or the full cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wrap a jacket potato in foil in the air fryer?
No — foil steams the skin and stops it crisping. Cook it bare with a little oil and salt for the best skin.
Can you speed up an air fryer jacket potato?
Yes — microwave it for about 5 minutes first, then air fry for 15–20 minutes to crisp the skin.
Why is my jacket potato hard in the middle?
It needed longer or the heat was too high. Give it more time at 200°C and check a knife slides through cleanly.