Crispy jacket potatoes are one of the most versatile dishes out there but at the same time they can take an age to cook. Aside from not everyone having the luxury of an hour or more to make lunch or dinner, the cost of baking one in the oven regularly can take a toll on your energy bills . But there is a much quicker, and cheaper, way available to enjoy a jacket potato and the plethora of toppings that go with it.
A recipe from BBC Good Food takes advantage of an air fryer to achieve a moreish crispy skin and creamy inside. It notes: "Air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens and baked potatoes cook in about half the usual time. Air frying also gives a crispy skin and creamy middle.
" It goes on to advise using for potatoes that are labelled as bakers or a floury variety, such as King Edward, Maris Piper, Vivaldi or Estima. To make the jacket potato, you then just need the following ingredients: One baking potato, scrubbed and dried Light rapeseed, vegetable or sunflower oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Air fryer method Rub the potato all over with a little oil and salt, which will help to give a crispier finish. Then place the potato in the air fryer and turn it on to 200C - you don’t need to preheat the appliance as this may lead to burning.
Air fry for 20 minutes, then turn the potato over. A small potato will take another 20 minutes or so, whilst a large one will take 25 to 30. Check the middle is soft by poking a table knife in the centre, it should slide in easily.
The recipe notes added: “You can speed up the cooking by microwaving your jacket potatoes first. Microwave on high power for four minutes, turn the potato over, and microwave for another four minutes. “If you are cooking two potatoes, you may need to microwave them for an extra two minutes.
Then cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes to crisp up.” Below are three perfect topping ideas to go with the dish - but your imagination is the limit. Cheddar and jalapeno topping ingredients A small handful of grated cheddar One ripe tomato, diced A few green jalapeño pepper slices from a jar Smashed avocado topping ingredients One small ripe avocado Half a lime or lemon, juice only Handful mixed seeds Curried beans topping ingredients 227g tin baked beans Half a teaspoon of curry powder Natural yoghurt and lime pickle.
