Achieving the perfect jacket potato in the oven can take up to two hours, but using the microwave, you can do it in “less than half the time”, according to Good Food. You can either halve them and turn them into loaded potato skins and grill them, or bake the jackets in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up.
The recipe notes said: “Microwaving potatoes whole is also a really good way to maximise the flavour of mashed potato.” What’s more, it takes just a couple of minutes, depending on the size of the potato.”
Ingredients (serves two):
- Two large baking potatoes
- One teaspoon of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Butter
You’ll also need:
- Two sheets of kitchen roll
- One microwave-safe plate
Method:
Wash the baking potatoes and prick the skins all over with a fork, creating lots of little holes for the steam to escape.
The recipe notes added: “The important thing to remember is always prick the potatoes with a fork before cooking. This allows the steam to escape and will stop them from exploding.”
Lay a piece of kitchen roll in a microwave-safe plate, put the potatoes on it and pop another sheet of kitchen roll on top. Microwave for four minutes, then take them out and turn the potatoes over.
Re-cover with the kitchen roll and cook for another four minutes, then turn again. Keep cooking in one to two minute bursts until they feel soft all the way through and the skins are wrinkled. Take them out and leave them to cool.
You can then pop them in the air fryer at 180°C for around 10-15 minutes to crisp up, or opt for the oven.
Make sure to cover with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt in order to get the best results. Once crisp, split the potatoes open and add butter. Serve on its own, with cheese or alongside a stew.
