How to Cook Jacket Potatoes – Crispy Skin Recipe & Best Toppings

There’s nothing better than a perfect jacket potato—crispy skin on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, topped with your favourite fillings. This easy recipe shows you how to cook jacket potatoes in the oven (and air fryer) plus a list of the best toppings for kids and adults alike.

Jacket Potatoe with sour cream and chives

The Best Potatoes for Jackets

Russets – ideal US choice with thick skins.
King Edward – fluffy, great for UK ovens.
Maris Piper – versatile, fluffy flesh, crisp skin.

We have rounded up the best baked potato fillings & toppings plus advice on how to cook the ultimate Jacket Potatoes.

Oven-Baked Jacket Potato Method

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Wash and dry potatoes, prick with a fork.
Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for a crispy skin.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 60–75 minutes (depending on size) until skins are golden and the inside is soft.
Slice open with a sharp knife, fluff the flesh with a fork, and add butter, salt, and pepper.

👉 Tip: For crispy skin, don’t wrap in foil. Foil makes skins softer, more like boiled potatoes.

Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes

Yes, you can make jacket potatoes in the slow cooker! Wrap each potato in foil, place in the crockpot, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. The skins won’t be as crisp as oven-baked, but the potatoes come out soft, fluffy, and ready when you are—perfect for busy days or meal prep. If you like them crisp, just finish in the oven or air fryer for 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Jacket Potato Method

Preheat air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
Rub potatoes with oil and salt.
Cook for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and tender inside.

Microwave + Oven Combo (Quick Method)

Microwave pricked potatoes on high for 8–10 minutes (depending on size).
Transfer to a hot oven (or air fryer) for 15–20 minutes to crisp the skins.

Microwave Jacket Potatoes

If you’re short on time, the microwave method is the quickest way to cook jacket potatoes. Simply prick the skins with a fork, place on a microwave-safe plate, and cook on high for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway. The potatoes won’t have that crispy skin, but it’s ideal for busy evenings or when kids are hungry and dinner needs to be ready fast.