Choosing between an oven and an air fryer can make a real difference when preparing a baked potato. Both methods can produce a fluffy centre and a crisp, golden skin, but they differ in cooking time, texture and energy use. If you enjoy a traditional British jacket potato, understanding the advantages of each method can help you decide which one suits your kitchen and your appetite best.
1. Baking Potatoes In A Traditional Oven The oven is the classic choice for a reason. It provides steady heat, allowing the potato to cook evenly while its skin gradually becomes dry and crisp. The result is a traditional baked potato with a soft, fluffy middle and a satisfying outer layer.
For the best results, choose a floury potato variety, such as Maris Piper or King Edward. Wash it thoroughly, dry it and prick the skin a few times with a fork. Rub a little oil over the outside and add salt before baking.
A medium-sized potato generally takes around 60–90 minutes in an oven preheated to 200°C, or 180°C for a fan oven. The exact time depends on its size and the efficiency of your oven.
The main drawback is the waiting time. Heating a large oven for one or two potatoes can also be less economical than using a smaller appliance. However, if you are cooking several potatoes together or preparing a family meal, the oven offers plenty of space.
2. Cooking Baked Potatoes In An Air Fryer An air fryer is an excellent option when you want a baked potato without waiting too long. It circulates hot air rapidly around the food, helping the skin become crisp while the inside softens.
Start by washing and drying the potato, then prick it with a fork. Coat the skin lightly with oil and season with salt. Place it in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for the hot air to circulate.
For a medium potato, try cooking at 200°C for approximately 35–50 minutes. Turn it halfway through and check whether it is tender by inserting a knife or skewer into the centre. Larger potatoes may need extra time.
The biggest advantage is convenience. Air fryers usually heat up quickly and have a smaller cooking space, which can make them a practical choice for preparing one or two portions. Their compact design may also help reduce energy consumption compared with a full-sized oven, although actual savings depend on the appliance, cooking time and electricity tariff.
The limitation is capacity. If you are feeding several people, you might need to cook the potatoes in batches.
3. Oven Vs Air Fryer: Which Gives The Best Results? Both appliances can make excellent baked potatoes, so the better choice depends on what matters most to you.
FEATURES:
- Cooking Time
Conventional oven: 60–90 minutes Air fryer: 35–50 minutes
- Skin Texture
Conventional oven: Crisp and golden Air fryer: Very crisp and slightly drier
- Centre
Conventional oven: Soft and fluffy Air fryer: Soft and fluffy
- Best For
Conventional oven: Families and larger batches Air fryer: One or two portions
- Energy Use
Conventional oven: Usually higher for small meals Air fryer: Often lower for small meals
In a September 2026 comparison, Which? found that its air fryer cooked a jacket potato in 48 minutes using 0.392kWh of electricity, compared with 68 minutes and 1.084kWh in a conventional electric oven. Both produced good results, although the air fryer was more economical for a single potato. Actual results vary by appliance and potato size.
For more practical advice on getting the texture right, this guide on How To Cook A Jacket Potato covers potato selection, preparation and techniques for achieving a crisp skin.
4. Tips For Making The Perfect Baked Potato Whichever method you choose, a few simple habits can improve the finished result.
Choose floury potatoes: Maris Piper and King Edward varieties are good choices because they develop a light, fluffy centre. Dry the skin properly: Excess moisture can interfere with crisping, so pat the potato dry after washing. Use a little oil and salt: A light coating helps the outside brown and adds flavour. Avoid wrapping in foil: Foil traps moisture and tends to produce softer skin rather than the crisp finish associated with a traditional jacket potato.
Check before serving: Cooking times are only estimates. The potato is ready when a knife slides easily into its centre and the flesh feels soft. Once cooked, cut the potato open and gently squeeze the sides to loosen the fluffy interior. Add butter while it is hot, then finish with your favourite topping, whether that is baked beans, grated cheese, tuna mayonnaise or sour cream.
5. So, Which Method Should You Choose? The air fryer is the better everyday option when you want a baked potato relatively quickly and are cooking for one or two people. It can deliver crisp skin, a fluffy middle and lower electricity use for a small meal.
The conventional oven remains a dependable choice when cooking several potatoes together or preparing other dishes at the same time. It gives you plenty of room and produces the familiar texture of a traditional jacket potato.
Ultimately, neither method is automatically best for every situation. If convenience and efficiency matter most, choose the air fryer. If you are preparing a family meal or have time to spare, the oven is still an excellent option.
