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Unconventional Cooking Hack: Achieve Crispy Jacket Potatoes with a Hairdryer
The jacket potato, a cherished staple in British cuisine, enjoys widespread popularity with countless variations and recipes for this comforting dish. However, a novel cooking technique circulating online has emerged as perhaps the most unconventional to date: utilizing a hairdryer to enhance crispiness.
The Hairdryer Potato Method: A Quirky Approach to Crispy Skin
While seemingly unusual, employing a hairdryer is purported to create a desirable golden crisp on jacket potatoes. Martin Senders, Philips’ in-house Air fryer Chef, emphasizes that achieving the ideal combination of crispy skin and fluffy interior hinges on proper preparation. “Firstly, always pierce your potato several times with a fork,” he advises. “This prevents bursting during cooking and allows steam to escape, ensuring a consistently fluffy inside.”
Microwave Acceleration: Speeding Up the Baking Process
For individuals with demanding schedules balancing work and home life, dedicating nearly an hour to bake the perfect potato in a conventional oven is often impractical. This is where the microwave becomes a valuable time-saving tool.
“To expedite the process,” Martin suggests, “microwave the potato for approximately five minutes to soften the core.”
Harnessing Hot Air: The Hairdryer’s Role in Crispiness
Once the potato’s interior reaches the desired softness, the hairdryer technique comes into play.
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“Some propose using a hairdryer to eliminate excess surface moisture,” Martin explains. “In theory, this could contribute to achieving the coveted golden crunch that many appreciate.”
Air Fryer Recommendation: The Expert’s Preferred Method
Although using a hairdryer in food preparation might appear unorthodox, it’s this burst of hot air that some believe aids in achieving extra crisp potato skins.
Nevertheless, Martin clarifies that for optimal results, an air fryer remains the superior cooking appliance.
He underscores, “For the most consistent and effortless outcome, an air fryer is the recommended method. It cooks the potato evenly while simultaneously crisping the skin to perfection, handling the entire process efficiently.”
Expert Tips for Ultimate Crispiness and Flavor
The culinary expert further elaborates, “After the initial drying suggestion, lightly coat the potato with oil and salt to enhance both flavor and crispness. Subsequently, air fry at 200C for 15-20 minutes until it attains a flawless crispy and golden-brown state.”
“For an even more pronounced crunch,” he adds, “conclude with a final brief hairdryer blast just before serving.”
Serving Suggestions: Toppings and Pairings
With the cooking stage complete, the final step involves topping the jacket potato with a selection of preferred ingredients. The possibilities are extensive, ranging from the classic combination of baked beans and cheese to a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce.