Reheating baked potatoes can be a challenge. You want the potato to come out hot all the way through with a nice crispy skin, but not overcooked or dried out. The right equipment makes a big difference in getting optimal results. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing how to reheat baked potatoes:
Moisture Retention
Potatoes lose moisture quickly when reheated, leading to a dried out interior. Look for methods that help keep moisture in the potato as it reheats.
Crispness of Skin
You want the potato skin to stay crispy, not get soggy. Equipment that exposes the skin to dry heat will help maintain crispness.
Even Heating
The reheating method should warm the potato all the way through, not just the outside. It’s important to get even, consistent heating.
Speed
A fast reheating method is ideal for getting a hot baked potato quickly to the table. Long, slow reheating tends to overcook the interior before the middle is hot.
Oven
One of the most popular ways to reheat a baked potato is in the oven. Here are the pros and cons of using your oven:
Pros
- Provides dry heat to maintain a crispy skin
- Heats evenly throughout
- Simple to just place potato directly on oven rack
Cons
- Can take 15-30 minutes to fully reheat
- May dry out interior over time
- Energy intensive to heat entire oven
To use the oven, preheat to 400°F. Place potato directly on oven rack and reheat for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Check occasionally and remove once hot.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven provides many of the benefits of a full-sized oven but in a smaller package. Here are the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Direct infrared heat crisps up skin nicely
- Small size saves energy
- Faster than large oven, typically 10-15 minutes
Cons
- Size limitations – may only fit 1-2 potatoes
- Need to turn potato over halfway for even heating
- Can dry out potato if reheated too long
When using a toaster oven, preheat to 450°F then place potato directly on rack. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 5-10 minutes until hot throughout.
Microwave
Microwaves provide a very fast way to reheat baked potatoes. Here are the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Very quick, typically 4-8 minutes
- Minimal preheating required
- Moist interior is retained
Cons
- Skin comes out soggy
- Can cook unevenly leading to hot and cold spots
- Not ideal for crisping skin
When microwaving, pierce potato skin with a fork several times. Microwave on high for 4-8 minutes, checking frequently and removing once hot. Let sit 1-2 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer
Air fryers have become popular kitchen tools and can also be used to reheat baked potatoes nicely. Here are the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Super hot dry air makes for a crispy skin
- Very fast, usually 8-12 minutes
- Small countertop footprint
Cons
- Size limitations on number of potatoes
- Need to shake basket halfway for even heating
- Exterior can overcook if reheated too long
When using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F then place potato in fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, shake basket, then cook another 4-8 minutes until heated through.
Stovetop
You can also reheat baked potatoes right on the stovetop using a skillet or pan. Here are the pros and cons of this method:
Pros
- Dry heat of pan keeps skin crispy
- Faster than oven
- Can accommodate more potatoes than small appliances
Cons
- Turning required for even reheating
- Some moisture may be lost
- Not as even heating as an oven
To use the stovetop, heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat. Add potatoes and cook for 5-8 minutes per side until hot throughout.
Specialized Equipment
In addition to standard kitchen equipment, there are also some specialty appliances designed specifically for reheating baked potatoes.
Baked Potato Ovens
These small countertop appliances are made just for reheating baked potatoes. They provide consistent all-around heat for a hot, crispy potato. Models with settings for different sizes help ensure even reheating.
Baked Potato Bags
Reheating bags made for baked potatoes can help retain moisture and avoid a dried out potato. Most are made from non-stick mesh material that allows hot air to circulate.
Baked Potato Drawers
Some higher end home appliances have special baked potato drawers that provide optimized conditions for reheating. They may combine heat elements with humidity control.
Microwave Baked Potato Cookers
These silicone or plastic containers for the microwave are designed to mimic oven heating. Steam vents or ridges on the inside help distribute heat more evenly than just microwaving alone.
| Method | Crispy Skin? | Moist Interior? | Fast? | Even Heating? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | Yes | Moderate | No | Yes |
| Toaster Oven | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Microwave | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Air Fryer | Yes | Moderate | Yes | Moderate |
| Stovetop | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | No |
| Specialized Equipment | Yes | Yes | Fast-Moderate | Yes |
Tips for Reheating Baked Potatoes
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating baked potatoes:
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato before reheating to allow steam to escape.
- Brush skin lightly with oil or butter to help improve crispness.
- Put potatoes on a wire rack or directly on the oven rack to allow air circulation.
- Reheat at higher temperatures, around 400°F, for faster results.
- Check potatoes frequently to avoid overcooking exterior before the middle is hot.
- Let potatoes rest 1-2 minutes after reheating before serving for even heating.
- Consume reheated potatoes within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Best Equipment for Reheating Baked Potatoes
Based on crispy skin, moisture retention, fast cooking, and even heating results, the best equipment for reheating baked potatoes is:
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven provides the right balance of quick, all-around heating. The direct infrared heat crisps the skin nicely without drying out the interior too much. Just be sure to flip the potato halfway through cooking.
Air Fryer
Air fryers also do a great job of reheating potatoes with super hot, circulating air to make the skin crispy. The size may limit how many you can cook at once.
Oven
While slower, the conventional oven is a reliable way to reheat potatoes with good results. Place directly on the racks and use higher heat for best outcomes.
Specialized Equipment
Dedicated baked potato ovens, bags, and microwave cookers provide optimized conditions tailored specifically for potatoes. They can deliver hot, crispy spuds conveniently.
Conclusion
The best equipment for reheating baked potatoes depends on your priorities. Toaster ovens, air fryers, and full-size ovens can all deliver hot, crispy baked potatoes when used properly. Specialty potato reheating equipment offers easy, customized results. Choose based on your preferences for speed, capacity, and features. Follow these reheating tips for the tastiest, crispiest baked potato every time.