Reheating Baked Potatoes: Simple Ways to Revive Leftovers

Baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish, but they’re not always eaten right after baking. Luckily, baked potatoes can be easily reheated so you can enjoy leftovers. Here are some tips for reheating baked potatoes using the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

How Long Do Baked Potatoes Last?

• A baked potato will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days when stored in aluminum foil.
• You can freeze baked potatoes for longer storage. They’ll keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating in the Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Unwrap the potato and place it directly on the oven rack.
• Reheat for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy on the outside.
• For a wrapped potato, reheat for 30-45 minutes. The foil helps keep the inside soft and moist.

Reheating in the Microwave

• Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 2-5 minutes depending on wattage.
• Pierce potato several times with a fork before microwaving to vent steam and prevent exploding.
• Microwave wrapped potatoes for longer, around 4-6 minutes. Keep the foil on during cooking.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

• Preheating air fryer to 400°F. Place potato directly in basket.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Potato skin will become crispy in air fryer.
• For a softer skin, wrap in foil and air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.

Common Questions

Q: How can you tell if a baked potato is done reheating?
A: A reheated baked potato is ready when it is hot throughout and the skin is crispy. Use a fork to test the middle – it should feel very hot when pierced.

Q: What is the best way to reheat a baked potato to keep the skin crispy?
A: The best way is to reheat in the oven or air fryer. The dry heat from these appliances will recrisp the skin nicely. Microwaving makes the skin soft.

Q: Can you reheat baked potatoes in the slow cooker or instant pot?
A: Yes, you can reheat baked potatoes in a slow cooker or instant pot. Place potatoes in the pot, add 1/2 cup water, and reheat on high pressure for 5-10 minutes until hot. The skin may get soft using these moist heat methods.

Q: Is there a quick way to reheat a baked potato in the microwave?
A: Yes, microwave in 1 minute increments on high until hot, flipping over halfway through. Pierce skin several times before heating. This helps steam escape so potato doesn’t explode.

Tips

• Rub the skin with oil or butter before reheating for extra crispiness.
• Top reheated potato with new toppings – don’t reuse toppings that may carry bacteria.
• Adjust cook times based on number of potatoes. Smaller or fewer potatoes may need less time.
• Eat reheated baked potatoes right away for best texture and flavor.
• Add extra toppings like cheese, salsa or bacon bits after reheating.
• Refrigerate any uneaten portions. Reheated potatoes don’t keep well.

Recipes

Here are some recipe ideas for using reheated baked potatoes:

Twice Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 baked potatoes, reheated
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp green onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut reheated baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh into a bowl, leaving about 1⁄4 inch thickness.
2. Mash potato flesh with milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onion and salt and pepper.
3. Scoop mixture back into potato skins.
4. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.

Loaded Reheated Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 reheated baked potatoes
• 1⁄2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack)
• 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1⁄4 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Chopped green onion and chili powder for topping

Instructions:

1. Slice reheated baked potatoes open lengthwise.
2. Top with shredded cheese, bacon, salsa, and sour cream.
3. Sprinkle with green onion and chili powder.

Microwaved Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 reheated baked potatoes, mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed reheated potato with egg, flour, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Form into patties. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat.
3. Fry patties until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Here are some recommended appliances for easily reheating baked potatoes:

Microwave:

• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – 1100W with sensor cooking for potatoes
• Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S – Inverter technology for even heating

Oven:

• Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital Oven – Up to 450°F for crisping skins
• Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven – Element IQ system for optimal baking

Air Fryer:

• Cosori Air Fryer Max XL – 5.8qt capacity, 11 one-touch presets including “Potato”
• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer – 4qt ceramic-coated basket, up to 400°F

Toaster Oven:

• Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven – 0.95 cubic foot interior fits 2 potatoes
• Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven – Element IQ and 1800W power

Slow Cooker:

• Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry – Removable stoneware insert for easy serving
• Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker – 8 temperature settings

Instant Pot:

• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 – Bestselling electric pressure cooker with rice cooker and yogurt maker functions
• Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 – Advanced processor control with 28 customizable programs

Reheating baked potatoes is easy and versatile. Use these methods to enjoy delicious leftovers. The oven, air fryer and microwave all give tasty results. With some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect way to reheat based on your preferences.