Your go-to resource for creating perfectly crispy and fluffy toaster oven baked potatoes. Dig into the comforting goodness of a warm and overstuffed baked potato tonight!
Nothing beats the satisfying feeling of indulging in a fluffy baked potato, no matter the season. Thanks to your trusty toaster oven, you can enjoy this classic dish all year round.
Everything You Need To Know
Below, you’ll find all the information you need to cook up the most delicious toaster oven baked potatoes. This comprehensive guide includes:
- Step-by-step photo directions
- A method for cooking them faster (in just 30 minutes!)
- Convection Toaster Oven time and temperature adjustments
- Tips on storing and reheating leftovers
- Mouthwatering topping ideas and combinations
Special Tools
Baking potatoes directly on your toaster oven’s rack allows for even heat distribution. However, if you prefer a crispy skin without any oil dripping onto the oven, we recommend using a baking sheet and rack combo.
The Chicago Metallic Set (affiliate) is perfect for most small and medium-sized toaster ovens. It can accommodate two large potatoes and is also great for cooking toaster oven baked sweet potatoes.
For larger toaster ovens or countertop ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS), you can utilize a rimmed 1/4 sheet pan (affiliate) with a small oven-safe baking rack (affiliate) rated up to at least 450 degrees. This combo can fit 4 large or 6 small to medium potatoes.
Only You Can Prevent Toaster Oven Fires
As smart toaster oven users, we know better than to put foil in the bottom of our ovens. Placing anything near the heating elements can be a fire hazard. However, in the event of a fire, simply turn off the toaster oven and keep the door closed until the fire burns out. And remember, always call 911 if necessary.
Step-By-Step Photo Directions for Toaster Oven Baked Potatoes
- Remove your toaster oven’s cooking rack or grab a baking sheet with a cooling rack if available.
- Preheat the toaster oven to 400º F. Wash, scrub, and dry 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes.
- Using a small steak knife or fork, carefully stab each potato 2 times on each side. Be sure to pierce the centers to allow steam to escape, preventing any potential potato explosions in your oven.
- Rub each potato with a thin coating of olive oil (about 1/8 teaspoon) and place them on the toaster oven baking rack or prepared cookie sheet.
- Return the potato-topped rack to the preheated toaster oven and bake at 400º F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or longer for larger potatoes.
- Potatoes may take more or less time depending on their size. Check for doneness around 40 minutes for smaller potatoes.
How To Know When Your Baked Potato Is Ready
Your baked potatoes are ready when they feel tender when squeezed, a knife or fork easily goes in, and the skin is lightly browned and crispy to the touch. Remove the potatoes using tongs or by carefully removing the whole rack from the toaster oven.
Time To Fluff
Now comes the fun part: fluffing your potatoes! This step is crucial to release the steam and keep your taters from getting soggy. Try one of the following methods:
Zig-Zag Method
Use a steak knife to cut a zig-zag pattern across the length of the potato. Hold the potato with your thumbs on each end and press towards the center. The potato will pop open, and you can fluff the interior with a fork.
“Thwack” Method
Hold the potato lengthwise and thwack it once or twice against the counter or a cutting board. This cracks the potato open and gives it a rustic look. Plus, it’s super fun!
Want to Cook Them Faster?
If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the cook time in half by using your microwave. Here’s how:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 450°F and skip the oil for now.
- Wash, dry, and stab your raw potatoes.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes, then lightly rub them with oil.
- Bake the potatoes directly on the toaster oven rack or rack/pan combo for 20 to 30 minutes, until they are knife-tender and have a crispy golden skin.
How to Bake Potatoes With A Convection Toaster Oven
Follow the same steps as above, but reduce the temperature to 375°F and start checking on your potatoes about 20 minutes earlier. Flipping them halfway through will ensure even browning of the skin, although it’s not essential for a tasty baked potato.
Make It A Meal
Classic restaurant-style baked potatoes with butter, sour cream, and chives are always a winning combination. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want something more substantial, try these creative topping ideas:
- Veggie Pizza: Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella, Black Olives, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms
- Buffalo Chickpea: Shredded Kale, Chickpeas, Celery, Buffalo Sauce, Crumbled Blue Cheese
- Veggie Nachos: Shredded Cheese, Fresh Spinach, Peppers, Black Beans, Salsa, Avocado
- Mediterranean: Hummus, Tomatoes, Parsley, Kalamata Olives, Feta, Lemon Wedges, Za’atar
Don’t forget about your leftovers! Extra roasted veggies make fantastic baked potato toppers, such as Jalapeño Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes, Balsamic Asparagus, and even Brussels Sprouts.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate any leftover baked potatoes within two hours of baking in a covered glass container. They should stay good for up to 3 or 4 days.
Reheating In Your Toaster Oven
Place the whole potato directly on the rack in a preheated 350°F toaster oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until warmed through.
Reheating In Your Microwave
Slice the baked potato in half and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, until warmed through. For a premium experience, place a lightly moistened paper towel over the potato halves before microwaving.
Why Foil Can Make You Sick
According to the FDA, refrigerating baked potatoes in foil creates a dangerous environment that can cause botulism. Since baking in foil leads to soggy skins anyway, it’s best to keep foil away from your toaster oven baked potatoes entirely.
Now that you have a basic recipe, step-by-step directions, quicker cooking methods, a world of topping ideas, and tips for storing and reheating, your toaster oven baked potatoes are ready to impress. Go forth and bake those potatoes!
