How to Bake a Potato in a Toaster Oven?
Potatoes are one of the most loved items when it comes to food. People like to eat potatoes in different ways all over the world. From fried potatoes to baked or mashed ones, you can make them in a variety of ways. Although many people like to eat baked potatoes when they go out, they do not know how to make them properly at home. In this guide, we will explain everything about how to bake a potato in a toaster oven as well as other methods which are simple and easy to do!
Best way to bake potato in oven
The first step is to take decent sized potatoes. You can take the ones with high starch like Idaho or russet because they are considered best for baked potatoes and turn out to be fluffy from inside. However, the low starch varieties like Maine and Yukon are also not a bad choice because they are able to keep their shape in a firm way and have a harder bite. Wash the potatoes and let them dry for two minutes. Next, you can either peel off the skin or keep it as it is.
Once the potatoes get baked, you can also peel them afterwards so it is up to you. Preheat the oven to around 200 º C for around 10 minutes. Then, place the potatoes inside a baking tray or rack and leave it inside for around 35 minutes. You can put some oil on it to make them crispier. Many people wonder about baked potatoes in a toaster oven wrapped in foil. However, there is no need to put foil around them. If you want to steam the potatoes, then you can wrap foil around them otherwise it is not needed.
Keep checking the items after 10 minutes so that you do not burn them. In order to check if they are done, take a knife and insert it inside the potatoes. If it goes inside easily and comes out dry, then it means that your potatoes are ready to consume.
For variety in tastes, you can cut the potato in half and add vegetables, cheese or spices inside it. This will add unique flavors to the baked potatoes and you will enjoy them even further.
How long does it take to bake potatoes in a toaster oven?
It is important to know how long you should put the potatoes in the oven otherwise you can burn them. If the temperature is set at 200 º C, then the time can range from 35 to 75 minutes depending on the size of the potato. Smaller ones cook easily in 35 minutes while the largest ones that weigh over 300 grams can take around 75 minutes to bake properly. If you preheat the oven and then keep the temperature at 185 º C, the time can be reduced by 5 minutes for each case.
It is advisable to keep checking the potatoes frequently when you put them in the oven and flip the sides so that one side does not overcook. This is the easy way to bake potatoes in a toaster oven.
Baked Potato Toppings
Simple baked potatoes are tasty themselves but if you combine other ingredients, you can enhance their flavor even further. Many restaurants and cafes offer fancy dishes with baked potatoes that contain multiple items inside. You can either put the toppings on top of the potatoes or cut them in half and place them inside. Some of the common ones are listed below.
- Salt and pepper
- Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Green onion
- Olives
- Bacon pieces
- Jalapeno
How to bake a potato in a microwave oven?
Microwave ovens are usually not recommended for baking potatoes but you can still do it if you do not have a toaster oven at your home. The procedure is similar to normal ovens. First, wash the potatoes, oil them and then place them inside the microwave oven. First, heat them for 5 minutes to check if they are cooking properly. Then further heat them for 5-10 more minutes if needed and enjoy your food with sauces and friends! This method is the quickest one to make these potatoes.
How to bake a potato in air fryer
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years as they reduce the need for large amounts of oil for frying. Baking potatoes in these devices is very similar to an oven. The first step is to wash the potatoes thoroughly with cold water. Then, make small holes using forks to allow air flow when baking.
For the best taste, put some oil around the items and sparkle some salt and pepper on top. After that, you just have to switch on the air fryer and put the potatoes inside. Set the temperature at 200 º C. Unlike the conventional ovens, you do not need to preheat the fryer and the potatoes will be ready in less than 30 minutes. Check the items by inserting a knife inside it and observe if it comes out dry. Serve the potatoes alone or with a main dish and enjoy the meal.
Tips on baking potatoes
There are some general tips on making baked potatoes.
- Oil the potatoes evenly to make crispy
- Add salt and pepper to give good taste
- Make small holes with fork or knife to allow even heat and air inside
- Keep checking the potatoes after every 10 minutes in the oven
- Do not put foil in direct heat source as it can catch fire
Conclusion
Whether you are aiming for a quick snack or looking for a delicious side dish with your main course, baked potatoes are there to serve your appetite. We have looked at different methods on making baked potatoes in a convection toaster oven. Apart from this, making potatoes in microwave ovens and air fryers is also discussed in detail. If you are a potato lover, do not miss this guide because it provides all information on making the best baked potatoes at home.
References
“https://natashaskitchen.com/air-fryer-baked-potatoes/”