How to Reheat Baked Potato
Leftover baked potatoes, plain or loaded.
The Short Answer
The best way to reheat a baked potato is in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. This restores the fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Reheating Methods
Oven
Temperature: 350°F
Time: 15-20 minutes
Place directly on the oven rack. Re-crisp the skin for the last 5 minutes by increasing to 400 degrees F. Reheat without toppings; add those after.
Air Fryer
Time: 8-12 minutes
375 degrees F for 8-12 minutes. Produces the crispiest reheated skin. Spray lightly with oil for extra crunch.
Microwave
Time: 2-3 minutes
Prick with a fork. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. The skin will be soft, not crispy. Quick but inferior texture.
Do not reheat a loaded baked potato with sour cream, cheese, and toppings already on it. The toppings do not reheat well. Reheat the potato plain and add fresh toppings after.
Reheat the potato plain and add fresh toppings after. Day-old sour cream and cheese that have been microwaved together create a greasy, unappetizing mess. A freshly topped reheated potato tastes nearly as good as the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
The oven method at 350 degrees F preserves moisture in the interior while crisping the skin. Wrapping in foil helps retain moisture if the potato is already dry, but you sacrifice the crispy skin.
Yes, but the skin will be soft and the texture may be slightly gummy. Prick with a fork first and heat for 2-3 minutes on high. Add a tablespoon of water inside a paper towel wrap for better results.
Baked potatoes last 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Potatoes can harbor Clostridium botulinum if left in foil at room temp.
The Bottom Line
The best way to reheat baked potato is in the oven. Take the extra few minutes to use the right method and your leftovers will taste nearly as good as the first time.