I made a classic baked potato in an air fryer and a toaster oven, and the winner was almost too close to call

Priscilla ThomasJan 15, 2024, 14:19 IST

I made the same baked-potato recipe in two countertop appliances: an air fryer and a toaster oven.Priscilla Thomas

I used an air fryer and a toaster oven to see which makes a better classic baked potato.
At first, the air fryer was faster and more convenient, but the toaster-oven potato tasted better.

There's nothing like a classic baked potato. But between the preheating and baking time in the oven, they can feel like more hassle than they're worth.

I've been microwaving my baked potatoes for years, but I decided to test two other oven alternatives: an air fryer and a toaster oven.

Here's how the spuds stacked up.

I prepped both potatoes the same way.

I only had to worry about preheating the toaster oven while prepping my potatoes. Priscilla Thomas

Once the preheating was done, I started with the toaster oven.

When the toaster oven was preheated, I put the potato in for its first bake. Priscilla Thomas

The air-fryer potato went in for 30 minutes at 400 F.

The instructions for the air-fried baked potato called for a shorter cooking time. Priscilla Thomas

When both potatoes were finished, I cut them to check out their textures.

My air-fried potato (left) and my toaster-oven potato (right) after baking.Priscilla Thomas

In terms of taste, the toaster-oven potato won.

I definitely preferred the toaster-oven potato the first time around. Priscilla Thomas

I decided I needed to do a rematch, with some adjustments.

I did the whole taste test again to account for any user error. Priscilla Thomas

This time, both potatoes came out with crispy skins.

The air-fryer potato (left) and the toaster-oven potato (right) both had nice textures. Priscilla Thomas

Surprisingly, the results were flipped this time around.

I preferred the air-fried potato the second time around. Priscilla Thomas

I go to Farmer Boys for breakfast every chance I get. Here's why I think the chain should come to every US state.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website