Baked potatoes typically take between 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook in the oven at temperatures ranging from 400°F to 450°F. The exact time depends on the size of the potatoes and the oven temperature:
- At 400°F, baking usually takes about 45 to 55 minutes.
- At 425°F, medium-sized potatoes take around 45 to 60 minutes.
- At 450°F, baking time is roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Potatoes are done when the skins are crisp and a fork can easily pierce the flesh
. For best results, use russet potatoes, which have a thick skin and a fluffy interior when baked. Before baking, scrub and dry the potatoes, poke them with a fork to allow steam to escape, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt to get crispy skins
. If you want softer skin, you can wrap potatoes in foil, which will reduce cooking time slightly and keep the interior moist but skin soft
. In summary, plan for about 45 to 60 minutes at 425°F for a perfectly baked potato with crispy skin and fluffy inside, adjusting time based on potato size and oven temperature. Check doneness by piercing with a fork to ensure it slides in easily
