Baked potatoes are versatile and satisfying. Learn how to bake a potato. Plus, get helpful tips for making baked potatoes.

What Kind Of Potato Is Best For Baking?

Although any type of potato can be baked using the following methods, the most widely used variety is russet potatoes. Russets have high starch levels, giving the baked potato a fluffy, light texture. This gives it a thick, crispy skin that crisps up in the oven or on the campfire.

How Do You Prepare Potatoes For Baking?

Cool tap water and either a veggie brush (or any other clean brush) can be used to scrub the potatoes. Use a kitchen towel to dry potatoes. Next, use a fork or the tip of a paring knife to poke the potato on each side.

Why bother poking holes through your potato? As the potato cooks, steam builds up in the potato. These tiny holes allow it to escape the skin so that it doesn't explode. Safer than sorry

For extra crispy skin, rub your potatoes lightly in healthy fat such as olive oil or avocado oil.

Should I Wrap The Baked Potato In Foil?

Even though you might have seen your parents wrap potatoes up in foil as a way to bake them, it isn't necessary for many methods. Only when you are baking potatoes in foil, is it necessary to cover them.

Once your potato has been prepped, you can bake it or "bake" in just about any piece of equipment. Here are several methods to make a baked potato.

How To Make Baked Potatoes With An Oven?

Preheat the oven to 425oF. Bake potatoes for about 45 minutes, either on a baking pan or directly on an oven rack. You can check for doneness by following the instructions below. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 15 minutes if necessary.

How To Make Baked Potatoes With The Microwave?

Place the prepared potatoes on a plate. Avoid wrapping in foil. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Check for doneness using the following method: Microwave in 30-second bursts, as necessary, until it is done.

Baked Potatoes In An Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place potatoes in a single layer and cook for 30 min. Use tongs for flipping the potatoes. Continue cooking for 10 minutes. Check for doneness using the tongs. Continue cooking for five to ten minutes more if needed.

Baked Potatoes In A Slow-Cooker

Place prepared potatoes in the slow-cooker, stacking as required. Cook on Low for 8 hours.

How To Make Baked Potatoes Using The Instant Pot?

Add the metal trivet insert to the bowl. Put pre-cut potatoes on the insert. You can stack the potatoes according to your needs, but not beyond the upper bowl's maximum level.

For medium potatoes, lock the lid and seal the valve. Next, press the Instant Pot's high-pressure button for 14 minutes or 16 minutes. After the cook cycle finishes, let the Instant pot naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes.

Baked Potatoes With A Campfire Or Fire Pit

Double-wrap pre-prepared potatoes in foil. Place the potatoes in the ash or coals near the fire's base, but not directly on the flames, once the fire is lit. For each side to be cooked in the coals, turn the potatoes quarter-turn about every 10 to15 minutes.

Check for doneness after about 40 to 45 minutes. If necessary, cook another 10 to fifteen minutes. Let the potatoes rest for a couple of minutes on the heat before carefully opening the foil. The steam from the oven will escape.