The ideal oven temperature for baking potatoes generally ranges from 400°F to 450°F, depending on the desired texture and cooking time:
- Baking at 425°F for about 50 to 60 minutes is a common recommendation to achieve crispy skin and fluffy interior. This temperature balances cooking time and texture well, with the potato being done when its internal temperature reaches about 205°F to 215°F
- Some recipes suggest baking at 450°F for a shorter time (around 45 minutes total), which helps the skin crisp up quickly while keeping the inside soft
- Baking at 400°F for about 1 to 1.5 hours is also effective, especially for larger potatoes, yielding tender insides and crispy skin without charring
Key tips include poking the potatoes with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and rubbing the skin with oil or butter and salt to enhance crispiness
. In summary, a temperature between 400°F and 450°F is best for baked potatoes, with 425°F being a widely recommended sweet spot for perfect results. Baking times vary from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the temperature and potato size. The potato is done when soft inside and the internal temperature reaches around 210°F
