How Long to Bake a Potato: Exact Times & Pro Tips

A medium-sized russet potato takes 55-65 minutes at 400°F (204°C). The exact time depends on potato size, oven accuracy, and preparation method. This guide provides precise baking times, visual doneness indicators, and troubleshooting tips for perfect baked potatoes every time.

Nothing beats a perfectly baked potato with a fluffy interior and crisp skin. But getting that ideal texture requires understanding more than just a timer. Many home cooks struggle with undercooked centers or dry, overbaked results because they rely solely on clock time without considering key variables.

Understanding Baking Time Variables

The "how long" question has multiple answers because several factors influence baking duration. Knowing these variables helps you adapt rather than follow rigid timing.

Size Category	Weight Range	400°F (204°C) Time	Internal Temp
Small	5-7 oz (140-200g)	45-50 minutes	205-210°F (96-99°C)
Medium	8-10 oz (225-280g)	55-65 minutes	205-210°F (96-99°C)
Large	11-14 oz (310-400g)	65-75 minutes	205-210°F (96-99°C)
Jumbo	15+ oz (425g+)	75-90 minutes	205-210°F (96-99°C)

This reference table from the Cornell Food Science Department shows how size directly impacts baking duration while maintaining the critical internal temperature range of 205-210°F for optimal texture. Potatoes below 200°F remain starchy and firm, while those exceeding 212°F risk drying out.

Step-by-Step Baking Process

Follow this reliable method for consistent results:

Preparation Phase

Wash potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing skin with a brush. Pat completely dry—moisture extends baking time. Prick each potato 4-6 times with a fork to allow steam escape. For crispier skin, rub with ½ teaspoon oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Baking Phase

Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack with a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch drips. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for the time corresponding to their size. Avoid wrapping in foil—it steams rather than bakes the potato, resulting in softer skin and longer cooking time.

Doneness Verification

Time alone isn't sufficient. Verify doneness using these three methods:

1. Internal temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center—should read 205-210°F (96-99°C)
2. Squeeze test: Using oven mitts, gently squeeze the potato—it should yield slightly with no hard center
3. Visual indicator: Skin appears slightly wrinkled and may have small cracks

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper timing, problems can occur. Here's how to address them:

Undercooked Potatoes

If your potato has a hard center after the recommended time, return it to the oven in 5-minute increments. This commonly happens with:

• Large potatoes placed directly on cold baking sheets
• Ovens running cooler than indicated (verify with oven thermometer)
• Altitude above 3,000 feet where water boils at lower temperatures

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, potatoes must reach 205°F internally to fully gelatinize starches for that characteristic fluffy texture.

Overcooked or Dry Potatoes

Excessive baking causes moisture loss. Prevent this by:

• Not exceeding 75 minutes for standard russets
• Avoiding temperatures above 425°F (218°C)
• Removing potatoes immediately when they reach 210°F

Alternative Cooking Methods

Different appliances require adjusted timing:

Convection Oven

Reduce standard time by 15-20% and lower temperature by 25°F (14°C). A medium potato typically needs 45-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Air Fryer

At 400°F (204°C), cook for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway. The circulating hot air creates crispier skin in less time.

Grill Method

Over indirect medium heat (350-375°F), wrapped potatoes take 60-75 minutes. Direct heat creates uneven cooking.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Properly stored baked potatoes maintain quality for:

• Room temperature: Maximum 2 hours (food safety requirement)
• Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container
• Freezer: 6-8 months when wrapped tightly

For best reheating results, wrap in damp paper towel and microwave at 50% power for 3-4 minutes, or warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Avoid high-power microwaving which dries out potatoes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Professional chefs achieve consistent results by:

• Using an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature
• Selecting uniformly sized potatoes for even cooking
• Placing potatoes directly on oven racks rather than baking sheets
• Allowing 5-10 minutes resting time after baking for steam distribution

How long to bake a potato at 375 degrees?

At 375°F (190°C), medium russet potatoes require 65-75 minutes. Check for doneness at 65 minutes using a thermometer—internal temperature should reach 205-210°F for optimal texture.

Do you wrap potatoes in foil when baking?

Professional chefs recommend against foil wrapping as it steams rather than bakes the potato, resulting in softer skin and longer cooking time. For crispier skin, bake potatoes directly on the oven rack after rubbing with oil and salt.

Why is my baked potato hard in the middle?

A hard center usually indicates undercooking. This happens when oven temperature is inaccurate, potatoes are oversized, or they're placed on cold baking sheets. Return to oven in 5-minute increments until internal temperature reaches 205-210°F.

How do you know when a baked potato is done?

Verify doneness through three methods: 1) Internal temperature of 205-210°F, 2) Gentle squeeze yields slightly with no hard center, 3) Skin appears slightly wrinkled with small cracks. Time alone isn't sufficient for accurate determination.