For classic oven-baked potatoes with fluffy insides and crispy skins, a good general rule is 400–425°F (200–220°C) for about 45–60 minutes, until a fork slides in easily and the center reaches around 205–210°F.

Quick Scoop: Time & Temp Basics

  • Standard russet potatoes (medium-large, 8–10 oz each) bake well at 425°F for about 50 minutes.
  • You can also bake them at 400°F for roughly 60 minutes, or 375°F for about 70 minutes; lower temperatures need longer time.
  • Potatoes are done when the skin is crisp, they feel soft when squeezed with an oven mitt, and a fork pierces the center easily (or an instant-read thermometer shows at least 205°F in the middle).

Think of it like giving the potato a “spa day”: a steady, hot bake lets the inside steam to fluffiness while the skin gets nicely crisp.

Simple Step‑by‑Step Method

  1. Preheat the oven
    • Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
  1. Prep the potatoes
    • Scrub russet potatoes and dry them well.
 * Pierce each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape and prevent bursting.

 * Rub with a little oil (olive or vegetable) and sprinkle with coarse salt for extra-crispy, seasoned skins.
  1. Bake
    • Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
 * Bake 45–60 minutes at 425°F until skins are crisp and potatoes are fork-tender in the center.
  1. Serve
    • Let cool a few minutes, slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, add butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or your favorite toppings.

Different Temps: Rough Guide

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Oven Temp Approx. Time (large russet) Notes
325°F (165°C) ~90 minutes Very slow, very soft insides, internal temp around 210°F.
350°F (175°C) ~80 minutes Low and slow; gentle bake if sharing the oven with other dishes.
375°F (190°C) ~70 minutes Compromise between slow and standard.
400°F (200°C) ~60 minutes Common “everyday” baked potato setting.
425°F (220°C) ~45–60 minutes Popular for extra-crispy skins and fluffy centers.
If your potatoes are much smaller or larger than average, shave off or add 10–15 minutes and always confirm doneness with a fork or thermometer.

TL;DR: For most home ovens, bake medium-large russet potatoes at 425°F for about 50 minutes, or 400°F for about 60 minutes, until a fork glides in and the center hits roughly 205–210°F.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.