Most standard oven-baked potatoes take about 45–60 minutes at a high heat, depending mainly on size and oven temperature.

Quick Scoop

  • For medium russets at 400–425°F: plan on 45–60 minutes until the skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.
  • Start checking around the 45–50 minute mark so they don’t overcook and dry out.
  • Larger, very thick potatoes can take closer to an hour; smaller ones may be done a bit sooner.

Simple step-by-step

  1. Preheat oven to 400–425°F.
  1. Scrub and dry potatoes, then prick them a few times with a fork.
  1. Rub lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt, then place on a baking sheet or directly on the rack.
  1. Bake 45–60 minutes, until the potato feels soft when squeezed with an oven mitt or pierced with a fork.

If you’re in doubt, leave them in until the center reaches about 205°F on an instant-read thermometer for fluffy insides and crisp skin.