what temp to cook potatoes in oven
For most oven potato recipes, a good target is 400–425°F (200–220°C), which gives you fluffy insides and nicely crisp outsides.
Quick Scoop: Best Oven Temps for Potatoes
- For crispy roasted cubes or wedges:
- 400–425°F (200–220°C), about 30–45 minutes depending on size, turning once.
- For classic whole baked potatoes (fluffy inside, crisp skin):
- 400–425°F (200–220°C) for about 45–60 minutes, until fork‑tender.
- For softer skin / gentler bake:
- Around 375°F (190°C) for a bit longer if you prefer a less crisp skin.
A simple rule of thumb: if you want crispier potatoes, go toward 425°F; if you want a softer result or are sharing the oven with something more delicate, stay closer to 375–400°F.
Mini How‑To Example (Whole Baked Potato)
- Preheat oven to 400–425°F (200–220°C).
- Scrub potatoes, dry well, prick all over with a fork.
- Rub lightly with oil and salt for extra flavor and crisp skin.
- Bake on a tray 45–60 minutes, until a fork slides in easily or internal temp is about 205–212°F (96–100°C).
If you’re doing small 1‑inch chunks instead, the same 400–425°F range works; just start checking around 30–35 minutes.
| Potato style | Oven temp | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole, medium baked | 400–425°F (200–220°C) | [5][9][3]45–60 min | [5][9][3]Best balance of fluffy inside and crisp skin. |
| Roasted cubes/wedges | 400–425°F (200–220°C) | [7][1][3]30–45 min | [1][7][3]Toss in oil, season, turn once for even browning. |
| Gentle baked potato | 375°F (190°C) | [3]Longer, 60+ min | [3]Softer skin, less intense browning. |
TL;DR: Set your oven somewhere in the 400–425°F (200–220°C) range for most potato dishes, then adjust time based on size and whether you like them extra crispy or just tender.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
