Pricking your potatoes is essential! This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting open, which can make a mess and ruin dinner. It also helps to reduce cooking time since heat can penetrate the potato more easily.
However, avoid pricking the foil around the potato. If you do, some of the foil will get stuck to the skin, and you don’t want that surprise when someone bites into the potato.
3. Get Rid of the Foil
Many people wrap their potatoes in foil to bake them, but this isn’t necessary and can sometimes result in soggy skin. Instead, let the potato bake directly on the oven rack to achieve that perfect crispy skin.
4. Know Your Baking Time
Depending on the size of the potato and your oven, baking time can vary. Typically, large potatoes should be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. However, you can test them by gently squeezing the potato. If it’s soft and gives under pressure, it’s ready to enjoy!
