How to Cook Baked Potato 6 Different Ways

Baked potatoes are a simple side or can even make for a fantastic lunch, but you have to know how to cook them. Fortunately, there are 6 ways for how to cook baked potato that you can choose. Whether you want to rely on your oven or find another way to make them, here’s how you can turn the baked potato recipe you love into your next meal when you learn how to cook them through various methods!

Pro Baked Potato Tips

Generally, Russet potatoes are the most commonly used for baked potatoes. You can choose small, medium, large, or even those huge ones. However, you should know that this can change the cooking times recommended.

Our 6 methods for how to cook baked potato are tailored to smaller-sized Russet potatoes, so keep that in mind. No matter which size you choose, try to keep all the potatoes you’re baking around the same size. This way, they will all cook evenly.

You should always scrub the skins well because they can be the tastiest part of a baked potato. Don’t forget to poke holes in your potatoes before choosing a cooking method. Forgetting this step can result in a baked potato explosion.

How to Cook Baked Potato in the Oven

If you’re a traditionalist, then knowing how to cook baked potato in the oven is paramount. You’ll preheat your oven to 450°F and line your baking sheet with foil or parchment.

Get your potatoes ready by cleaning and poking holes (about 10 pokes around all sides should do it). Put the potatoes on your baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Pull them out and brush with butter or oil and add salt. Then bake for 20 more minutes.

Check your baked potatoes by squeezing them gently while wearing your oven mitts. If they squeeze and feel soft with the pressure of this squeeze, they’re ready. If not, give them 5 more minutes at a time until they’re finished.

How to Cook Baked Potato in the Microwave

If it’s just you or perhaps you’re cooking for two, there’s no reason to go to all the trouble of using your oven. You can learn how to cook baked potato in the microwave. You’ll prep your potato by cleaning it and pricking it with a fork, then put it on a microwave-safe plate.

Set it for 5 minutes on high, then turn it over and continue cooking for 5 more minutes. You can then cut it open and fill it with butter, sour cream, cheese, or any of your other favorite toppings.

How to Cook Baked Potato on the Grill

If you’re going to grill steaks outside, then throw some potatoes on there. Here’s how to cook baked potato on the grill in a few easy steps!

Preheat the grill to 400-450°F and as it warms up, wrap your cleaned, poked, and seasoned potatoes with foil. It is ideal if you can double-wrap them, then put them on your grill for 30 minutes.

Make sure you set a timer to remind you to turn your potatoes every 10 minutes. They’re ready when you can easily stab a fork into the potatoes.

How to Cook Baked Potato in a Crock Pot

Do you want baked potatoes for dinner tonight but you have to work all day? Here’s how to cook baked potato in a crock pot to have this delightful side dish ready to go when you get home.

You’ll start off scrubbing and poking the potato. Drizzle with butter or olive oil, season, and wrap tightly with foil. Stick your potatoes into the crock pot and set them on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. When finished, be careful as you unwrap them. Set out your family’s favorite toppings and let them enjoy their baked potato their way.

How to Cook Baked Potato in the Instant Pot

If you know how to cook baked potato in the Instant Pot, it’s a fast and easy way to go. Set the trivet into your Instant Pot and fill it with a cup of cold water. Prep your potatoes by scrubbing and poking, then put them into the Instant Pot. Cover with the lid and put the valve on the sealing position, set to manual high pressure. If you have large Russet potatoes, it will take 16 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, then change the valve to venting to let out any remaining steam. You can then check to make sure they’re done and serve them with dinner.

How to Cook Baked Potato in an Air Fryer

Yes, you can learn how to cook baked potato in your air fryer, though it does take a while. The prep is the same with cleaning the skins thoroughly and poking it with a fork. You’ll want to lightly coat with olive oil and season too. Put the potatoes in your air fryer’s basket and then cook them on the air fry setting at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure you turn them over halfway into the cooking time for even cooking. They’re ready when you can easily stick a knife into the center of your potatoes.