How to Make a Baked Potato Skin Crispy

Many consider that the perfect baked potato should have a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Cooking the baked potato so that the skin crisps, however, requires a special process and cooking method. Properly cooked baked potatoes also require time; you can cook a potato quickly in the microwave but the skin will not crisp. The following is how to make a baked potato skin crispy.

Steps

1
Choose the right kind of potato.
- A crisp skinned baked potato starts with the correct potato. When properly cooked, a russet potato will have the crispest skin, in part due to the starch content of the potato. A red skinned potato will also gain a crispy skin when cooked correctly. Other potatoes can be baked but the skin won't be as crispy. Choose potatoes without blemishes or sprouts and those that are firm and hard to the touch.
2
Prepare the potato.
- Potatoes should always be washed prior to cooking. Rinse the potato under running water and use a brush if there is dirt that is difficult to remove. Then dry the potatoes with paper towels.
- Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork to allow the steam to escape. Then, coat the potatoes in a light coat of olive oil. The oil will not adhere to the potato as well if they are wet or damp. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper.
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3
Bake the potatoes.
- Baked potatoes will become crispiest when baked at a high heat. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or in a shallow pan so that they're not touching. Bake them for about 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the potato.
4
Test the potato.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Using a clean kitchen towel to protect your hands, carefully squeeze the potato. If the potato feels soft and yielding then it is done. If it still feels firm and hard then it requires more cooking time.
5
Cool then eat the potatoes.
- Slice the baked potato open and allow it to cool for 1 minute, then top it with your favorite toppings and enjoy your crispy skinned baked potato.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use honey? Also, what brand of salt and pepper should I use?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Adding honey is odd, but your choice -- just make sure it doesn't burn if you decide to cook with the honey on the potato. Any brand salt and pepper will do, but cracking your own pepper is best.
Question

How much time does this take in a gas oven and at what temperature?

Community Answer

Bake unwrapped at 400 degrees until tender (roughly 50-60 minutes).
Question

Can a potato be baked without the skin?

Community Answer

You could try that, but it would wind up being very dry, as the skin seals in the potato's natural moisture. It could be roasted, but that would not be a baked potato.

Warnings

Wrapping a potato in foil and cooking it in the oven or cooking it unwrapped in the microwave will result in a potato that has been steamed, rather than baked. The skin will never become crispy if cooked in either of these ways.

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