Go Back
Baked potato cut in half with salt and pepper on a plate.

How to Make a Baked Potato

Learn how to make a baked potato using the oven, microwave, or air fryer with just four simple ingredients for a perfect, fluffy result!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 271 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 450F (232C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, and set it aside.
  • Use a fork to poke holes in the potatoes.
    4 medium Russet potatoes
  • Use a pastry brush to coat the potatoes with the oil (or butter), and season with salt and pepper all over.
    2 teaspoons olive oil or melted butter, 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste, ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender and the skin is crisp.
  • Cool slightly, slice in half, and fluff the flesh with a fork.

Notes

Microwave Option:
  1. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
  2. Poke holes all over with a fork.
  3. Microwave 1-2 potatoes at a time for 4-5 minutes. Flip, and microwave another 4-5 minutes or until tender.
Air Fryer Option: 
  1. Wash and dry the potatoes.
  2. Poke holes all over with a fork.
  3. Brush the oil over the potatoes, or coat them with cooking oil spray.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Arrange in a single layer in an air fryer basket, working in batches as needed.
  6. Air fry at 400F for 40 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
  7. Feel free to add garlic powder or onion powder in addition to the salt and pepper.

Storage: Transfer cooled baked potatoes to an airtight container, or wrap them in foil. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition: The calorie count is based on a serving size of 250g once cooked. Macro breakdown below:
    • Serving size = 250 grams cooked potato
    • Carbohydrates = 54 grams
    • Protein = 7 grams
    • Fat = 3 grams
 
Keyword how to bake a potato in an air fryer, how to bake a potato in the oven, how to cook a baked potato, how to cook a baked potato in the microwave, how to make a baked potato, how to make a baked potato in the air fryer, how to make a baked potato in the microwave, how to make a baked potato in the oven