Question 1

Can you bake a potato without foil, and should you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You don’t need to wrap baked potatoes in foil, and if crispy skin is the goal, you’re actually better off without it. Foil traps moisture around the potato as it bakes, resulting in softer skin. Leaving it uncovered allows that moisture to escape so the outside can crisp up while the center cooks until soft and fluffy.

Question 2

Do baked potatoes cook faster with or without foil?

Accepted Answer

Foil shouldn’t be relied on as a way to significantly speed up the cooking process. Baking time depends much more on the size of your potatoes and your oven, so use doneness cues rather than wrapping them in foil in an attempt to make them cook faster.

Question 3

Can you bake potatoes directly on the oven rack?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bake potatoes directly on the oven rack. For this recipe, I use a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, which still allows hot air to circulate around the potatoes while making them easier to get in and out of the oven.

Side Dishes

No Foil Baked Potato With Crispy Skin

Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Crispy Potato Salad with Bacon and Pickles

Buttery Lemon Dill Rice

Zesty Linguine Pasta Salad

Pomegranate and Feta Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette

Dill Pickle Chopped Salad with Creamy Pickle Ranch Dressing

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese

Easy Sautéed Kale and Mushrooms

HONEY ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

PESTO CAULIFLOWER

SMASHED POTATOES WITH SOUR CREAM

AIR FRYER BROCCOLINI

SAUTEED ASPARAGUS WITH MUSHROOMS

INSTANT POT BROCCOLI (NO STEAMER BASKET)