A Perfect Baked Potato

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350F.

2. 2

   Wash the potato with a vegetable brush and dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   With the fork, poke holes all over the potato surface.

4. 4

   This will allow steam inside the potato to release as it heats, which will result in a great fluffy texture.

5. 5

   Pour a small amount of canola oil into a bowl, add the potato and turn until the entire surface is lightly coated with the oil.

6. 6

   This not only makes for a slightly crunchy skin, because the oil can get so much hotter than the water inside the potato, it will regulate the moisture.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the potato skin with the kosher salt.

8. 8

   Place the potato directly on the rack in the center of the oven.

9. 9

   A medium-size russet should be fully cooked in about 1 hour.

10. 10

    To check for doneness, give the potato a squeeze (wearing fireproof gloves).

11. 11

    If the skin feels kind of crunchy but the meat inside is soft, its time to eat.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.