How long to cook potatoes
Choose a method and size for a practical estimate; cooking times are ranges, not a substitute for checking doneness. How we calculate times.
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Estimated cooking time
25–29 min
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Start in cold, well-salted water so they heat through evenly.
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
Potatoes by method
At typical settings. Pressure cooker is fastest at 12–14 min.
| Method | Typical time | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Boil | 25–29 min | |
| Oven | 55 min – 1 hr 5 min | |
| Air fryer | 34–39 min | |
| Steam | 30–35 min | |
| Pressure cooker | 12–14 min |
Potatoes cooking time by size
| Size | Approximate | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed (3 cm) | For mash or roast cubes | 13–15 min |
| Baby / small whole | ≈80 g each | 17–19 min |
| Medium whole | ≈180 g | 25–29 min |
| Large whole / jacket | ≈300 g, for baking | 35–41 min |
How to know when it's done
Test with the tip of a sharp knife or a fork — it should slide in with little resistance. potatoes keep cooking slightly after they leave the heat, so check a minute early.
Food-level cooking reference: BBC Good Food — Potato glossary (checked 2026-08-18). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I boil potatoes?
Cubed potatoes take 13–15 minutes, medium whole potatoes 24–30 minutes. They're done when a fork slides in easily.
How long does a jacket potato take?
65–80 minutes at 200°C in the oven, or 45–55 minutes in an air fryer at 200°C. Prick the skin before baking.
Should potatoes go into cold or boiling water?
Cold. They cook more evenly and the outside doesn't turn mushy before the center is done.