To speed up the cooking time for baked potatoes in the oven without using a microwave, you can try the following methods:
Preheat the oven at a higher temperature: Start by preheating your oven to a higher temperature than the traditional baking temperature for potatoes. Setting it to around 425°F (220°C) can help reduce the cooking time.
Use smaller potatoes: Smaller potatoes will cook faster than larger ones. If possible, choose potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces: Instead of baking whole potatoes, consider cutting them into smaller chunks. This will significantly decrease the cooking time.
Parboil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in hot water for a few minutes before transferring them to the oven. Parboiling partially cooks the potatoes, reducing the time required to bake them fully.
Create potato "boats": Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create potato "boats." This reduces the mass and thickness, thus shortening the cooking time.
Poke holes in the potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes in the potatoes before baking. This allows steam to escape during baking, which can speed up the process.
Use a baking stone or preheated baking sheet: Placing the potatoes on a preheated baking stone or a preheated baking sheet can help distribute heat more evenly, reducing cooking time.
Wrap in foil: While not a common method for traditional baked potatoes, wrapping them in foil can help retain heat and speed up the cooking process. However, be aware that this method may produce slightly different results than the typical crispy skin of oven-baked potatoes.
Keep in mind that even with these methods, baking potatoes will still take some time. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, the oven temperature, and the specific method used. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a fork to test for tenderness. When the fork easily pierces the potatoes, they are ready to enjoy!