Boiling a potato before baking it to make a baked potato is not necessary, and it is not the traditional method for preparing a baked potato. Baking a potato in the oven without boiling it first is the standard way to achieve the best texture and flavor for a baked potato.
Here's the typical process for making a baked potato:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to around 400-425°F (200-220°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the potato: Wash the potato thoroughly to remove any dirt, and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Pierce the potato: Use a fork or a sharp knife to pierce the potato's skin in a few places. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potato from bursting.
Season the potato (optional): You can rub the potato with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with salt before baking to enhance the flavor and create a crispy skin.
Bake the potato: Place the prepared potato directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake it for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the potato. The skin should become crispy, and the inside should be tender and fluffy.
By baking the potato directly in the oven, you allow the natural sugars to caramelize, giving the potato its characteristic flavor and texture. Boiling the potato first could make it too soft and might alter its taste and texture, potentially leading to a less desirable baked potato.
However, if you're short on time, you can use the microwave to partially cook the potato before transferring it to the oven for baking. In this case, wrap the washed and pierced potato in a damp paper towel and microwave it on high for about 5-7 minutes. Then, place it in the preheated oven to finish baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispier skin.
Overall, for the best results, it's recommended to bake the potato directly in the oven without boiling it beforehand.