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There’s no need to run the oven and heat up the house when you can make Crockpot Express Baked Potatoes.
Now, I know that calling these Crockpot Express BAKED potatoes isn’t technically correct. But if the results are essentially the same as baking them in the oven, I think it’s OK to borrow the label. Besides, no one is going to be searching “how to steam whole potatoes.” 😉
It’s been several years since I got my first CPE and took the plunge into the pressure cooking world. I don’t know why I haven’t posted about baked potatoes yet! It’s such a simple “recipe” and something people ask about all the time.
Speaking of frequently asked questions, here are a few of the more common FAQ’s that I get when it comes to using the Crockpot Express.
NPR simply means after the cooking cycle is complete, let the Crockpot Express naturally release pressure through the bobber valve. This starts automatically as soon as it’s done cooking. Always use NPR when cooking meats or things like soup that might splatter. See more here: 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Using my Crockpot Express
Yes. Some steam will be released from the valve as it comes to pressure. Usually, the HEAt display will go off and switch to the timer countdown within 1-2 minutes of the steam releasing from the valve.
Yes! It’s perfectly safe to cook frozen meat in the pressure cooker. However, it will take longer for the pot to preheat and begin cooking. For best results, always thaw meat first. But in a pinch, cooking from frozen will work.
The E6 error is similar to the “burn notice” on the Instant Pot. Typically, it means there’s not enough liquid and the pot. You can read more about the Crockpot Express E6 Error here.
OK, so back to how to make “baked” potatoes in the Crockpot Express. Start with a standard Russet baking potato. I would say mine were medium/large in size. They were the standard size sold at the grocery store.
For cooking baked potatoes, size really does matter. The larger they are, the longer they will take to cook. If you have one of those mega Costco-sized potatoes, expect to add quite a bit more cooking time.
My thinking is that it’s really hard to overcook a potato, but an under cooked potato is going to be really hard and gross. So I err on the side of caution and cook a bit longer than others might.
Wash and brush each potato to clean the skins. Puncture each one several times with a fork. This will help keep them from bursting open under pressure.
Stack the potatoes up on a trivet with handles for easy removal after cooking. I cook 4 potatoes in my 6 quart Crockpot Express. You could easily fit a few more in the pot by simply stacking them up on top of each other.
Add one cup of water to the inner pot. Then place the trivet inside and close it up to cook. When the cook time is up, do a quick release. Open up your CPE to find 4 (or more) perfectly cooked “baked” potatoes!
Crockpot Express Baked Potatoes
Instructions
- Wash/brush each potato to clean the skins. Poke several times with a fork.
- Pour water into the inner pot. Stack potatoes up on a handled trivet (for easy removal) and lower into the pot.
- Close and lock the lid, turning the steam release valve to closed. Press Beans/Chili and adjust time to 30 minutes. (High pressure) Press Start/Stop.
- When the cooking time is up, open the steam release valve to do a quick pressure release. Lift the potatoes out of the pot and serve with butter, sour cream, chives or your favorite toppings!
Nutrition
Baked potatoes not really your thing? Try making Crockpot Express Mashed Potatoes. You’ll never go back to making them the old fashioned way again!
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brent says
Wanted a baked potato, had a meaty russet, read all comments, and picked 25 min.
I understand your reasons for picking 30 (better to over than under). I wanted to split in half with a knife, drown it in butter, and enjoy it. Too tender for a straight cut but not unhappy at all. It was split-like…but the important thing for anyone reading is the oven-baked taste and texture IS there and that’s the important thing. Real good. 5 stars.
Sara says
If I only want to cook 2 potatoes via this method should I reduce the amount of water that I add to them?
Nicole Burkholder says
No-the water is for the steam to bring the pot to pressure, so that amount doesn’t change. Cook time will be the same as well ๐
Kelson says
I just found this recipe and I will never do my potatoes any other way from now on! They were delicious. Thank you!
Nicole Burkholder says
I’m glad you found it! It’s so nice to just turn on the pot and walk away ๐
Washington says
Can you bake or roast in the Crockpot Express Crisp 8qt? I didn’t see a bake or roast function button.
Nicole Burkholder says
No, there’s no “dry heat” option. This is a pressure cooker, with some other features like Saute, Simmer and yogurt. But there’s no “bake.” Now, you can still make a fantastic roast in it, as well as desserts. But they will be make in a wet environment.
Nicole Burkholder says
Oh, duh. I just saw where you said “Crisp” in your question. That can be used like an air fryer, so yes…sort of. Using the crisp lid is a dry feature, and is similar to air frying. Hope that helps!
Zebo the Magnificent says
Wow, 30 minutes… cut that down to 12 to 16 minutes depending on potato size. Try to keep all the potatoes the same size.
Nicole Burkholder says
As I mention in the post, it really does depend on the size of the potato. It’s hard to get them all exactly the same size, but that’s what I look for when I’m buying them.
I test my recipes multiple times before posting. For the med/large Russet potatoes that come from the grocery store, 30 minutes was the best time overall. 20 minutes left hard centers and didn’t give me the “fluffy” insides I needed. 25 was also still underdone.
For smaller, creamier potatoes like Yukon Gold, definitely go with a shorter time! I cook baby potatoes 4-8 minutes and larger Yukons would be done in 12-15 for sure.