Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 425°F while you prepare the potatoes.
Clean the potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry them off. You can leave the eyes on but remove any blemishes with a knife.
Apply a bit of olive oil to the surface of each potato, using your hands or a pastry brush for convenience.
Evenly coat the potatoes with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato to let steam escape while baking.
You can either place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or set them a few inches apart on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake them for 50 to 60 minutes. Turn the potatoes over approximately every 20 minutes and check if they are done by piercing them with a fork. They are ready when the skins are dry, and the insides feel soft when pierced.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.