How Long to Boil Potatoes (Cubed)
Quick answer
Fork-tender: a knife slides in with no resistance without crumbling.
Times by doneness
½-inch cubes
1-inch cubes
Standard for mashed potatoes.
Whole small potatoes
Cut after cooking for potato salad.
Tips
Start potatoes in cold, salted water and bring to a boil together so they cook evenly.
Common mistake
Dropping cubes into already-boiling water — the outsides turn mushy before the centers are done.