To boil small red potatoes, place them whole in a pot of cold water, covering them by about an inch or two. Bring the water to a boil, then continue boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender. This typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the exact size of the potatoes

. Some sources note that smaller baby red potatoes may cook slightly faster, around 10 to 15 minutes, but 15-20 minutes is a reliable range to ensure tenderness without overcooking

. You can test doneness by piercing a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance

. After boiling, drain the potatoes carefully to avoid breaking their skins, and optionally toss them with butter, salt, and pepper for serving