Did you know that you can skip the stovetop method and use the microwave to cook a potato? It’s true! So how long to microwave a potato? Here you’ll learn some tips and tricks to get that perfect microwaved potato every time.
The end result? A baked potato that turns out incredibly delicious and fluffy in half the time!
Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a filling dish but don’t have a lot of time.
Table of Contents
How Long to Microwave A Potato: Perfectly Baked Potato
You’re probably accustomed to only reheating your food in the microwave, which can cause some hesitation when it comes to cooking food in it. If you’re not familiar with the process, it can turn out messy, but if it isn’t something new to you, then it will be an incredibly simple task.
Let’s be honest though, we can all relate to accidentally exploding soup in the microwave or even setting fire to a potato. Although we can all laugh at ourselves in both scenarios, it isn’t so funny when we have to clean up the mess or have to put out a fire.
It’s easy to think that microwaves are just for reheating food, but the truth is, they can do a lot more! There are a variety of foods and dishes that can be cooked in a microwave. In this case, potatoes are one of them!
So, what is the right amount of time to microwave a potato for?
- Potato size
- Potato type
- Microwave strength
- Cooking intentions
These are all simple things to keep in mind, but can have a huge impact on your cooking results.
Is It Safe to Microwave a Potato?
Yes! It’s completely safe! Just keep in mind that you need to use a microwave-safe dish and avoid using aluminum foil – as tempting as that may be.
Pro Tips: Poke Holes Using a Small Skewer
In order for steam to escape from the potatoes, simply poke a few holes in each one. This not only prevents them from breaking apart but avoids an explosion and a big mess.
Does Microwaving Kill Nutrients in Potatoes?
Not at all! Whether you cook them on the stove, in the oven, boil them or microwave them – there is no nutritional difference.
Types of Potatoes
Go ahead, grab your favorite type of potato because you can cook any type in the microwave. That means whether it’s red, white, purple or russet – you’re good to go! But please note, the type of potato you choose will affect the cooking time.
For example, a sweet potato will take less time than a standard baking potato due to both the density and texture of the flesh. The standard potato has dense and heavy flesh resulting in a thick and heavy mashed potato, whereas a sweet potato flesh is less dense.
How to Microwave a Potato
The first step is to thoroughly wash your potato. Scrub clean with a brush and then use a skewer or cake tester to poke holes through to the center of the potato to allow steam to escape. Be sure not to skip this step or you may have to deal with exploding food.
From there, simply place your potato on a microwave-safe plate and then cook on full power until they are tender. If you err on the side of caution, it’s ok to stop the microwave to check the potato once or twice.
From a baby potato, a regular-sized potato or even a sweet potato, you’ll be successful in cooking it in the microwave by following some simple steps.
Note: Flipping your potatoes halfway can help larger or fatter potatoes to cook evenly and faster, however, this step isn’t necessary.
How Many Potatoes Can I Microwave at Once?
This again depends on size, but you’ll want to microwave no more than 2-3 large potatoes, 3-5 medium potatoes, or 7-10 small potatoes at once. If you have a smaller microwave, cook fewer potatoes and use the higher number of potatoes for the more powerful microwaves.
How Long to Bake Potatoes in a Microwave
The amount of time needed depends on the potatoes themselves: smaller ones cook faster than large ones. If you’re cooking more than one, then you will need a longer cooking time compared to cooking just one. Also, if you’re lucky enough to have a more powerful microwave, then it will certainly get the job done faster.
If you have a medium-sized potato, you will want to cook it for about seven minutes. Be sure to check it after that, if it isn’t tender then put it back in the microwave for 45 seconds at a time until completely cooked. Below you will find a more detailed guide on cooking times according to potato.
Potato Size | How Long to Microwave |
One large potato | 10 to 12 minutes |
Two large potatoes | 14 to 16 minutes |
Four medium potatoes | 10 to 12 minutes |
6 to 8 small potatoes | 6 to 8 minutes |
Note: The above times are for a standard microwave. If you have a larger and more powerful one, simply subtract a minute or two. If you have a tabletop, add a minute or two to your cooking time.
If you’ve decided to cook a mix of potato sizes, start cooking them for about seven minutes. From there, remove the ones that are tender and continue to cook the rest in one-minute intervals.
Potato Size
As previously mentioned, the size of the potato affects the cooking time. This is because the heat will need to accurately penetrate the potato in order to cook it. So, the bigger the potato, the longer the amount of time.
An average potato is about 4-5 inches long. With this size potato, it will take about fifteen to twenty minutes to cook thoroughly. It may take a bit longer, and if this is the case, simply return the potato to the microwave and cook for about 10 minutes more or until tender.
Microwave Strength/Power
While microwaves can vary from brand to power, to size and strength, there isn’t a huge difference. It is the strength alone that will affect how long you should microwave your potato for.
The simple solution is to cook your potatoes on high in any type of microwave, while being aware of the time you are to keep them in there for.
Cooking Intentions
What you plan to do with the potato or how you plan to eat it, is another important factor in the cooking time. If you’re going to eat it as it, then simply cook it until tender.
If you intend to finish cooking it in the oven, then only cook them in the microwave for a short time. You don’t want to completely cook it in the microwave because then it will burn or become overdone in the oven.
How Long Does It Take to Bake 4 Potatoes in the Microwave?
If you’re looking to bake four large potatoes, it will take about 18 to 22 minutes in the microwave. However, if you’re cooking four medium potatoes, you will only need about 10 to 12 minutes of cooking time. Again, adjust the times depending on the strength of your microwave.
How Long to Microwave a Sweet Potato
To stay on the healthier side of things, you may want to opt for cooking a sweet potato. They of course vary in size as well. An average sweet potato will take about 7 minutes of cooking time, however, if it needs a bit more time, continue to cook in one-minute intervals.
You May Also Like
Microwave Baked Potatoes (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato
- Garnishes optional
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the potato. Scrub and clean with a brush.
- Use a skewer or cake tester to poke holes through to the center of the potato to allow steam to escape.
- Place your potato on a microwave-safe plate and then cook on full power until they are tender.
- Cook on full power for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Poke the potatoes with a fork to check they are tender. If not, cook longer in 1-minute increments until done.
- As the plate will be hot, use oven mitts to remove it from the oven. Similarly, use kitchen tongs to transfer the potatoes to serving plates.
- Carefully cut the potato open with a knife and fluff with a fork as desired. Add optional butter, sour cream, green onion, salt and pepper to serve.
Leave a Reply