How Long to Cook a Baked Potato in the Microwave

How long to cook a baked potato in the microwave until tender and fluffy is here. Fastest and best way to bake a potato and how to get crispy skin too when it is done shared below.

How Long to Cook a Sweet Potato Microwave

If you don’t have the ability of Baking a Potato in a Convection Oven, you can do it this way with brown russets or to microwave sweet potatoes too. The larger they are the longer it will take, obviously. The #1 trick is to poke all the way around the outside with a fork for the steam to escape. #2 is to run a paper towel under cool water and wrap the washed tater inside to keep it moist.

What’s the Fastest Way to Cook a Baked Potato

Microwaving a baked potato is the fastest way to cook it, but keep in mind that it may result in a softer skin compared to baking it in the oven. If you have more time, baking it in the oven is a good option to get a crispy skin.

How to Boil Potatoes in a Microwave

It is possible to boil potatoes in the microwave, but it’s not the most efficient method as it can take longer than boiling them on the stove. You have to start off by washing and peeling the skins off. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. Place the cubed pieces in a microwavable bowl and add enough water to cover them. You can do this with russets or sweet potatoes.

Baked Potato Microwave Cheat

Cover the bowl with a lid that is safe used this way, or plastic wrap. If using saran wrap, make sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Carefully remove the bowl and drain the water.

Season the potatoes as desired and serve. While boiling potatoes in the microwave is possible, it can take longer than boiling them on the stove because the microwave may not heat the water as efficiently. Boiling potatoes on the stove is generally faster and more efficient.

Microwaving Potatoes

Microwaving russet potatoes is a convenient and quick way to cook them, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have access to an oven or stove. Here are some reasons why you might choose to microwave them as opposed to other methods;

1. Time saving: Microwaving vegetables is much faster than baking them in the oven, which can take up to an hour or more.
   • Depending on the size of the russet, microwaving can take as little as 5-10 minutes.
   • A great way to microwave carrots too I tell you.
2. Saves energy: Using a microwave to cook potatoes is generally uses less energy than using an oven, which can save on your utility bills.
3. Convenience: Microwaving baked potatoes is convenient because you can cook them quickly without needing to preheat an oven or boil water on the stove.
   • I love it also because for making this like microwaving brussel sprouts you don’t smell them as much.
4. Moisture retention: Cooking potatoes this way can help retain their moisture better than baking them in the oven, which can sometimes result in dry or overcooked.

Overall, microwaving will give you the texture of pressure cooker baked potatoes. The quickest way to get them tender. It is a convenient and efficient way to cook, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have access to an oven.

How to Microwave a Potato

There is a trick to the microwave baked potato recipe. It’s a must in order to keep it safe for you and your machine too. With a small or large potato you need to make sure you make holes in the potato with a knife or fork, always!! Take a peek at our step-by-step guide and there is a printable recipe card at the bottom as well you can keep handy;

1. Wash and scrub the skins thoroughly.
2. Prick the outsides several times with a fork to create small holes that allow steam to escape while cooking.
3. Wet a wet paper for each potato, wrap each one separately inside rolled up into it to keep it moist
4. Microwave the on high power for about 7-8 minutes for a small to medium potato for baking.
   • If you have a larger one, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes, up to 15 minutes for a really large one.
     • turn over halfway, so 3-4 minutes per side usually does the trick
5. Check insides for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it slides in and out easily, the center is cooked.
6. If the middle is not fully cooked to tender, return it to the plate to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting it open and serving it with your desired toppings.

But wait…..if you want to crisp the skins first I would recommend air frying potatoes sprayed with olive oil topped with salt. Set to 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes or until outsides shrivel and get crispy.

Baked Potato Microwave and Oven

You are going to have to follow the steps above to nuke them so that the insides are tender all the way to the center first. Then to create crispy potato skins you would need to air fry or use your oven next.

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F, or set to broil for a quicker result (just a couple of minutes this way)
2. Rub the potato with a small amount of olive oil or butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper if you want that on the outsides too.
3. Place on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
4. Let hot potato cool for a few minutes before cutting it open and serving it with your desired toppings.

Both potato cooking methods can result in a delicious tater, but the microwave method is faster and more convenient, while the oven method can result in a crispy skin and a more evenly cooked.

What are some good things to put on a baked potato?

There are many delicious potato toppings you can put on a brown or Instant Pot red baked potato. Here are some popular options: butter or margarine can enhance its flavor and richness, that is the basic. Sour cream is another classic topping for to add creaminess and tanginess. Dice and sprinkle in some chives or green onions for a fresh and savory add on.

Sprinkling shredded cheese can add a delicious gooeyness and saltiness with crumbled bacon bits is a fave around here. Topping with our 5 ingredient chili can provide a hearty and spicy flavor.

Have leftovers?? I hate wasting food too. Wrap in foil and save in the fridge. When you are ready you should reheat baked potato in air fryer so you can stuff, dice or mash them again.