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Similarly to air fryer Hasselback potatoes, this method for cooking potatoes saves time and electricity, while creating a perfectly fluffy and tender baked potato! Microwaved baked potatoes take less than 10 minutes and are a weeknight wonder for getting an easy side dish on the table!
save this recipe!A few recipes got me through college. I was studying nutrition, so most of my staple recipes were vegetable-based (I’ve since relearned to love cream cheese and butter in recipes again, but I digress).
These microwaved potatoes were one of those staple meals. They were a dream come true: cheap, easy, and ready in under 10 minutes.
And the thing is…they still are. I’m here to say microwaved baked potatoes aren’t just for broke college students. They’re for the people. Whether you’re:
- Short on time and need to get a starchy side on the table
- Into meal prepping and want to include these with meals
- Serving 1 or 2 people and don’t want to turn the oven on for just a few potatoes
Then microwaved potatoes are your solution. Let’s cook!
Reader rating
“Your potato recipe was so easy to make. I cooked 2 potatoes at a time and both were done to perfection.” —Marie
the best potatoes for microwaving
Not all potatoes are created equal, and you’ll want to ensure you’re using the correct type of potato for baking! The best kinds of potatoes for cooking in the microwave are Russet potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes), though most varieties of starchy potatoes will work.
usign sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be microwaved using this same method, but they will need more time to cook. Microwave sweet potatoes for a total of 10 minutes, flipping once, to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
How to make baked potatoes in the microwave
This is just an overview. Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Prick the potato, prick it all over, and then some more!
- Wrap in a damp towel.
- Microwave for 4 minutes, then flip it over and microwave again.
why we prick the potato
Poking holes all over the outside of the potato allow steam to escape during cooking, which will help to prevent it from exploding (yes this has happened to me, yes it is a mess).
Can you cook two potatoes at the same time?
I recommend microwaving just one potato at a time to help it cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can microwave two at the same time, but you’ll need to add 2 minutes to the cook time.
Top it like it’s hot
A baked potato is nothing without its toppings. Here are my favorites:
- Sharp cheddar cheese (grate it yourself, don’t buy the pre-shredded stuff)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Vegan bacon bits (they’re ready in just 5 minutes, so you can make them while the potatoes microwave!)
- Vegetarian chili if you’re trying to turn this into a meal (ready in just 20 minutes)
Microwaved Baked Potatoes (8-Minute Recipe!)
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato
Instructions
- Poke: Wash and scrub the potato, then prick all over with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Wrap: Wrap in a damp paper towel.
- Cook: Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Flip the potato over, and continue cooking for 4 more minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
You potato recipe was so easy to make. I cooked 2 potatoes at a time and both were done to perfection. Butter, Salt, Pepper and garlic powder was all I needed. It was yummy. Thank you for your recipes.
So happy to hear it, Marie! Enjoy! 😀
For a great baked potato topping try cottage cheese and salsa.
My mind is blown…trying this!!
Another great topping for baked potato is Cottage Cheese and Salsa
Another great topping for baked potato is Cottage Cheese and Salsa. Probably best at room temperature so they do not cool the potato too much. Also it is low calorie for those on diets.
That’s a great idea!