How to Cook Potatoes in the Microwave (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to microwave a potato? ›

Potatoes take about 5-6 minutes in the microwave for a 1000w microwave. We recommend cutting the potato in half lengthwise for quick, even cooking. For lower wattage microwaves, add 1-2 more minutes of cook time for a fully cooked potato.

Just wash the potato, poke some holes in the skin with a fork, and microwave for 5–7 minutes depending on the size. There's no reason to wrap it in plastic or add water or whatnot.

Instructions. Scrub potatoes, but don't peel them (or do peel them, if you wish). Cut into chunky, bite-sized pieces. Place in a microwave-safe dish, add 1 tablespoon of water, partially cover with a lid or waxed paper and microwave for 3 minutes.

Add enough water to cover the potatoes and a dash of salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, poking holes in the wrap to vent. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir; cover again with the plastic wrap and cook for 5 more minutes or until tender.

This method is as straightforward as they come — put potatoes in microwave, then hit “start” — but there is one thing to be aware of: Don't forget to poke holes in the potato. Use a fork and poke the potato four or five times on each side. These little holes allow steam to escape while the potato is cooking.

While these potatoes are marketed as an instruction-friendly convenience to consumers, you can certainly microwave any potato as-is, minus any plastic wrap and requires nothing more than a rinse and skin pierce.

The rapid heating can cause the granules to burst, and release sticky, gelatinized starch. The result: A gluey potato that's also often marred by hard nodules where the starch has crystallized.

Poke holes in the potato: Using a fork or the tip of a knife, poke several small holes all over the potato before microwaving. This allows the potato to release steam as it cooks, resulting in a crispy skin and fluffy interior.

Microwave heats due to friction with the water molecules, which then heats the food and has no effect on flavor or nutrients within.

The old plastic bag baked potato trick. Put them in a plastic bag, a little bit of water, add. Put them in the microwave for seal up the back. Put them in the microwave for 8 minutes, 10 minutes if you have bigger potatoes, and there you go.

How to par cook potatoes in the microwave? ›

Parcook in the Microwave

Here's how to do it: Just prick a few holes in a few potatoes with a fork, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, turning over once. There you go—super-fast par-cooked potatoes.

Rinse the peeled potato chunks and put them in a large microwave-safe bowl or a casserole dish. Cover the dish or bowl with plastic wrap and cut a small vent in the top for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be gently poked through with a fork.

Prep – using a fork, poke holes in each potato. Then, wrap each potato in a damp paper towel. Microwave – place the paper towel-wrapped potatoes in the microwave and microwave on high for 3 minutes.

Many microwaves have moisture sensors inside so that all you need to do is press the button that says 'potato' and just wait for the microwave to beep at you. If your microwave doesn't have a potato button, a general rule is that one 7-to-8 ounce Idaho potato takes about 7 minutes to cook.

If you don't puncture it, the potato will go SPLAT all over the inside of you microwave!) If you are baking potatoes in the oven, you can rub a small amount of oil on them so that the skin gets nice and crispy.

Microwaving might be convenient, but it's one of the worst ways to cook a starchy potato. Published Feb. 12, 2024. Warm, fluffy baked potatoes are hands off, simple to make, and super versatile, working as a main course when they're dolled-up or as a side for proteins or vegetables.