FAQs
Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5-10 minutes—five minutes to cook one sweet potato in the microwave, and add two minutes for each additional potato—rotating them halfway through. You are done microwaving your sweet potatoes when a fork spears into them easily.
Is it better to bake a sweet potato in the oven or microwave? ›
Microwaving jumpstarts the cooking process and cuts down the total cook time by almost an hour, but you will still get the sweet, caramelized flesh and crisp skin that only comes from oven baking. It's the best of both worlds.
Why is my sweet potato hard after microwaving? ›
If you don't cook it long enough, it may still be hard in the middle when you cut into it. After cooking, make sure a fork can go into the center of the potato without much resistance. If it still seems hard, continue to cook it in 30-second increments, checking for doneness.
How do you microwave potatoes to speed up cooking? ›
Steps to a Quick-Baked Potato
With a fork, stab each potato in the center once, then flip it over and stab it on the other side. This allows steam to vent as the potato cooks. Microwave the potatoes on high for 5 to 6 minutes for up to 2 potatoes, 10 to 12 minutes for 4 potatoes.
Can you overcook a sweet potato in the microwave? ›
It's pretty hard to overcook them, but an undercooked one will be gross! For my microwave, it's usually 5 minutes to get perfection, but for the rare super-large potato, I usually try 5 minutes, give it a squeeze, and if it's not super soft, throw it back in for another minute at a time until it is soft.
What happens if you cook a whole potato in the microwave without poking holes in it? ›
These little holes allow steam to escape while the potato is cooking. Forget to poke, and your potato could end up exploding in your microwave from the pent-up steam.
What is a disadvantage to cooking a baked potato in the microwave? ›
Cons: – Potatoes don't cook evenly; interior may have spots that aren't light and fluffy.
Are microwave potatoes as good as baked? ›
Because a microwave steams the inside of the potato rather than baking it from the outside, the resulting potato has a fluffier inner texture. The only downside of microwaving potatoes is that the skin gets soggy and doesn't have the crispy texture that you get from the oven.
Does it cost more to bake a potato in a microwave or in a conventional oven? ›
However, in terms of the actual costs, it may depend on your local electricity rates. But generally, if we're considering energy efficiency and speed, a microwave is likely to be less expensive to operate.
When not to eat sweet potatoes? ›
How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad. If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts.
Do you have to poke holes in sweet potatoes before baking? Typically holes are poked into a sweet potato to prevent a potato exploding in your oven. However, the chance of that happening is low, and according to Lifehacker, sweet potatoes will retain more flavor if you don't poke them.
Can dogs have sweet potatoes? ›
Whether they're mashed, baked, or boiled, sweet potatoes are fine for dogs to eat as long as they're cooked, peeled, and plain. Again, avoid any seasonings or extra ingredients that may be included in “human food” recipes, such as butter, sugar, or salt.
Should you cover potatoes when cooking in the microwave? ›
Step by Step: Microwaving Potatoes
Cut potato in half lengthwise. Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave. Potato is done when fork tender.
Does the potato button on microwave work? ›
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. 2 will take about 11 minutes.
How long to microwave a potato wrapped in a wet paper towel? ›
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.
How long does a raw potato take in the microwave? ›
Step 1Wash potato thoroughly and pat completely dry. Pierce 3 to 4 times with a fork. Step 2Place potato on microwave-safe plate and microwave 7 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking. If your potato isn't fork-tender after 7 minutes, continue microwaving in 1 minute increments until fully cooked.
How do you know when a sweet potato is fully cooked? ›
A good rule of thumb for whole baked sweet potatoes: 45 minutes to 1 hour at 400 degrees F; 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at 350 degrees F; 1 and 1/2 hours at 325 degrees F. You'll know the sweet potatoes are done by piercing the center of the sweet potato with the tip of a sharp knife; the flesh should yield easily.
Can you microwave a sweet potato in plastic wrap? ›
Directions
- Prick the potato all over with a fork.
- Place the sweet potato, lemon wedge (if using) and 1 tsp of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cut in half and serve with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.