How to make perfect Microwave Baked Potato! This recipe shows you the tips and tricks for how to cook a potato in the microwave. Ready in just 10 minutes or less.
Microwave baked potatoes are such a great time saver! You don't have to wait ages for the oven to preheat and they cut the cooking time down by a LOT!
In under 10 minutes, you can have a fully cooked baked potato in the microwave. Follow my simple trick that makes them come out perfectly, every time!
It's tender all the way through and perfectly cooked.
Use a microwave to make baked potatoes using simple steps.
Wash and dry the potato, poke it for steam holes to escape, and set the time according to its size for a starch that’s ready to serve with any meal!
The trick to making sure they don't shrivel or dry out, is to cover them in wet paper towel! This creates a steam and adds moisture.
The result is perfect microwave-baked potatoes.
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Why Make This Recipe
This method for baked potatoes takes just 10 minutes or less.
You can microwave one potato for a single serving, or microwave a few at once to make a hearty side dish.
Baked potatoes are a healthy starch with fiber and pair well with any meal or protein.
We use Idaho potatoes, but you can use any potatoes you enjoy if you adjust the cooking time for their size.
Ingredients & Tools
Russet Potatoes - Also known as Idaho potatoes, these are the most popular when it comes to the best potatoes to bake.
Tools
- Microwave - You’ll need a microwave to “bake” the potato which will cook it from the inside out so it stays tender and perfectly cooked.
- Paper Towels - Damp paper towels are needed to help keep the moisture on the outside of the potato so it cooks evenly.
- Microwave Safe Plate - The potatoes need to be placed on a plate that can withstand the heat in the microwave.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
How to Make a Baked Potato in the Microwave
Wondering how to make baked potatoes in the microwave? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Clean the potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold water and scrub off any excess dirt if needed.
Pierce the potato: Using a fork or a small sharp knife, poke a few holes on each side which will allow steam to escape.
Prepare the potatoes for the microwave: Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, then cover with wet paper towels.
Microwave the potatoes: Set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high, then flip the potatoes on the other side using tongs. Set the timer for 5-7 minutes on high and cook until they are fork-tender through the center of the potato. Remove from the microwave with tongs and serve with your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips
Choose potatoes that have no outside bruising or impurities. Potatoes that are all roughly the same size will cook evenly.
It’s very important to make sure you poke holes on the sides of the potatoes to make sure the steam built up has room to escape. If there are no holes poked on the outside, the potato can explode in the microwave.
When handling the potatoes after cooking, use tongs as they will be extremely hot and can cause burns from the steam.
How long to microwave a baked potato: The cooking time in this recipe is a suggestion based on 2 large russet potatoes. Adjust the time based on how big (or small) your potatoes are by testing using a fork or a toothpick for doneness.
Baked Potato Toppings
A microwaved baked potato is a great canvas for a variety of toppings. Try these ideas below!
- Sour Cream & Chives
- Cheese and Baked Beans
- Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese
- Bacon Crumbles
- Chili
- Tuna salad
- Salsa
- Black Beans
- Mexican Ground Beef
- Salad topped with Ikea copycat Dill Mustard Sauce
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a steak or grilled chicken alongside Roasted Beets or Buttered Cabbage.
Fill with your favorite baked potato toppings, such as sour cream and chives, baked beans or chili.
Storage & Freezing
Storing: Cooled baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Reheat using the microwave before serving.
Freezing: Whole-baked potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then a layer of aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
FAQs
The water in the potato vibrates in the microwave causing lots of heat, if it has nowhere to escape to, it could cause the potato to explode and become very dangerous.
1 potato for approximately 3 minutes per side
2 potatoes for approximately 4 minutes per side
3 potatoes for approximately 5 minutes per side
More side dish recipes
We hope that you love this simple method of cooking baked potatoes in the microwave! Be sure to try these other great side dish recipes too!
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📖 Recipe
Microwave Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes (ideally Russet/Idaho)
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and pierce each one with a fork a few times on each side.
- Place the potatoes onto a large, microwave-safe plate and cover them with two wet paper towels.
- Cook on high for 5 minutes, then turn each one over (careful, they’ll be hot!).
- Cover again with the wet paper towels, then cook on high for a further 5-7 minutes or until they are tender right through.
Notes
- Choose potatoes that have no outside bruising or impurities. Potatoes that are all roughly the same size will cook evenly.
- It’s very important to make sure you poke holes on the sides of the potatoes to make sure the steam built up has room to escape. If there are no holes poked on the outside, the potato can explode in the microwave.
- When handling the potatoes after cooking, use tongs as they will be extremely hot and can cause burns from the steam.
- How long to microwave a baked potato: The cooking time in this recipe is a suggestion based on 2 large russet potatoes. Adjust the time based on how big (or small) your potatoes are by testing using a fork or a toothpick for doneness.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Hanna
THis makes such a quick baked potato! It's so perfect for when we're in a rush!
Gina
This is SUCH a time saver! All these years I've turned on the oven and baked potatoes for 40 minutes - gah!
Trevor Jenkins
The thing is... microwaved potatoes look shrivelled , even if they are not overcooked. I don't pierce the skin before I microwave a potato. I wash a large baking potato well, leave it wet and wrap in a couple of layers of paper towel, Parchment paper might be good, (no bleach in the paper) and set it on a microwave safe plate, then into the oven for two minutes and wait for two minutes of so. Then I turn them over and go for another two minutes and a two minute wait. Then turn again. I might continue until it feels about done. It depends on how big it is. Someone said 210 degrees internal temperature. I let it stand for a little while before cutting. I'm usually timing it to be ready with the rest of my meal. The skin is smooth and the water is still inside, it's steaming inside slowly. It didn't burst open because the temperature came up, somewhat gradually, much as it would in a conventional oven, but still much faster. The inside stays moist in it's own liquid. You could always crisp the skin in a toaster oven to make it even more like a 45 minute oven potato. I had a friend who was gifted this little quilted bag made to be used in this very way for potatoes in the microwave. Don't poke them with a fork. They will dry out and get strange if you overcook them.