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Make a quick and easy microwave baked potato in under 10 minutes. It’s soft, fluffy, and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake – a delicious, easy side dish or main!
As much as I love the crispy skin on oven-baked potatoes, I sometimes feel impatient and/or need something on the table quickly. Microwave baked potatoes come out perfectly fluffy and tender every time – all in under 10 minutes (about 1/5th the time to bake!). They are quick, easy, and perfect for enjoying as a side or with your favorite toppings – like pulled pork, taco filling, or chili with all the fixings.
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Ingredients
- Medium potato/es: The best potatoes to use for baking in a microwave are high-starch, fairly dry potatoes – like Russet potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes) or potatoes labeled “baking potatoes.”
- Optional seasoning: At its most basic, you can serve the microwave potato with a pat of butter and salt/black pepper. Other classic baked potato toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions.
How to make a baked potato in the microwave
Prepare the potato: First, wash the potato well and scrub it under water. Then, use a fork to prod the potato evenly on every side. It’s important to do this, as it allows steam to release while the potato cooks. Otherwise, it can explode in the microwave.
Microwave the potato: Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and heat on full power for 4 minutes. Then, carefully, use a kitchen towel to flip it over and repeat for a further 4 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center – it should go in easily. If not, place the potato back in the microwave in 30-second increments until tender.
Serve it: Slice the potato down the middle and squeeze the sides to open it up. Then fluff up the inside with a fork, and finally add your favorite toppings – enjoy!
Want serving ideas? I like serving them with protein like steak, chicken, or baked salmon and roasted or steamed veggies.
How long to microwave baked potatoes?
The exact time to microwave a baked potato will depend on its size and on your microwave’s power, between 8-12 minutes. However, for medium potatoes:
- One medium potato: This will take about 8 minutes, 4 minutes per side.
- Two potatoes: It will take about 10 minutes, 5 minutes per side.
- As a general rule, add 1 minute per side for each additional potato. Leave space between them for good air circulation. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as that can make them dry.
Storage instructions
- To store: Leftover microwaved potatoes can be left to cool and then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To freeze: Microwaved potatoes can also be wrapped in plastic wrap (or beeswax wrap) and frozen for up to 8 months.
- To reheat: Pop it back in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, until warm.
More quick potato recipes
If you try this easy microwave baked potato recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Microwave Baked Potato
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 potato medium, starchy like Russet potatoes
Instructions
- Wash the potato well, scrubbing it under water. Use a fork to prod the potato evenly on every side.It's important to do this to allow steam to release while the potato cooks. Otherwise, it can explode in the microwave.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and heat on full power for 4 minutes. Then, carefully, use a kitchen towel to flip it over and cook for a further 4 minutes.
- To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center – it should go in easily. If not, place the potato back in the microwave and cook in 30-second increments until tender.
- Slice the potato down the middle and squeeze the sides to open it up. Then fluff up the inside with a fork, and finally add your favorite toppings – like butter, sour cream, cheese, green onion, etc. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
