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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 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 it takes to bake!).
Plus, they are quick, easy, and perfect for enjoying as a side or with your favorite toppings – like pulled pork, taco filling, or the best homemade chili recipe with all the fixings.
Did you know? You can also microwave sweet potatoes and microwave corn on the cob!
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Watch how to make it
Ingredients
- Medium potatoes: The best spuds to use for baking in a microwave are high-starch, relatively 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, salt, and 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 bake a 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 essential 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: Finally, 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 air fryer steak, oven-baked chicken breast, or oven-baked salmon and roasted or steamed veggies.
Microwave baked potato timing tips
The exact time to microwave baked potato will depend on the size of your potato and 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: Allow the leftover potatoes to cool to room temperature, then wrap each one in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- 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 thoroughly and poke holes all over it with a fork to let steam escape while cooking. This prevents it from exploding in the microwave.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and heat on full power for 4 minutes. Flip it carefully using a kitchen towel and cook for another 4 minutes.
- To check doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily. If not, microwave in 30-second increments until tender.
- Slice the potato in half, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, and green onions. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
