Microwaving sweet potatoes is super easy! In just 5 minutes, you can turn a hard potato into a yummy, soft treat. It’s like a speedy kitchen magic trick!

This microwave-baked sweet potato method is great if you want to enjoy your
potato in about five minutes. So, when you’re low on time and want a yummy treat, the microwave is your best friend. Quick, tasty, and tastes almost the same as baked sweet potato – the perfect solution!

See how to microwave a sweet potato

How to microwave a sweet potato

Prep the sweet potato: Wash and scrub your potato under running water. Then dry it well with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Use a metal skewer or a fork to carefully poke it several times.

Cook and cut: Place the sweet potato in the center of the microwave. For a medium-sized one, microwave for about 2.5 minutes, carefully flip it over, and microwave for about 2.5 more minutes. Using oven mitts or a towel, take the potato out of the microwave and place it on a plate.

Cut it lengthwise in the middle, fluff it with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and top with a knob of butter!

How long to microwave sweet potatoes

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, the power of your microwave, and your personal preferences for doneness. Always begin the cooking process with the recommended time to avoid overcooking. If the sweet potatoes are not to your liking, you can add more time in 1-2 minute increments until you reach the desired tenderness.

For one medium-sized sweet potato: microwave for 5 minutes, remembering to flip it halfway through. Adjust the time based on size: subtract 1 minute for smaller sweet potatoes and add 1 minute for larger ones.

For 2 medium-sized potatoes: The cooking time for two is often slightly longer than for one. You can begin by adding 2 extra minutes (7 minutes in total), then check for doneness by poking them with a fork or knife. If needed, continue microwaving in additional short increments until they reach the desired tenderness. However, for more consistent results, I recommend cooking them individually. Microwaving them separately allows each sweet potato to receive uniform heat exposure, reducing the risk of uneven cooking.

When microwaving multiple sweet potatoes, use ones of similar sizes and space them apart for even cooking.

If you try this 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!