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!
Wash and scrub your potato under running water. Use a metal skewer or a fork to poke it several times. Then place it in the center of the microwave.
For one medium-sized sweet potato, microwave for about 2.5 minutes, carefully flip it over, and microwave for about 2.5 more minutes. The exact cooking time may vary - see the notes below for more tips.
Using oven mitts or a towel, transfer the sweet potato to 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!
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Notes
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. 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. In general, cooked sweet potatoes are tender, easy to pierce all the way through, and the skin may start to pull away slightly.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.