Microwave Baked Potatoes
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
5-6 minsFree Time
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Baked potatoes can take over an hour to cook in the oven — but cooking whole potatoes in the microwave with Anyday makes creamy, fluffy baked potatoes in minutes. Simply put? It’s magic. This method is great for serving a simple, perfectly cooked potato or finishing in the oven for a crispy skin. Enjoy hands-off cooking—no poking or wrapping required!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 whole Russet potato (10-12 oz)
- toppings of choice, as needed
Preparation
- Wash the potatoes well to remove loose dirt and sprouts.
- Place the cleaned potato, still wet, in the Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the potato is/are fork-tender.
- Once ready, carefully cut into the top of the potato without splitting it in half. Gently push the two opposite ends of each potato toward each other to expose the potato’s fluffy interior and release steam.
- With a fork, gently fluff the inside with some butter or olive oil, then fill with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, butter, or cheese.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Classic: Top with the classic sour cream, chives and cheese for a steakhouse-worthy side dish.
- Build-Your-Own Bar: Set up a topping bar with a variety of options such as crispy bacon, steamed broccoli, queso, chili, shredded chicken, and more, allowing everyone to customize their baked potatoes to their liking.
- Cheesy Pizza: Turn your baked potato into a cheesy pizza by topping it with marinara sauce, mini pepperoni slices, and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delicious and indulgent meal.
- Loaded Veggies: Top your baked potato with cooked mushrooms, asparagus, onions, and spinach, then finish it off with a dollop of creamy avocado for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Recipe notes
- The cooking time is determined by the size of the potatoes. If you are cooking smaller or bigger potatoes than listed in this recipe, you may need to add or subtract 2-4 minutes accordingly.
- If you want to halve your potatoes before cooking them, reduce the cook time by 2-4 minutes on each serving size.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Whole Potatoes
See for yourself— microwaving potatoes is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 8-10 mins |
| Oven* | 30-45 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 30-45 mins |
| Stovetop* | 25 mins |
All you need to know about microwaving potatoes
How long does a potato take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 whole Russet potato (10-12oz) | 5-6 mins |
| 2 whole Russet potatoes (10-12oz each) | 10-11 mins |
| 3 whole Russet potatoes (10-12oz each) | 16-17 mins |
| 4 whole Russet potatoes (10-12oz each) | 19-20 mins |
It usually takes 6-8 minutes for one large potato (about 10-12 oz), to cook in the microwave. The size of the potato will affect the cook time, so make sure to reduce the cook time by 2-4 minutes if the potato is smaller.
Is it better to cook a potato in the oven or the microwave?
Using the microwave to cook potatoes offers several benefits. With cooking times typically ranging from 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the potato's size and the power of your microwave), microwaving is significantly faster than oven baking (which takes an average 30-45 minutes), saving time in the kitchen. Additionally, microwaving requires minimal preparation: Simply wash the potato and place it in the Anyday. No need to preheat, pierce the potato,, or wrap it in foil. Despite not producing the same crispy skin as oven baking, microwaved potatoes offer a better, fluffier, creamier interior, making them a quick and more satisfying option for a variety of dishes.
Is microwaving potatoes safe?
Yes! Microwaving potatoes is totally safe. In fact, it can even be healthier than baking or boiling: The microwave retains more nutrients in foods compared to traditional cooking methods and uses steam to cook. It requires less oil as well, reducing calorie intake.
Can I cook different varieties of potatoes in the microwave?
Yes, most varieties of potatoes, such as russets, Yukon, Kennebec, or red skin can be cooked in the microwave. While cooking times might slightly vary, the microwave process remains largely the same. This versatility makes potatoes a convenient and adaptable choice for microwave cooking.
Do I need to wash the potatoes before cooking?
Before cooking raw potatoes, it's essential to wash them thoroughly to eliminate any lingering dirt and debris. For optimal results, rinse the potatoes under cold tap water using a soft brush, being careful not to peel off the skin.
Do I need to pierce or prick the potatoes before steaming?
You don't need to do anything to the potato before cooking it in the Anyday, other than wash it. Our lid allows for the right amount of steam to build inside the dish, creating the perfect environment for the potato to cook on its own and quickly. Piercing the surface is usually done when baking a potato to accelerate the cooking process, but the microwave and Anyday take care of that!
Can I use sweet potatoes with the same method?
Absolutely! However, baked sweet potatoes may have a slightly different cooking time, depending on their size or type. Start by cooking them for 2-3 fewer minutes, then adjust as needed. This is an excellent alternative when seeking a higher protein meal without adding meat.
Should you wrap a potato before microwaving it?
When using the Anyday, there's no need to wrap the potatoes before microwaving them. Our lid is designed to regulate the steam inside the dish, creating the perfect environment for cooking the potatoes evenly without drying them out. This means you can simply place the potatoes in the Anyday, pop the lid on, and let it work its magic, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes every time, hassle-free! So, feel free to skip the wrapping step and enjoy the convenience of cooking potatoes effortlessly in the Anyday.
How do I know when potatoes are properly cooked in the microwave?
Potatoes are properly cooked when you can insert a fork with little to no resistance. If you're unsure, test a small piece for doneness. Remember, microwaves vary, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I store leftover microwaved potatoes?
Store leftover microwaved potatoes in the Anyday with the lid on in the refrigerator. It will typically stay fresh for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave covered for a few minutes, checking periodically for the desired temperature.
