Can I cook sweet potatoes in the microwave?
Yes! Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is one of the quickest ways to get soft, caramelized results. Simply pierce the skin, place in an Anyday dish, and microwave until tender. No oven or stovetop needed!
How do I know when sweet potatoes are cooked through?
Sweet potatoes are ready when their internal temperature reaches 205–212°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, gently pierce them with a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re done. If there’s resistance, microwave for 2–3 more minutes.
Can I freeze microwaved sweet potatoes?
Yes! Once cooked, let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. Lay them flat on a tray and freeze for 6–8 hours before transferring to an Anytime Freezer Tray or freezer-safe bag. Store for 1–2 months. To reheat, place frozen cubes in an Anyday dish and microwave for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Is cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave safe?
Yes! Microwaving sweet potatoes is completely safe as long as you pierce the skin first to allow steam to escape.
Is there a difference between microwaving sweet potatoes and yams?
Yes! Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter with a lighter color, while yams are starchier with a darker skin. Microwaving enhances the natural flavors and textures of both, but their differences remain the same regardless of the cooking method.
How to tell when sweet potatoes are cooked through?
Sweet potatoes are typically ready when their internal temperature reaches 205-212°. If you don’t have a thermometer, use a fork to gently pierce the surface of the potato. If there is no resistance, the sweet potato should be cooked through. If it’s difficult to pierce the potato with a fork, pop the sweet potato back in the microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How to freeze a microwaved sweet potatoes?
Like most frozen vegetables, sweet potatoes need to be cooked prior to freezing. Cook the sweet potato using the directions above and allow to cool completely. Cut the sweet potato into even cubes (about 1” in size) and lay the pieces flat on a tray without touching each other. Pop the tray into the freezer, and when solid (about 6-8 hours later), transfer to an Anytime Freezer Tray or freezer-safe storage bag. Store in the freezer for 1-2 months. To reheat the sweet potatoes, simply place the chunks back in the Anyday and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Is cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave safe?
Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is safe, as long as they are properly prepared. It is recommended to pierce the skin of the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Is there a difference between microwaving sweet potatoes and yams?
Sweet potatoes have a lighter color and sweeter taste, while yams have a darker skin and are starchier. Microwaving can affect the texture and flavor of both, but the difference between sweet potatoes and yams remains the same regardless of the cooking method.
