How to Microwave Potatoes

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 medium (160g) potato
  • 1 medium (160g) potato
  • 2 medium (320g) potatoes
  • 3 medium (480g) potatoes
  • 4 medium (680g) potatoes

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Russet potato (10-12 oz)

Preparation

  1. Rinse the potatoes, then cut it in half lengthwise.
  2. Place the cleaned potato, still wet, in the Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 6-7 minutes, or until the potato is/are fork-tender.

Suggestions

  • Simple: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick side dish
  • Cheesy sour cream: Mix together a dollop of sour cream, sliced scallions or chives, shredded cheddar, and crispy shallots to top the ‘baked’ potato!
  • German style: Cut the potato into medium-sized pieces and mix with sauerkraut and grain mustard
  • Classic mash: Mash the potato (skin on) with butter, garlic powder, and a dollop of sour cream

Recipe Notes

  • Is your lid lifting up? This is totally ok! Steam is building pressure inside of the dish, cooking your food quickly and evenly. To prevent this from happening, consider lowering your power level.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Potatoes

See for yourself— microwaving potatoes is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 5-6 mins
Oven* 45-60 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
Stovetop* 25 mins
*Includes preheat time

Step by Step: Microwaving Potatoes

Cut potato in half lengthwise.

Cover with the lid (knob lifted).

Cook in the microwave.

Potato is done when fork tender.

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, cut in half 6-7 mins
2 whole Russet potatoes, cut in halves 11-12 mins
3 whole Russet potatoes, cut in halves 14-15 mins
4 whole Russet potatoes, cut in halves 15-17 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Potatoes take about 5-6 minutes in the microwave for a 1000w microwave. We recommend cutting the potato in half lengthwise for quick, even cooking. For lower wattage microwaves, add 1-2 more minutes of cook time for a fully cooked potato.

How can I cook potatoes faster in the microwave?

Cook times can also depend on the size and starch levels of the potato. When cooking larger potatoes, consider cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces. Cutting the potatoes should cut the cook time by half in some cases.

How to tell when a potato is cooked through

Using a fork, pierce the flesh of the potato to check if it is cooked through. If there is no resistance, the potato should be cooked. If it’s difficult to pierce the potato with a fork, pop the potato back in the microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, potatoes are typically ready when their internal temperature reaches about 210°. Insert a probe thermometer into the flesh of the potato

How to freeze a microwaved potato

Like most starchy vegetables, potatoes need to be cooked prior to freezing. Cook the potato using the directions above and allow to cool completely. Cut the 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 a freezer-safe storage bag. Pop in the freezer and store for up to 1-2 months. To reheat the potatoes, simply place the chunks back in the Anyday and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Does the type of potato make a difference to the cook time?

Cook times can also depend on the size and starch levels of the potato. Russet potatoes are high in starch, making them more susceptible to becoming stiff and stodgy when overcooked. Medium starch potatoes, like Yukon or new potatoes, are reliably easy to cook because of their high moisture content. They hold together well in the microwave and cook quickly.


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