How to Cook Potatoes in the Microwave

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 Cooking Potatoes 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

Can I cook potatoes faster in the microwave?

Yes! To speed up cook time, cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces before microwaving. This can cut cooking time in half, making potatoes soft and ready to eat even faster.

How do I know when a potato is fully cooked?

A fully cooked potato should feel soft and easy to pierce with a fork. If it’s still firm, microwave for 2-3 more minutes. Potatoes are also done when their internal temperature reaches 210°F.

Can I freeze microwaved potatoes?

Yes! Let potatoes cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to an Anytime Freezer Tray or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place in an Anyday dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Does the type of potato affect cook time?

Yes! Russet potatoes are starchier and can become dry if overcooked, while Yukon Gold and new potatoes have higher moisture and cook more evenly in the microwave.

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