How to Microwave Sweet Potatoes
Prep Time
3 minsCook Time
9-10 minsFree Time
to watch a bit of tv
Steaming sweet potatoes entirely transforms their taste and texture. Moist, fluffy, and… well, sweet with notes of caramel, they become nature’s candy in the microwave. We love adding sweet potatoes into the regular weeknight rotation! Serve alongside your favorite protein and leafy greens for a nutrient-rich meal.
When using an Anyday dish, sweet potatoes take a fraction of the time it takes to cook them in the oven. The secret is in the lid — the silicone gasket traps steam to evenly cook the potatoes, rendering them moist and creamy.
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 Large Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 medium (340g) sweet potato
Preparation
- Rinse potatoes and cut in half.
- Place in an Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 9-10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Sesame: Roughly chop and toss with a tablespoon of tahini and sesame seeds.
- Miso sesame: Mix with miso paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Velvety vegan mash: Smash and mix with coconut milk.
- Brown sugar cinnamon mash: Smash and mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Top with toasted pecans.
Recipe notes
- The leftover moisture after rinsing helps the sweet potatoes steam.
- Is your lid lifting? This happens because steam creates a lot of pressure inside of the dish. This is totally fine! To prevent the lid from lifting, try lowering the power level, which will allow the sweet potatoes to cook more gently.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Sweet Potatoes
See for yourself— microwaving sweet potatoes is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 7-8 mins |
| Oven* | 45-50 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 25 mins |
| Stovetop* | 20-30 mins |
Step by Step: Microwaving Sweet Potatoes
All you need to know about microwaving sweet potatoes
How long do sweet potatoes take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 medium (340g) sweet potato | 9-10 |
| 2 medium (680g) sweet potatos | 10-11 |
| 3 medium (1020g) sweet potatos | 12-13 |
| 4 medium (1360g) sweet potatoes | 13-15 |
Sweet potatoes take about 7-8 minutes in the microwave for a 1000w microwave. Cook times can also depend on the size and starch levels of the sweet potato. When cooking larger sweet potatoes, consider adding more time or poking the surface of the sweet potato with a fork to better distribute heat. For lower-wattage microwaves, add 1-2 more minutes of cook time for a fully cooked sweet potato. For higher-wattage microwaves, check the sweet potato at the lowest cook time offered in the chart above.
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 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 it 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 it 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 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.
