How to Microwave Potatoes
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
5-6 minsFree Time
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There’s no more straightforward or faster way to cook this starchy staple than in the microwave. To save time, steam potatoes in the microwave as a shortcut before air frying or broiling. Microwaved potatoes also make great impromptu lunches or snacks! Eat them directly with butter, salt, and more toppings— “baked” potato-style.
Baking a potato can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour in the oven. When using an Anyday dish, potatoes take about 3-4 minutes to fully cook in the microwave. The secret is in the lid— the silicone gasket traps steam to evenly cook potatoes.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 medium (160g) russet potato
Preparation
- Rinse the potatoes.
- Cut the potato in half lengthwise.
- Place in an Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 5-6 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Serving suggestions & tips
- 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!
- Chile con carne: Serve ‘baked’ potatoes as a side for chile con carne instead of cornbread
- 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 |
Step by Step: Microwaving Potatoes
All you need to know about microwaving potatoes
How long does a potato take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 medium (160g) russet potato | 5-6 mins |
| 2 medium (320g) russet potatoes | 10-11 mins |
| 3 medium (480g) russet potatoes | 12-13 mins |
| 4 medium (680g) russet potatoes | 14-15 |
| 5 medium (850g) russet potatoes | 16-17 |
| 6 medium (1020g) russet potatoes | 17-18 |
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 to 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 adding more time or poking the surface of the potato with a fork to better distribute heat. Potatoes can also be peeled and cut into small (1” pieces) for an even faster cook time.
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.
