How to Cook Potatoes in the Microwave (2024)

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How to Cook Potatoes in the Microwave

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Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

6-7 mins

2 reviews

Free 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.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

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What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!

Try Anyday

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

Ingredients

1 whole Russet potato (10-12 oz)

Preparation

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

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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.