Perfect Microwave Sweet Potatoes
A quick, foolproof method for tender sweet potatoes without heating up your kitchen!
Ingredients & Equipment
· Sweet potatoes (any variety, 1-4 potatoes)
· Water for washing
· Optional toppings:
· Butter, cinnamon, brown sugar
· Maple syrup, pecans
· Salt, pepper, and olive oil (for savory version)
· Marshmallows for “candied” style
· Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, fork, paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes
· Scrub potatoes thoroughly under cold water
· Pat completely dry with paper towels
· CRITICAL STEP: Pierce each potato 6-8 times with a fork (prevents bursting)
- Cooking Method
Option A: Whole Potatoes (Classic)
· Place potatoes on microwave-safe plate, at least 1 inch apart
· Microwave on HIGH:
· 1 potato: 4-6 minutes
· 2 potatoes: 8-10 minutes
· 3 potatoes: 12-15 minutes
· 4 potatoes: 15-18 minutes
· Flip halfway through cooking time
Option B: Cubed Potatoes (Faster)
· Peel and cut into 1-inch cubes
· Place in microwave-safe bowl with 2 Tbsp water
· Cover with microwave-safe lid or plate
· Microwave 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway
- Doneness Test
· Potatoes should feel soft when squeezed (use oven mitt!)
· Fork should slide easily into thickest part
· If not done, microwave in 1-minute increments
- Resting & Serving
· Let rest 5 minutes (they continue cooking!)
· Slice open and fluff with fork
· Add desired toppings
Pro Tips
✅ Even cooking: Choose similar-sized potatoes
✅ Moisture control: Wrap in slightly damp paper towel for extra steam (not necessary but can help)
✅ Skin lovers: Rubbing with oil before cooking makes skin more edible
❌ Don’t skip piercing – this prevents messy explosions
❌ Avoid foil or metal in microwave
Timing Guide (for medium-sized potatoes)
Quantity Approx. Time Rest Time
1 potato 5 minutes 5 minutes
2 potatoes 9 minutes 5 minutes
3 potatoes 13 minutes 5 minutes
4 potatoes 16 minutes 5 minutes
Topping Ideas
Sweet:
· Classic: Butter + cinnamon + brown sugar
· Fall favorite: Maple syrup + toasted pecans
· Dessert: Mini marshmallows + crushed graham crackers
Savory:
· Garlic herb: Minced garlic + herbs + Parmesan
· Southwest: Black beans + corn + avocado
· Mediterranean: Chickpeas + tahini + parsley
Nutritional Note
Microwave cooking preserves more nutrients than boiling and is faster than baking!
Perfect for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, or a fast healthy snack. Enjoy your perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in minutes!