how long do i cook a baked potato in microwave

Quick & Easy: How Long to Cook a Baked Potato in the Microwave

Craving the fluffy, comforting goodness of a baked potato but don’t have an hour to wait for the oven? The microwave is your speedy sidekick! While it might not deliver the exact same crispy skin as an oven-baked spud (though we have tips for that!), microwaving gets you a perfectly cooked potato in a fraction of the time.

But the big question is: How long does it actually take?

The Short Answer (with Caveats):

For a single, medium-sized potato (roughly 6-8 ounces or 170-225 grams), a good starting point is:

• 5 to 8 minutes on HIGH power.

Why the Range? Factors Influencing Cooking Time:

Microwave cooking isn’t an exact science because several factors come into play:

1. Potato Size and Density: This is the biggest variable.

   • Small Potato (under 6 oz): Start checking around 3-4 minutes. Total time might be 4-6 minutes.
   • Medium Potato (6-8 oz): Use the 5-8 minute guideline.
   • Large Potato (over 8-10 oz): Start checking around 7-8 minutes. Total time could be 8-12 minutes or even slightly more. Very large potatoes might require flipping more often.

2. Microwave Wattage: Microwaves vary in power (usually 700 to 1200 watts).

   • Higher Wattage (1000W+): Your potato will cook faster, potentially at the lower end of the time estimates.
   • Lower Wattage (700-900W): It will take longer, likely towards the higher end of the estimates or even needing an extra minute or two.

3. Number of Potatoes: Cooking multiple potatoes takes longer than cooking just one because they compete for the microwave energy.

   • Two Potatoes: Add roughly 2-4 minutes to the total cooking time you’d expect for one (e.g., if one takes 6 mins, try 8-10 mins for two). Arrange them with space between.
   • Three or More: Add even more time, and definitely rotate/rearrange them halfway through. Cooking times become much less predictable. For more than two, consider if the oven might be easier for even results, unless speed is paramount.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwave Baked Potatoes:

1. Wash Thoroughly: Scrub the potato skin well under running water to remove any dirt. Pat it dry.
2. Prick All Over: This is crucial! Use a fork or sharp knife to prick the potato skin about 8-12 times, all over the surface. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing a potential potato explosion in your microwave.
3. (Optional) Oil & Salt: For slightly better skin (though it won’t get truly crispy in the microwave alone), you can lightly rub the potato with olive oil or vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Place in Microwave: Put the potato directly on the microwave turntable or on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple, arrange them in a circle with space between, not touching.
5. Cook on High:

   • For one medium potato: Start with 5 minutes.
   • Adjust initial time based on size (less for small, more for large).

6. Flip and Rotate: Carefully remove the potato (it will be hot!), flip it over, and rotate its position on the turntable. This helps ensure even cooking.
7. Continue Cooking: Cook in additional 1-2 minute increments, checking for doneness after each interval.
8. Check for Doneness: Carefully insert a fork, skewer, or sharp knife into the thickest part of the potato. It should go in easily with very little resistance all the way to the center. If it’s still hard, continue cooking in 1-minute bursts.
9. Rest: Once cooked, carefully remove the potato from the microwave (use oven mitts!). Let it rest for 1-2 minutes. It will continue to cook slightly from residual heat, and the steam inside will finish softening the flesh.

Tips for Microwave Potato Perfection:

• Even Size: If cooking multiple potatoes, try to select ones that are similar in size for more consistent cooking times.
• Don’t Overcook: A microwaved potato can go from perfectly cooked to dry and hard relatively quickly. Start checking early.
• Crispy Skin Hack: Want that oven-baked crispy skin? Microwave the potato until just tender (step 8). Then, rub it with oil and salt (if you didn’t earlier) and finish it in:

  • A preheated hot oven (400°F / 200°C) for 5-10 minutes.
  • An air fryer at around 380°F / 190°C for 5-8 minutes.

• Safety First: Potatoes get extremely hot, and the steam released when you cut into them can cause burns. Handle with care!

In Conclusion:

Microwaving a baked potato is a fantastic shortcut. While the exact time depends on your specific potato and microwave, starting with 5 minutes for a medium spud and checking frequently after flipping is a reliable method. Enjoy your fast, fluffy, and delicious baked potato!