how long to bake a sweet potato in the microwave

To bake a sweet potato in the microwave, follow these steps:

1. Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Poke some holes in the sweet potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. Rub the sweet potato with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt (optional).
4. Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate.
5. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes for a small sweet potato (about 1/2 pound), 4-5 minutes for a medium sweet potato (about 3/4 pound), and 5-6 minutes for a large sweet potato (about 1 pound).
6. Check the sweet potato for doneness by inserting a fork or knife. If it’s still hard, cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute and check again.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the sweet potato, as well as your microwave’s power level.

Here are some general guidelines for microwave cooking times:

* Small sweet potato (1/2 pound): 3-4 minutes
* Medium sweet potato (3/4 pound): 4-5 minutes
* Large sweet potato (1 pound): 5-6 minutes
* Extra-large sweet potato (1 1/2 pounds): 6-7 minutes

Remember to always check the sweet potato for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.