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The Perfect Microwave Sweet Potato

By Samira Kazan

published February 07, 2024

Microwaving sweet potatoes is super easy! In just 5 minutes, you can turn a hard potato into a yummy, soft treat. It’s like a speedy kitchen magic trick!

Two microwaves sweet potatoes topped with a bit of butter and pepper - 4

This microwave-baked sweet potato method is great if you want to enjoy your potato in about five minutes. So, when you’re low on time and want a yummy treat, the microwave is your best friend. Quick, tasty, and tastes almost the same as baked sweet potato – the perfect solution!

You might enjoy making microwave baked potatoes with regular potatoes, too!

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See how to microwave a sweet potato
Ingredients
How to microwave a sweet potato
How long to microwave sweet potatoes
More ways to cook a sweet potato
The Perfect Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe

See how to microwave a sweet potato

Ingredients

You only need one thing to make this super-quick recipe – just a medium sweet potato . That’s all! If you want, add your favorite sweet or savory toppings.

How to microwave a sweet potato

Prep the sweet potato : Wash and scrub your potato under running water. Then dry it well with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Use a metal skewer or a fork to carefully poke it several times.

prick the sweet potato with a metal skewer - 5

Cook and cut : Place the sweet potato in the center of the microwave. For a medium-sized one, microwave for about 2.5 minutes, carefully flip it over, and microwave for about 2.5 more minutes. Using oven mitts or a towel, take the potato out of the microwave and place it on a plate.

Cut it lengthwise in the middle, fluff it with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and top with a knob of butter!

How long to microwave sweet potatoes

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, the power of your microwave, and your personal preferences for doneness. Always begin the cooking process with the recommended time to avoid overcooking. If the sweet potatoes are not to your liking, you can add more time in 1-2 minute increments until you reach the desired tenderness.

For one medium-sized sweet potato: microwave for 5 minutes, remembering to flip it halfway through. Adjust the time based on size: subtract 1 minute for smaller sweet potatoes and add 1 minute for larger ones.

2 medium sized cooked sweet potatoes in a plate - 7

For 2 medium-sized potatoes: The cooking time for two is often slightly longer than for one. You can begin by adding 2 extra minutes (7 minutes in total), then check for doneness by poking them with a fork or knife. If needed, continue microwaving in additional short increments until they reach the desired tenderness. However, for more consistent results, I recommend cooking them individually. Microwaving them separately allows each sweet potato to receive uniform heat exposure, reducing the risk of uneven cooking.

When microwaving multiple sweet potatoes, use ones of similar sizes and space them apart for even cooking.

Check doneness and enjoy perfectly microwaved sweet potatoes - 8

More ways to cook a sweet potato

Baked sweet potato with some butter and thyme - 9

Baked sweet potato with some butter and thyme - 10

Mashed sweet potatoes topped with butter and cinnamon in a bowl - 11

Mashed sweet potatoes topped with butter and cinnamon in a bowl - 12

A serving of sweet potato fries served with ketchup and mustard - 13

A serving of sweet potato fries served with ketchup and mustard - 14

Equipment

Microwave

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

▢ 11 oz sweet potato 1 medium

Optional

▢ butter to serve
▢ sea salt to taste
▢ black pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and scrub your potato under running water. Use a metal skewer or a fork to poke it several times. Then place it in the center of the microwave.
For one medium-sized sweet potato, microwave for about 2.5 minutes, carefully flip it over, and microwave for about 2.5 more minutes. The exact cooking time may vary – see the notes below for more tips.
Using oven mitts or a towel, transfer the sweet potato to a plate. Cut it lengthwise in the middle, fluff it with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and top with a knob of butter!

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.