How To Bake A Potato In The Microwave: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Super Simple & Delicious Microwave Baked Potato Recipe PDF download Download Article The tastiest tips about which potatoes to use and how long to microwave them Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE Ingredients 1 Choose a medium russet potato. 2 Wash the potato. 3 Prick the potato with a fork. 4 Season the potato. 5 Put the potato on a microwavable plate. 6 Microwave the potato for 5 minutes on high. 7 Flip the potato and cook for 3-5 more minutes. 8 Check the potato to see if it’s done. 9 Oven-roast the potato for extra crispy skin. 10 Let the potato rest for 1-3 minutes. 11 Serve with your favorite toppings. 12 Add a main course. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary 10 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Co-authored by Dan Hickey Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano

Last Updated: March 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,675,319 times.

You’re craving a baked potato (who wouldn’t?), but you just don’t have 90 minutes to roast one in the oven. There’s gotta be a faster way, right? You’re in luck—with just a microwave, a fork, and a little olive oil, you can whip up a mouthwatering baked potato in under 10 minutes! In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through microwaving the perfect baked potato (or multiple potatoes if you’re hosting dinner). Get ready to chow down, because dinnertime is coming up soon!

Things You Should Know

  • Wash a medium russet potato, then brush it with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Pierce it several times with a fork to vent steam.
  • Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then flip the potato for even cooking. Microwave for an additional 3-5 minutes or until it’s easily pierced by a fork.
  • Let the potato rest for 1-3 minutes, then slice it open lengthwise to add your toppings and enjoy!

Ingredients

Serves 1

  • 1 medium russet potato (5-10 oz or 142-284 g)
  • Olive oil (for rubbing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Toppings of your choice

Steps

1

Choose a medium russet potato.

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  1. Look for russets that are 5-10 oz (142-284 g) for even cooking. Look for russets that are 5-10 oz (142-284 g) for even cooking. If you plan on cooking multiple potatoes at once, look for potatoes that are about the same size so they finish at the same time. Smaller potatoes will cook in less time, and larger ones may need a few extra minutes.[1]
    • Try microwaving sweet potatoes for a different flavor, or Yukon Gold potatoes for a denser, creamier texture.
    • Russet potatoes (Idaho or baking potatoes) are great for baking because of their thick skin and starchiness (more starch means a fluffier texture).
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2

Wash the potato.

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  1. Scrub the potato... Scrub the potato under lukewarm water to get rid of dirt and grime. Make sure the water is close to the temperature of the potato—a temperature differential can actually help bacteria enter your food. Rub away dirt or debris with your hands or a clean vegetable brush and pat the potato dry with a paper towel.[2]
    • If your potato has small sprouts or green spots, it’s still edible—peel or chop them off, making sure you go deep enough to remove the entire sprout.[3]
    • If the sprouts are huge or the entire potato is green, throw it away and grab a fresher one.
3

Prick the potato with a fork.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake a Potato in the Microwave Pierce the skin 3-4 times on each side to vent the potato. This step is very important—the holes allow steam to escape and prevent the potato from exploding (which will make a mess in your microwave and ruin your dinner!).[4] Alternatively, cut a wedge 1 in (2.5 cm) deep and ⅛ in (3.2 mm) deep down the long side of the potato.[5]
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4

Season the potato.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake a Potato in the Microwave Brush the skin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for flavor. If you prefer a bolder flavor on your potato skin, try substituting butter or bacon grease for olive oil. Feel free to add other seasonings you like besides salt and pepper, too. Try garlic powder for a savory tang, or za’atar for a Mediterranean spin.[6]
    • Adding olive oil (or any other oil or fat) helps crisp up the potato skin while it cooks.
5

Put the potato on a microwavable plate.

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  1. Use metal-free glass or ceramic plates to avoid melting or sparking. Use metal-free glass or ceramic plates to avoid melting or sparking.[7] If your microwave tends to dry out produce, cover the potato with a microwave safe lid to hold in steam. If you don’t have a lid, try placing the potato in a microwave safe bowl with a plate on top.[8]
    • Try wrapping the potato in a clean paper towel for a similar but less moisture-trapping effect.
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6

Microwave the potato for 5 minutes on high.

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  1. Use your microwave’s highest power for the most even cooking. Use your microwave’s highest power for the most even cooking.[9] If your microwave is 1,000 watts or higher, start with 5-6 minutes. If it’s 900 watts or lower, start with about 8:30 (more watts means less cooking time).[10] If you’re microwaving multiple potatoes at once, increase the time:[11]
    • 2-3 potatoes: Start with 7-8 minutes (10-12 minutes total)
    • 4-5 potatoes: Start with 10-12 minutes (14-18 minutes total)
    • If your microwave doesn’t have a rotating carousel, pause it twice during cooking time and turn the potato a half turn each time.
    • Sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds may take a few minutes less than russet potatoes in most microwaves.
7

Flip the potato and cook for 3-5 more minutes.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake a Potato in the Microwave Use tongs or an oven mitt to flip the potato so it cooks through evenly. The remaining cooking time depends on the exact size of the potato and the power of your microwave. If the potato feels fairly soft when you flip it, try 1-2 minute bursts until it’s fully done. If it’s still firm, go for 3 or more minutes then check it again.[12]
    • If you’re microwaving 2-3 potatoes, they’ll probably need another 3-5 minutes or so.
    • If you’re microwaving 4-5 potatoes, give them another 4-8 minutes.
    • Remember, larger potatoes will take more time than smaller ones.
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8

Check the potato to see if it’s done.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake a Potato in the Microwave Slide a fork into the thickest part of the potato to see how solid it is. If it glides through fairly easily, the potato is done (it’s OK if the center is slightly firmer than the outsides). Alternatively, stick the potato with a food thermometer. If the temperature is about 210 °F (99 °C), it’s ready to eat![13]
9

Oven-roast the potato for extra crispy skin.

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  1. Bake your finished potatoes at 375 °F (191 °C) for 10-15 minutes. Bake your finished potatoes at 375 °F (191 °C) for 10-15 minutes. Preheat the oven while your potatoes are microwaving if you want extra delicious, crispy skin. When they’re done microwaving, put them on a baking tray and slide them in the oven until the skin gets nice and crispy.[14]
    • Microwaves cook the insides to perfection, but don’t always deliver on the crispy skin. The oven can fix this (and still take less time than regular baking!).
    • This step is optional. If you’re running low on time or don’t mind a slightly softer skin, feel free to skip it.
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10

Let the potato rest for 1-3 minutes.

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  1. Set the potato aside so it can cool down to a safe handling temperature. Set the potato aside so it can cool down to a safe handling temperature. This also gives the center another moment to cook in the trapped heat inside the potato. Wear oven mitts to remove the hot plate from the microwave.[15]
    • Wrap the potato in tin foil to keep it warm for a long time. This is a great option if you're eating on the go or saving it for someone who’s running late.
    • If you’re in a rush, cut open the potato immediately after the microwave stops and add your toppings. Then, microwave for another 30 to 60 seconds.
11

Serve with your favorite toppings.

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  1. Slit the potato and squeeze the sides to puff it up for presentation. Slit the potato and squeeze the sides to puff it up for presentation. Fluff the interior with a fork before adding your favorite toppings. Keep it simple and classic with a pat of butter and some salt, or go deluxe with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, chives, or bacon bits.[16]
    • If you’re craving some melty, cheesy goodness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the potato and microwave it again for about a minute.
    • Try microwaving a slice or 2 of bacon while your potato rests to make crumbly bacon bits.
    • If you want a hearty meal from your potato, try scrambling some eggs or making chili con carne to put on top.
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12

Add a main course.

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  1. Round out your baked potato with a high-protein entrée to make a meal. Round out your baked potato with a high-protein entrée to make a meal. Potatoes are super versatile, so the possibilities are endless! Try whipping up some of these mouthwatering recipes for a delectable dinner:[17]
    • Grilled BBQ chicken
    • Pot roast in the crock pot
    • Pan fried steak with garlic butter
    • Braised short ribs
    • Salmon filets with a honey glaze

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can I cook a large potato in the microwave using a brown paper bag? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, that should be an effective method. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 63
  • Question How long should I cook a sweet potato in the microwave? Community Answer Community Answer You can check out this article: How to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 47
  • Question Are microwaved potatoes as nutritious as baked potatoes? Community Answer Community Answer Yes they are, provided you accept that both methods may impact which vitamins, minerals and other nutritious elements are released during the cooking process. Microwaving preserves many water-based nutrients that might be lost during drier baking. However, it is a good idea to use both methods rather than relying solely on one, as that way you can be guaranteed that you get the full range of available nutrients. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 75
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Read Video Transcript

Things You’ll Need

  • Microwave
  • Fork
  • Microwave safe plate
  • Microwave safe lid (optional)
  • Tongs or oven mitts
  • Knife
  • Oven and baking tray (optional)
  • Vegetable brush (optional)
  • Food thermometer (optional)

Tips

  • Baked potatoes are sometimes referred to as jacket potatoes since they’re cooked whole with the skin on. This term is especially popular in the UK. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Use the microwave to “boil” potatoes for making mashed potatoes with these same steps. Use thin-skinned potatoes and be careful not to overcook them so they don’t dry out. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not wrap the potato in tin foil when you put it in the microwave. The metal will start sparking and ruin the interior of your microwave (and your potato!).[18] Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/potato-tips-tricks/
  2. ↑ https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/food-safety-produce/
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqcp3y_k4Fo
  4. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/03/06/how-do-you-microwave-a-baked-potato/
  5. ↑ https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/potato-tips-tricks/
  6. ↑ https://foodsguy.com/how-long-microwave-potato/
  7. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-microwave-baked-potato-203463
  8. ↑ https://foodcrumbles.com/microwave-potatoes/
  9. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-microwave-baked-potato-203463
More References (9)
  1. ↑ https://dormroomcook.com/microwave-baked-potato/
  2. ↑ https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/microwave-baked-potato
  3. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-microwave-baked-potato-203463
  4. ↑ https://www.howtocook.recipes/the-perfect-baked-potato-recipe/
  5. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/03/06/how-do-you-microwave-a-baked-potato/
  6. ↑ https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/microwave-baked-potato
  7. ↑ https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/potato-tips-tricks/
  8. ↑ https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/what-to-serve-with-baked-potatoes/
  9. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/03/06/how-do-you-microwave-a-baked-potato/

About This Article

Ollie George Cigliano Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 6,675,319 times. 10 votes - 86% Co-authors: 98 Updated: March 5, 2025 Views: 6,675,319 Categories: Featured Articles | Potato Dishes Article SummaryX

To bake a potato in the microwave, start by rinsing it off and patting it dry with a paper towel. If you want to season the potato, brush olive oil over it and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Next, pierce the potato with a fork a few times on each side. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave it for around 10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the potato and the power of the microwave. Medium to large potatoes will take between 8-12 minutes per potato on full power. To learn how to tell if your potato is finished baking, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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