The baked potato is among the most popular side dishes that go well with several main dishes. Most people make baked potatoes in an oven; however, you can also make them in a microwave. In fact, it is super quick, easy, and very convenient. For those who are reluctant to bake potatoes in a microwave, let me tell you, they turn out to be perfectly fluffy, and the texture is just right.
So, if you are wondering how to make a baked potato in the microwave? The process is super simple and takes only 15 minutes. Read ahead to find out!
Can you make baked potatoes in the microwave?
The microwave is an amazing kitchen appliance that has revolutionized cooking. Most people use a microwave just for warming leftover food; however, it can also be used for cooking! You can make so many amazing things by cooking in a microwave. From making quick breakfast items like hard-boiled eggs to a simple side dish like baked potatoes, you can make these dishes quickly and conveniently. So, if you are wondering whether you can make baked potatoes in the microwave or not, the answer is yes, you can! And believe me when I say you will effortlessly get a perfectly baked and fluffy potato!
Which potato is best for baked potatoes?
There are several varieties of potatoes available in the market. These not only differ in flavor but in texture as well. When you are looking for potatoes for baking purposes, not all fit the requirement. So, you will need a potato that has more starch and less moisture. My number one choice is the russet potato! That’s because they are high in starch, which makes them fluffy. Plus, being low in moisture gives them just the right texture. And above all, you can also get crispy skin!
Different ways of making baked potatoes
Baked potatoes are quick and delicious. And you can make them in several ways using different kitchen appliances as well. Here are a few ways to make baked potatoes:
- Oven: The most commonly used way of baking a potato is by doing it in an oven. All you have to do is scrub it, drizzle oil, and bake it until the skin is crispy and the potato is fluffy.
- Grill: Another easy way to bake a potato is on a grill. It is particularly an amazing way when you are cooking outdoors. Simply wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and grill until you get the perfect result.
- Air fryer: Another great way to make a baked potato is in an air fryer. An air fryer baked potato is easy and is gaining popularity day by day.
- Microwave: Lastly, you can also make a baked potato in a microwave. Although not many people know about this method, a microwave-baked potato is quick, convenient, and gives perfect results.
How to Make a Baked Potato in the Microwave – Tips
Keep these simple points in mind when making microwave-baked potatoes:
- Always choose fresh produce for this recipe. The potatoes should be firm to the touch.
- Don’t forget to scrub the potatoes. Because they are grown in-ground, you will find a lot of dirt on them. Make sure you remove all the dirt in them.
- Always select potatoes of the exact sizes; otherwise, they won’t cook evenly.
- Use tongs or an oven mitt to prevent your hands from burning while handling hot baked potatoes.
- If the potatoes aren’t cooked through or are not soft enough, you can give them additional time in the microwave.
- You can top the baked potato with your favorite spices, sour cream, olive oil, Greek yogurt, butter, dried herbs, or even shredded cheese. Whatever toppings you like will work.
How to Make a Baked Potato in the Microwave
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Serving: 4
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes, medium-sized
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Freshly chopped chives, to taste
Preparation
Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, and cook on full power for 5 minutes. Turn potatoes over, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Potatoes should be cooked through and soft when poked. If not, cook in 1-minute increments until done.
Remove from oven, and cover with foil for about 5 minutes or until ready to serve
- Wash the russet potatoes and scrub them to remove dirt.
- Using a fork or a sharp knife, poke small holes across the length of the potatoes. Make sure you poke holes evenly.
- Place the potatoes over a microwave-safe plate. Make sure they are a bit apart from each other.
- Place the plate in the microwave and set the timer to 5 minutes. Cook potatoes at high speed.
- Once the timer is up, take the plate out of the microwave and carefully flip the baked potatoes to cook the other side. Use tongs.
- Place the plate back in the microwave and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Once the timer is up, take the plate out and use a toothpick to check the doneness of the potatoes. They should be soft.
- Once done, remove the potatoes from the microwave, cut using a sharp knife, sprinkle salt and black pepper, and serve your perfect baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped chives. Enjoy!
How to Make a Baked Potato in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes medium-sized
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Sour cream for garnish
- Freshly chopped chives to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes on a microwave safe plate, and cook on full power for 5 minutes. Turn potatoes over, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Potatoes should be cooked through and soft when poked. If not, cook in 1-minute increments until done.
- Remove from oven, and cover with foil for about 5 minutes or until ready to serve
- Wash the russet potatoes and scrub them to remove dirt.
- Using a fork or a sharp knife, poke small holes across the length of the potatoes. Make sure you poke holes evenly.
- Place the potatoes over a microwave safe plate. Make sure they are a bit apart from each other.
- Place the plate in the microwave and set the timer to 5 minutes. Cook potatoes at high speed.
- Once the timer is up, take the plate out of the microwave and carefully flip the baked potatoes to cook the other side. Use tongs.
- Place the plate back in the microwave and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Once the timer is up, take the plate out and use a toothpick to check the doneness of the potatoes. They should be soft.
- Once done, take the potatoes out of the microwave, cut using a sharp knife, sprinkle salt and black pepper, and serve your perfect baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped chives. Enjoy!