How Long To Microwave A Potato Tips And Tricks

Why We Love This Recipe

Baked potatoes are an American favorite, but when you’re in a hurry, who wants to wait an hour as they bake in the oven? You can cook them faster in the microwave while creating the same soft fluffy texture on the inside. Here we’re showing the fastest Microwave Baked Potato method, which takes 7-8 minutes. We are also sharing an air fryer method if you have a little more time. Baking a potato in the oven at 400°F takes about 50-60 minutes, but air frying a potato at 400°F takes only about 35-40 minutes. Choose whichever easy recipe you prefer, and either way, you’ll soon be enjoying perfectly tender taters loaded up with all the best tasty toppings. (Yep, you know we’ve got suggestions for add-ons below!)

3 Ingredients You Need

Potato – russet potatoes are classic, but this recipe works just as well with sweet potatoes or large Yukon gold potatoes Salt and Pepper – a bit of each to season the inside of the potato; there is no need to season the outer skin

And don’t forget those ever-so-essential baked potato toppings! Here we use a simple pat of butter, but keep reading for some tasty ideas for what to put on top of a potato.

How to Microwave a Potato

Wash and dry the potato, but do not peel it. Pierce it several times with a fork to create vent holes. This keeps the skin from expanding and potentially exploding. Don’t skip this step! Place the potato in the microwave on a clean glass microwave tray, or place it on a paper towel. Microwave on high heat for 7 to 8 minutes. If the tray in your microwave rotates, there is no need to stop the cooking process. However, if there is no rotating tray in your microwave, stop the microwave and turn the potato at the 4-minute mark. Check the potato at 7 minutes. If you can insert a fork fully into the center of the potato, it’s done. If not, microwave another one to two minutes until soft.

How to Air Fry a Baked Potato

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Wash and dry the potato, then pierce the potato several times with a fork. Once the air fryer is hot, place a potato in the air fryer and bake for 35 minutes. Check the potato, and if a fork can be inserted all the way to the center, the potato is done. If not, continue to bake for another five minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Let the potatoes sit at room temperature for several minutes to cool. These beauties are perfect to enjoy with nearly any main dish. Steak and potatoes, anyone? Try our fabulous recipes for Skillet Steak Bites, Steak Diane (just like at the Cheesecake Factory), or mouthwatering Porterhouse Steaks with Compound Butter. Or pair it with hearty poultry dishes like BBQ Chicken or Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Microwaved russet or sweet potatoes are also great for a healthier meal that is still delicious and satisfying. Serve them with steamed veggies for a tasty lunch or as part of a light dinner. For basic baked potatoes, cut a slit on the top of the potato. Gently squeeze the potato to loosen the potato flesh. Add a pat of butter to the potato and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. However, feel free to add as many exciting toppings as you so desire!

Best Baked Potato Toppings

Sure, we love the taste of a tender and fluffy potato… But let’s get real. The toppings are what really shine here! Load freshly microwaved taters with your favorite add-ons like:

Butter – unsalted and slightly softened Sour cream – or Greek yogurt Shredded cheese – like cheddar, Italian blend, Mexican blend, Colby jack, pepper jack, or parmesan Chopped chives – or green onions Pickled jalapeños – store-bought or try our quick and easy homemade Pickled Jalapeños recipe Bacon bits – cook and chop the bacon a day or so ahead to make prep even easier Chili – like your favorite Steak Chili, Pork Green Chili (New Mexico Chile Verde), White Chicken Chili, or vegetarian Three Sisters Butternut Squash Chili Taco meat – try these healthier Zesty Ground Turkey Taco Meat or Shredded Chicken Tacos crockpot recipes Salsa – chunky, thin, jarred, or homemade – you really can’t go wrong Hot sauce – your favorite brand and spice level Guacamole – this easy Holy Guacamole recipe is always a big hit