Soft and fluffy inside with a crispy skin, our Microwave Baked Potato just might be the quickest, easiest way to a delicious side dish!
If you’re craving a warm, buttery baked potato but don’t want to wait an hour for it to cook, this Microwave Baked Potato recipe is the ultimate answer! All you need is a potato, olive oil, and 8 minutes for the perfect puffy potato that’s packed with vitamin C, potassium, B6, and fiber!
A Super Shortcut Spud Recipe!
Okay, so maybe this isn’t a “recipe” so much as a helpful instruction guide, but if you’re going to microwave a potato, you should know how to do it well! This solid shortcut recipe delivers the BEST “baked” potato! It uses 2 ingredients, takes 1 minute to prep, 8 minutes to cook, tastes terrific, has a soft, fluffy texture, and is ready in a fraction of the time of oven-baked dishes! Plus, it doesn’t heat up your kitchen. It’s practically perfect!
Top your microwave-baked potatoes with luscious loaded-potato toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives, or fill them with your favorite Crock Pot Chili for a fast, fabulous filling dinner!
Other Quick Chili Recipes!
- Classic 30 Minute Chili Recipe is a weeknight lifesaver loaded with comforting flavors!
- Instant Pot Chili is hearty, flavorful and fast – perfect on a baked potato, in a bowl, or in chili nachos!
Ingredients
Potato: A large Russet potato makes the BEST baked potato!
Oil: For a crispy skin, rub the uncooked potato with a teaspoon of oil. Any oil will work, though olive oil has the best subtle flavor.
Toppings: Baked potatoes are a fabulous foundation for loads of toppings, but you’ll definitely want butter, salt & pepper to bring out their flavor!
How to Make Microwaved Potatoes
STEP ONE: Wash the potato(es) well and pat dry. Poke 1/2-inch-deep holes on the top and bottom of the potato with a fork or the tip of a sharp knife. Rub the skin all over with olive oil.
STEP TWO: Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 4 1/2 minutes. Using tongs (or whatever works for you), flip over the hot potato and cook for an additional 3 1/2 minutes. If you can easily insert a fork into the center of the potato, it’s done. If not, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
STEP THREE: Remove from the microwave, then carefully cut the steaming-hot potato open lengthwise. Fluff the inside with a fork and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy the easiest “under 10-minute dinner” ever!
Tips for Success
- Russet potatoes make the best baked potatoes!
- If you prefer a soft potato skin, wrap the potato in a damp paper towel when microwaving.
- If you prefer a crunchier potato skin, add an extra minute to the cooking time.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes.
- You can microwave 2 potatoes at a time in about 12 minutes – remember to flip halfway through.
How Long Does it Take to Cook a Potato in the Microwave?
A large-sized baking potato will fully cook in the microwave on high in 6-8 minutes, and two potatoes can cook together in about 12 minutes. Wash and dry the potatoes first, be sure to poke holes in them with a fork, and flip them over about halfway through cooking. So quick and easy!
Do I Have to Poke Holes in a Microwave Potato?
Yes! It’s essential to poke half-inch-deep holes into each potato using a fork or sharp knife. This allows the steam to escape through the skin during cooking, so the pressure doesn’t build up and cause the potato to burst and make a big mess in your microwave!
The “Beauty of Baked Potato” Recipes!
- Bacon Jalapeno Baked Potato Soup
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes
- Baked Potato Salad
- Fully Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
- Bacon Jalapeno Popper Twice Baked Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large Russet potato
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- Butter for topping
- Salt and pepper for topping
Instructions
- Rinse the potato and dry it well. Use a fork to pierce the potato all over. Then rub oil over the outside.
- Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 4 ½ minutes. Then, carefully flip the potato using tongs. Microwave for another 3 ½ minutes.
- Check for doneness by poking the potato with a fork. It should easily reach the center of the potato. If not, microwave for another 1 minute until fork-tender.
- Carefully cut vertically down the center of the potato to open it. Fluff the inside with a fork and add your favorite toppings.
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