If you’re looking for the fastest way to cook sweet potatoes, you’re in the right spot! Microwaved sweet potatoes are the best, easiest, and quickest way to cook whole sweet potatoes, and I’m sharing the recipe secret to keeping them moist and delicious on the inside. Okay it’s not really a secret, it’s just a wet paper towel!
There are plenty of reasons sweet potatoes are one of my favorite go-to vegetables! They’re delicious, full of unbelievably good-for-you stuff, and SO EASY TO COOK.
Microwaving sweet potatoes is the fastest way to cook them, and today I’m sharing my fool proof method. If you’re meal prepping for a Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free or any other healthy eating plan, or if you need a quick veggie to serve with dinner, this method will definitely save you time and energy.
How Long to Cook a Potato in the Microwave
The answer depends on the size of the potato. Follow these timelines to cook your sweet potatoes in the microwave, depending on how large the potatoes are.
- 2-3 inches thick: 8-9 minutes on high
- 4 inches thick: 10-11 minutes on high
- 5-6 inches thick: 13 minutes on high
You may also like: Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash, How to Freeze Strawberries, The BEST Roasted Broccoli, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Aioli, 10 Whole30 Mini Meals & Snacks.
Making these potatoes? Be sure to tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom!
Perfect Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- microwave
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Poke Holes in the SkinUse a fork to poke a few holes in each potato. This allows the steam to escape without exploding your potato in the microwave.
- Wrap in Wet Paper TowelsWrap a wet paper towel around each potato. You don't want it to be dripping wet, but it should be much more saturated than damp. This helps keep them from drying out in the microwave. Lay the wrapped potatoes on a microwave safe plate, spacing them out a little. You can skip the plate and lay them directly on the microwave dish, but then you'll need to use thongs or potholders to remove them once they're cooked or wait until they've cooled and use your hands.
- MicrowaveCook on high heat for 10 minutes for medium potatoes (follow time directions below). You can test for doneness by poking a sweet potato with a knife. It should easily slide through to the middle of the softened potato. Remove the plate from the microwave and set aside until cooled enough to handle
Dolores Reynolds says
I think that tongs would work better for moving hot sweet potatoes than thongs. 😉
Cook at Home Mom says
Hi Dolores, Why yes, you’re quite right about that! Typos make me laugh, hah! -Laura
Karen Stoloff says
The ends burned.
Michael Wilkes says
Wow! So easy to do and came out perfect! Thank you so much, for a guy that just dabbles in the kitchen this made me look like a chest (look but I’m not lol) I so appreciate your help my dear at 61 I need all the help I can get and my wife (loved it) made me look 👀 skillful!
I’ll be back soon 🙂 for other tips and recipes (if you’re don’t mind)
Cook at Home Mom says
Hi Michael! I’m thrilled to hear that! Thank you for your kind review and enjoy!! Please let me know if you try any other recipes here. 🙂 -Laura