If you are alone at home and want to make quick and delicious food to fulfill your hunger, then there is no other choice but to cook a baked potato in the microwave. Potatoes are a full meal due to their rich, starchy flesh and are an instant source of energy. Potatoes are liked by everyone, whether a kid or adult, in any form, whether it is delicious potato French fries or healthy potato cheese balls. This classic baked potato is a comfort food that gets ready in ten minutes and can be used as a main course or a side dish. Microwave can make perfect baked potatoes in no time to enjoy the delicious flavors and nutrition of russet or sweet potatoes. In this guide, you will learn an easy 5-step recipe to cook a baked potato in the microwave with crispy skin and fluffy interiors cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato (or sweet potato)
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or any preferred toppings (Optional)
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Instructions
1. Prepare Your Potatoes
A classic baked potato recipe uses russet potatoes, but you can use sweet potatoes if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or soil. Dry the washed potatoes using a paper towel. If you are making baked potatoes in the microwave from more than one potato, make sure that all the potatoes are of similar size.
2. Season and Prick the Potatoes
Brush the potatoes for baking with olive oil. This enhances the flavor and helps in the formation of crispy skin. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Use a fork to prick the potato skin several times on all sides. The pricking step allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
3. Microwave Cooking
Add the seasoned potatoes to the microwave-safe plate and arrange them. Set the timer of the microwave. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potato. As a general guide, a medium-sized russet potato will typically take 5 to 7 minutes to cook.
To make sure that potatoes are cooked evenly, flip the potato halfway through the cooking time.
4. Check for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, carefully check the potato’s doneness by poking it with a fork. If the fork easily pierces through to the center, the potato is done. If it’s still firm, continue microwaving for a 1-minute more until tender. Be careful not to touch the hot potato with your hands. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can use an air fryer. After microwaving, place the potato in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 2-3 minutes. This step will crisp up the skin without overcooking the inside.
5. Rest and Serve
Take out the baked potatoes from the microwave and let them rest for a few minutes to cool down a bit. This helps the steam distribute and the potato to finish cooking. Cut the potato open and fluff the inside with a fork.
Baked Potato Toppings
You can enhance the flavor of your baked potatoes with additional toppings. Add your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped chives. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and season as desired.
Tips To Cook a Baked Potato in the Microwave
This microwave-baked potato recipe calls for a russet potato, and we think that’s the best way to go. Russets have thick skin that crisps up nicely in the microwave or in the oven. Plus, they have super starchy insides that’ll ensure a perfectly fluffy filling. But you can use other types of starchy potatoes, like sweet potatoes, to make baked potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes get cooked slightly faster than russet potatoes, so be careful about the timing and check them a minute or two before the given cooking time.
- For best results, use a microwave-safe plate and avoid stacking potatoes to ensure they are even cooked.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your potato. Larger potatoes will need more time, while smaller ones will cook faster.
Conclusion
Savor the flavor of potatoes by cooking a baked potato in the microwave, a simple and easy-to-cook meal prepared with only a few ingredients. Season the potatoes with salt to create a delicious microwaved baked potato that is perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish. Enjoy cooking this tempting baked potato and savor it with your favorite toppings to enhance its flavor and presentation.