This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Craving a baked potato but short on time? Make my microwave baked potato recipe and get that crispy skin and buttery soft center. It’s ready in 8 minutes!
Hungry for more baked potato recipes? Try my air fryer baked sweet potato, air fryer baked potato, and stuffed baked potatoes next.
We probably have potatoes as a side more than any other veggie because they’re filling, satisfying, and versatile. When I’m too hungry to wait for a baked potato, I turn to the microwave.
Inspired by my microwave sweet potatoes, with minimal effort, you get tender, well-seasoned potatoes with crackling skin and light, fluffy centers. The best part? They’re ready in under 10 minutes (yes, I’m serious!).
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- The fastest way to cook a potato! All thanks to the magic of the microwave. And before some of you come at me about the negative claims for using this gadget, check out Harvard’s studies on microwave cooking and nutrition.
- Minimal oil. Just enough to brush on the exterior of the potatoes.
- Versatile. Whip them up as a quick side dish, or have loaded baked potatoes for dinner.
- Easy to customize. Season the potatoes or add all sorts of toppings. There are NO wrong answers.
- Less energy wasted. Since you’re not preheating an entire oven, you’re being more energy efficient. Win-win!
Ingredients needed
- Potatoes. Look for even-sized potatoes so they cook at the same time. I tested a few different kinds and found Russet potatoes to be the best potatoes for the job.
- Olive oil. To rub on the skin so it gets crisp.
Topping ideas
- Butter, Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- Chopped bacon bits
- Cheddar cheese and no bean chili
- Pico de gallo and guacamole
- Fresh chives, parsley, or green onions
How to make microwaved baked potatoes
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep the potatoes. Scrub and clean the potatoes. Pat them dry with paper towels. Poke holes in each potato several times with a fork and rub oil around the sides.
Step 2- Microwave. Place a potato on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Flip the potato and cook for another 4 minutes. Continue cooking in one-minute intervals until done. Repeat with all of the potatoes.
How long to microwave potatoes
wattage and the size of the potatoes. Here’s a general guide through recipe testing:
- 1 large potato: 6-8 minutes
- 2 medium-sized potatoes: 10 minutes or less
- 4 medium-sized potatoes: 15-16 minutes
- 4 or more small potatoes: 8-10 minutes
When in doubt, microwave them in 4-minute intervals for at least 8 minutes, then continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until done.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Microwave in batches. Depending on the size of your potatoes, you will want to only microwave 1-2 potatoes at a time. If you try to heat all four at once, you’ll be there forever!
- Season the potatoes. Sprinkle the exterior of the potatoes with a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Check to see when the potato is fully cooked. Insert a knife inside the potato. It should slide in smoothly and easily.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 4-5 days.
To freeze: Wrap each potato in aluminum foil, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating: Microwave potatoes in 30-second intervals until warm or reheat in the air fryer or preheated oven.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, wrapping potatoes in a damp paper towel before microwaving can help them cook by lightly steaming them, but it isn’t necessary.
Yes, depending on the size of your potatoes, you should be able to microwave two at once. I have an average 30-inch sized microwave and easily microwave 2-3 large potatoes at once.
More ways to enjoy potatoes
Microwave Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes scrubbed and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pierce the potato several times with a fork. Rub olive oil around the sides.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, then flip the potato over and microwave for an additional 4 minutes. If the potatoes aren’t fully cooked yet (check the doneness by inserting a knife in the center of the potato), microwave in 30-second increments until they are.
- Let the potatoes rest for a minute, slice down the center, and fluff with a fork. Add toppings and serve.
Okay, Arman- I know you just posted this but I had to try it out straight away and oh my word- This is the BEST microwave baked potato I have ever made- adding the oil before microwaving is a game changer. Cindy
How do you get them to crisp in microwave? Mybskin always comes out soft, so I end up putting it in the airfryer to crisp the skin
Hi Diane- it’s the addition of the oil/butter before microwaving.