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My microwave sweet potato recipe is hands-off and guarantees light and fluffy sweet potatoes every time. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s a fast and healthy side dish!
Sweet potatoes are a go-to side dish in my house, and as much as we love air fryer baked sweet potato, I dare say the microwave is even more convenient.
With minimal prep time, you’ll have tender, perfectly cooked sweet potatoes that are light, fluffy, and easily paired with anything (You can ask a particular family member of mine who loves it with marshmallows and honey). If you prefer a white potato, try microwave baked potato.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Works as a side or a meal. Serve it as is with a little butter and salt, or top it with all sorts of toppings! I’ll be sure to list some of my favorites below.
- Ready in less than 5 minutes. That’s the beauty of microwaving.
- No oil needed. You get all the health benefits but with no excess calories or fat.
- Great texture. The skin is crisp and hides a warm, fluffy center.
Once you’ve made these potatoes, mash them and use them in my sweet potato pancakes, sweet potato muffins, and sweet potato blondies.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Okay, this is SO good and seriously takes 5 minutes. It’s a weeknight staple for my family.” – Millie
Ingredients needed
- Sweet potatoes. You can use any potato of your choosing, but note that the bigger they are, the longer they’ll take to cook. Pick potatoes that are firm with little to no wrinkles.
- Toppings/fillings. I’m keeping things simple with just salt and butter, but check the recipe card for some fun combos.
How to microwave sweet 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- Scrub each potato and run it under cold water to remove dirt. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2- Use a fork or paring knife to poke holes all over the potato.
Step 3- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Step 4- the cooked sweet potato rest for several minutes, then slice in half and serve with desired toppings.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Peel the potato if desired. It’s totally up to you. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t! I find that without skin, potatoes yield slightly less tender potatoes (I’d describe it as waxy).
- Microwave them one at a time if the potatoes are pretty large.
- Check at the 5-minute mark. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Smaller potatoes may cook in 5 minutes, but if yours is still firm, continue microwaving in one-minute intervals, checking between each.
- Oil the skin. While optional, brushing olive oil on the skin helps it become more tender.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 -4 days.
To freeze: Place cooked and cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating: Microwave leftovers in 30-second increments until warm or heat them in a preheated oven or air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
While optional, wrapping potatoes in a damp paper towel can help the skin soften and cook the potato while retaining moisture.
Poking holes or piercing potatoes with a fork before cooking is always a good idea. This allows the steam to escape during the cooking process and prevents potential potato explosions.
More ways to cook sweet potatoes
If you tried this or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Microwave Sweet Potato
Video
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes I used medium-sized ones
Instructions
- Scrub the sweet potato under running water to remove any dirt. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Using a fork, poke holes all over the sweet potato.
- Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potato. Start checking at the 4 1/2-minute mark. The sweet potato is done when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Let the potato rest for several minutes, before slicing in half and adding butter or any toppings of choice.
Notes
- Mexican. Fill with taco meat, black beans, salsa, sliced avocado, and sour cream.
- Sweet. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Maple. Top with butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
- Peanut butter. Drizzle with peanut butter (or almond butter).
This was life changed for me. First time baked in microvawe and it was good!
EXCELENT
Do you have some recipe for making sauce or addings for microvawe baled sweet potato?
This is a game changer!!! Thank you!!!
Okay, this is SO good and seriously takes 5 minutes.
Thanks, Millie!
Easy and fast way I made my sweet potatos. Ive never thought of microwaving them. But they turned out great!
Love this recipe. I was always afraid to microwave them but these turned out perfect!
I love your recipe for microwaving sweet potatoes. They turn out perfectly fluffy and delicious every single time!
Thanks, Elaina!
This is my favorite microwave sweet potato recipe. It’s SO fluffy and tender and fast. Mine took 5 minutes.
Your microwave sweet potato recipe is a staple in my kitchen. It makes the BEST meal prep ever!
Thanks, Jordan!
Just made this and it is so SO fast and turns out perfect every time- thank you!
Thanks, Alan!
Thanks my friend
Wow I never tried making sweet potato in microvawe. It should be so easy to make.
It would be!!! 🙂
Easy and delicious! A game changer for meal prepping.
Thank you, Kirby!
I hope you all enjoy my sneaky way to cook sweet potatoes SUPER fast!!! They turn out perfect every time and take mere minutes.