Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (2024)

Published: / Modified: by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN / This post may contain affiliate links / Leave a Comment

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Looking for the best way to cook a sweet potato fast? Follow this easy microwave sweet potato recipe to have perfectly baked taters ready in less than 10 minutes.

Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (1)

One of the biggest barriers to eating more vegetables (and healthy food in general) is not knowing how to prepare them…or not having the tools to do so. Time can also be a limiting factor, of course!

That’s why I’m so excited to share my new favorite cooking hack – making a baked sweet potato in the microwave. This foolproof method is incredibly fast, which means no more excuses not to try delicious, nutritious sweet potatoes!

I think it’s even safe to say that learning this trick can transform how you spend your time in the kitchen. Need an easy side dish for dinner? Make a sweet potato.

Want to make a recipe that calls for cooked sweet potatoes but don’t have an hour to prep them (who does!)? Ding ding ding. Microwave sweet potatoes to the rescue!

Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (2)

How Long to Microwave a Sweet Potato

Depending on the size of your sweet potato, and how many you plan to cook at once, microwave sweet potatoes can take anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes broken up into shorter timer intervals.

Important Steps For Making Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

  1. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then use a fork to poke holes in the skin. I usually pierce them 5-7 times at different parts of the skin. Do not skip this step! It’s super important to let steam escape during cooking.
  2. Place the sweet potato(es) on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 5 minutes total on high. Cook for 2 minutes, 30 seconds to start, flip the potato over, then put it back in for 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Slice it open, and you’ll find delicious, creamy flesh inside!

I recommend cooking 1 sweet potato at a time, since they cook more evenly that way. But you can cook 2 at once. It will just take longer.

The sweet potato is finished cooking when the skin is soft and sinks in a bit when you touch it. If it’s not soft after 5 minutes, put it back in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it’s cooked through.

  • Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (3)
  • Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (4)

Some of you may wonder if microwave sweet potatoes are still healthy for you. The short answer is yes! Details below.

Does microwaving sweet potatoes destroy nutrients?

Since sweet potatoes are exposed to heat for a shorter time in the microwave than when they’re cooked in the oven, they may actually retain more nutrients.

In fact, some studies show that vegetables cooked in the microwave retain more of their water-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin C, than when they’re boiled.

For more information on this topic, check out my post on steamed veggies.

Can you eat the skin of a sweet potato?

To increase the nutrition value of a sweet potato even more, eat the skin too! It’s completely edible and loaded with fiber.

Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes taste delicious with a slab of butter and a sprinkle of salt. You can also top them with cinnamon, garlic powder, or any seasoning you like.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that call for cooked sweet potatoes:

  • Silver Dollar Sweet Potato Protein Pancakes
  • Spiced Sweet Potato Latte
  • Sweet Potato Blueberry Flax Muffins
  • Sweet Potato Skins with Barbecue Beans
  • Oatmeal Raisin Sweet Potato Cookies
  • Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers

I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

📖 Recipe

Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (5)

Microwave Sweet Potato

The easiest way to make perfectly baked sweet potatoes!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 6 minutes mins

Servings: 1 sweet potato

Calories: 112kcal

Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet potato

Instructions

  • Scrub the sweet potato clean and use a fork to pierce it 5-7 times on different areas of the skin.

  • Put the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 2.5 minutes on high. Flip it over and put it back in the microwave for another 2.5 minutes on high. Check to see if it's soft to the touch. If not, put it back in the microwave for 30-second intervals until tender.

  • Slice the cooked sweet potato in half and top with butter and sea salt.

Notes

  • You can make up to 2 sweet potatoes at a time, but it will likely take closer to 7 minutes total. Microwave in shorter intervals so that you can check the progress along the way, and be sure to flip the sweet potatoes over at the halfway point.
  • Store cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave (of course)!

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 18443IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall and follow me today!

Enjoy this easy cooking tip!

Lizzie

Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to microwave sweet potatoes? ›

Step 1Wash sweet potato thoroughly, pat dry, and pierce 3-4 times with a fork. Place potato on microwave-safe plate and microwave 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Step 2After 4 minutes, continue microwaving in 30 second increments until fork tender.

Are sweet potatoes better in the microwave or oven? ›

Can You Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave? Yes, you can! In fact, the shorter cook time will help the sweet potatoes retain more nutrients that are often lost in the long oven-baking process. It's not all that different than baking a sweet potato in the oven, except it's a whole lot faster.

How do you tell if a sweet potato is done in the microwave? ›

Your sweet potato is done cooking when a sharp knife slides easily into the center of the potato. If you're met with resistance, continue cooking in 30-second increments.

Why is my sweet potato hard after microwaving? ›

You are done microwaving your sweet potatoes when a fork spears into them easily. If they are too firm, continue to cook your sweet potatoes in the microwave in one-minute increments.

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Can you overcook a sweet potato in the microwave? ›

This may sound tedious, but you'll want to avoid overcooking the sweet potato, which can make it dry on the outside and soggy on the inside. The timeframe for cooking may depend on the size of your sweet potato and the wattage of your microwave, so it's essential that you check for doneness yourself.

What to top sweet potatoes with? ›

For a topping, stick to butter, Greek yogurt, or sour cream, or try adding a dollop of cilantro lime dressing, tzatziki, chipotle sauce, pesto, guacamole, or a drizzle of tahini sauce. If you have leftover baked sweet potatoes, save the soft flesh for another recipe.

Can you eat the skin of a sweet potato? ›

The Bottom Line

You can eat sweet potato skin. It's a good source of fiber, a nutrient that may help lower the risk of heart disease and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. The next time you make a sweet potato dish, whether it's a roasted side dish or a hearty, cozy casserole, leave the peel on.

Does the microwave do damage to sweet potatoes? ›

Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is safe, as long as they are properly prepared. It is recommended to pierce the skin of the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Why do sweet potatoes spark in the microwave? ›

Minerals and metal

These minerals - which include iron, magnesium, and selenium – act like tiny pieces of metal and create what is known as an “arcing effect” in microwaves. An arcing effect is when sparks occur as a result of electromagnetic waves in a microwave reflecting or bouncing off metal.

Why is my sweet potato screaming in the microwave? ›

Ignore what sounds like your potato screaming for help — it's just potato moisture turning into potato steam and escaping through the fork holes as potato vapor.

Is it better to microwave or bake a sweet potato? ›

Microwaving jumpstarts the cooking process and cuts down the total cook time by almost an hour, but you will still get the sweet, caramelized flesh and crisp skin that only comes from oven baking. It's the best of both worlds.

What is the potato button on microwave? ›

Many microwaves have moisture sensors inside so that all you need to do is press the button that says 'potato' and just wait for the microwave to beep at you. If your microwave doesn't have a potato button, a general rule is that one 7-to-8 ounce Idaho potato takes about 7 minutes to cook. 2 will take about 11 minutes.

Why is my microwave baked potato hard? ›

The rapid heating can cause the granules to burst, and release sticky, gelatinized starch. The result: A gluey potato that's also often marred by hard nodules where the starch has crystallized.

Do you peel before or after boiling sweet potatoes? ›

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Can I microwave a sweet potato in the plastic? ›

Prick the potato all over with a fork. Place the sweet potato, lemon wedge (if using) and 1 tsp of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes. Cut in half and serve with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.

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