How to Microwave a Baked Potato

overhead photo of baked potato with butter on gray plate on blue napkin

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

How to Microwave a Baked Potato

Fluffy, hot, soft and perfect! Tender and cooked through Every single time!

Prep Time1

Cook Time10

resting time1

Total Time12

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to microwave a baked potato, microwave baked potato

Servings: serving

Calories: 358kcal

Author: Wendi Spraker

Cost: $1

Equipment

microwave
Fork
paper towel

Ingredients

1 4-5 inch long Russet (Idaho or Baking Potato) about 1/2 - 1 lb
4 Tbs Water

Instructions

Wash the potato well to remove any dirt and debris.
Using a fork, poke holes in the potato with the fork tines 3-4 times on one side and then again on the other side.
Wet the paper towel with the water and squeeze out any extra water. Wrap the damp paper towel around the potato.
Place the potato in the microwave and heat for 4 minutes. Turn the potato and heat again for 3 minutes. Allow hot potato to sit in the microwave for 1 minute and rest.
With a towel between your hand and the potato, give the potato a squeeze. If the sides give easily then the potato is done. If the potato remains hard to the squeeze, microwave in 1 minute bursts until the potato gives easily.

Video

Notes

Remember that all microwaves are not created equal and yours may take longer or fewer minutes to cook the potato.
Baking potatoes come in all sizes. If yours is smaller than 4 inches or more than 5 inches you’ll need to adjust the baking time as LESS for smaller and MORE for bigger.
You can easily bake several potatoes at the same time using this method. Use the chart in this post to help you decide how long to set your microwave.
If you would like a crispy skin, heat the broiler on your oven, paint the potato skin with melted butter and brush on the potato. Broil at high for 3-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
Top your potato with any number of yummy toppings, but start with butter, salt and pepper.

PRO TIP: To get that perfect opening steakhouse slice across the top of your potato, use the edge of a fork tine rather than a knife! It will be fluffy and perfect, just like a TV commercial!

Nutrition