How Long Does A Sweet Potato Cook In The Microwave

Posted: 6/17/21 Updated: 6/17/21

This post shows you how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. It's quick and efficient, and a great way to do it when you're in a rush!

We've showed you how to cook Instant Pot sweet potatoes as well as crock pot sweet potatoes, both of which come out perfectly creamy. But sometimes, you need your sweet potato cooked through quickly, and that's when the microwave is just perfect.

image showing cooked sweet potato on plate how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave

In just 5-7 minutes, you can have delicious sweet potatoes that you can stuff with delicious fillings, scoop out and use in other recipes, or just enjoy with a little bit of melted butter.

Today, I'm showing you how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave!

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Reasons to ♡ this 'recipe':

it's the fastest way to cook a sweet potato
you don't need to heat up the oven
it's great for cooking single sweet potatoes or small batches

Step by step directions

poking sweet potato before showing how to microwave a sweet potato

1. Poke sweet potato - Start with clean, scrubbed sweet potatoes. Use a paring knife or fork to poke the sweet potato 8-10 times.

sweet potato in microwave safe dish how long to microwave a sweet potato

2. Covered dish- Place the sweet potato in a covered microwave-safe dish (like this one!).

3. Cook- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then carefully flip the sweet potato over. Microwave on high for another 2-4 minutes (longer for large potatoes!)

squeezing baked sweet potato microwave with oven mitt

4. Check- check for doneness by squeezing gently with an oven-mitt covered hand. If sweet potato gives slightly, it is ready to come out. If it is still firm, it needs more time.

FAQ

But aren't microwaves bad for you?

NO. Please read this article. There have been plenty of scientific studies done on microwaved food and exposure to microwaves and there has been no link to cancer development (or other health issues).

Do I need to microwave the sweet potato in a container?

I highly recommend it, as the sweet potato ended up substantially more moist. Sweet potatoes microwaved uncovered on a plate ended up dryer and not as creamy on the inside.

How long do you need to microwave a sweet potato?

For the sweet potatoes pictured above, it took 5-7 minutes. It's going to depend on the size of your sweet potatoes.

How can I tell when my sweet potatoes are cooked through?

I give them a gentle squeeze with an oven mitt. When they become soft to the squeeze, they should be ready.

Storage & meal prep

Cool sweet potatoes completely before storing in an air tight container.

fridge- store for up to 4 days.
freezer- freeze for up to 3 months; for longer storage, you may want to wrap cooled sweet potatoes in parchment or wax paper before storing in a meal prep container.

Favorite Meal Prep Containers

Our tried and true favorite meal prep containers and jars that will keep your food fresh, help you reheat it evenly, and withstand the test of time. No more wasting your money, these are the absolute best containers out there!

Keep reading

Use up your sweet potatoes

Freezer Sweet Potato Waffles (Extra Crispy)
Black Bean Baked Taquitos (6 Ingredients)
Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (freezer!)
Southwestern Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos

More easy basics

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
How to Eat a Pomegranate
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Easy Roasted Garlic Recipe

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

This post shows you how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. It's quick and efficient, and a great way to do it when you're in a rush!

▢ 1 sweet potato

Poke sweet potato - Start with clean, scrubbed sweet potatoes. Use a paring knife or fork to poke the sweet potato 8-10 times.
Covered dish- Place the sweet potato in a covered microwave-safe dish.
Cook-Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then carefully flip the sweet potato over. Microwave on high for another 2-4 minutes (* longer for large potatoes!)
Check-check for doneness by squeezing gently with an oven-mitt covered hand. If sweet potato gives slightly, it is ready to come out. If it is still firm, it needs more time.

*Exact cook time will depend on the size of your sweet potato

Storage

Cool sweet potatoes completely before storing in an air tight container.

fridge-store for up to 4 days.
freezer- freeze for up to 3 months; for longer storage, you may want to wrap cooled sweet potatoes in parchment or wax paper before storing in a meal prep container.

Serving: 1 sweet potato , Calories: 111 kcal , Carbohydrates: 26 g , Protein: 2 g , Fat: 0 g , Saturated Fat: 0 g , Cholesterol: 0 mg , Sodium: 71 mg , Potassium: 438 mg , Fiber: 3 g , Sugar: 5 g , Vitamin A: 18445 IU , Vitamin C: 3.1 mg , Calcium: 39 mg , Iron: 0.8 mg

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.