Craving a baked potato but short on time? Skip the oven and grab your microwave. With just one russet potato, olive oil, and a few pantry basics, you’ll have a fluffy, delicious baked potato ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch, weeknight dinner, or hearty snack—no oven required.
🥔 What You’ll Need:
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1 medium russet potato (5–10 oz)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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A fork, microwave-safe plate, and optional toppings
Step-by-Step: Microwave the Perfect Baked Potato
1. Choose the Right Potato
Use a medium russet for the fluffiest texture. They're ideal for baking thanks to their starchy interior and thick skin.
2. Wash Thoroughly
Rinse under lukewarm water and scrub away dirt with your hands or a veggie brush. Pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Poke It with a Fork
Pierce the potato 3–4 times on each side. This prevents it from exploding by letting steam escape.
4. Season the Skin
Brush on olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or za’atar for extra flavor.
5. Place on Microwave-Safe Plate
Use a glass or ceramic plate. If your microwave dries things out, loosely cover the potato with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.
6. Microwave on High for 5 Minutes
Use full power. For higher wattage microwaves (1000W+), 5–6 minutes works. For lower wattage (under 900W), try 8–9 minutes.
7. Flip and Cook 3–5 Minutes More
Turn the potato with tongs or an oven mitt. Continue microwaving until a fork slides in easily. Adjust time depending on size.
8. Test for Doneness
Insert a fork into the thickest part. If it slides in smoothly, it’s ready. Internal temp should be about 210°F (99°C).
9. Optional: Bake for Crispy Skin
Want crispy skin? Pop the potato into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes after microwaving.
10. Let It Rest
Cool for 1–3 minutes before slicing. This allows the heat to finish cooking the center and makes handling safer.
11. Add Toppings & Serve
Slice lengthwise, fluff with a fork, and load up with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits—whatever you love.
A microwave baked potato is the ultimate fast comfort food: quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re topping it with melty cheese or turning it into a full meal with grilled chicken or chili, this 10-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever the craving hits.
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