This easy microwave sweet potato recipe is a quick way to enjoy a healthy snack or side dish in just minutes. Rubbed with olive oil and salt, the results are a perfectly tender interior with a crispy skin.
I love sweet potatoes, but I don't always have time to bake them, especially when I just want one. Cooking one in the microwave gives me nearly the same result, without much effort.
If you're on the hunt for an oven-baked sweet potato recipe, click here for my go-to method for a fluffy baked sweet potato. We use the same method for Russet and Yukon gold potatoes!
Why We Love Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
There are several reason we love the capability of cooking a sweet potato in the microwave. It's fast and easy! If I decide I want a "baked" sweet potato, I know I can whip one up in less than 10 minutes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, and make the perfect healthy snack or lunch option. Lastly, I can leave the oven off. No need to warm my kitchen or wait for the oven to preheat!
Ingredients
There really isn't an ingredient list for sweet potatoes in the microwave, except the sweet potato, itself. I like to rub a little olive oil on the skin with a sprinkle of salt, but it's not absolutely necessary.
How to Microwave a Sweet Potato
To microwave a sweet potato, start by washing and drying it, then pierce it with a fork. Microwave for 3 minutes, flip it, and heat 3 more minutes. If the potato is not yet fork tender after 6 minutes, cook an additional 1 minute, flipping sides, until it's done. A medium sized potato should be done in 6 minutes. Larger potatoes will take a little longer.
Toppings for Microwave Sweet Potatoes
You can top your microwave-cooked sweet potato with the same toppings as an oven-baked sweet potato. Common toppings are butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Or you can try more interesting ideas like Greek yogurt and honey, black beans and avocado, or top with chili. I sometimes enjoy just the natural sweetness of the potato with no toppings.
Serving Suggestions
The most popular way to serve sweet potatoes is as a side dish to round out a main course. Others enjoy it as an entree stuffed with meat or vegetables, while some people prefer it as a dessert with marshmallows!
More Sweet Potato Recipes
- Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Veggie Burger
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Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography.
Recipe Card
How to Microwave a Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato
- olive oil and salt optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the sweet potato, the pierce with a fork.
- OPTIONAL: *Rub the skin with olive oil, sprinkle with salt.
- Place sweet potato on a paper towel in the microwave. Cook on high for 3 minutes. Carefully flip and heat another 3 minutes. If potato is not fork tender, continue to flip and cook in 1 minute increments until done.**
Notes
- *I like to eat the skin of the sweet potato, which is why I rub with olive oil and salt for a crispy, tasty exterior. If you only eat the interior, you may skip this step.
- **Cooking times may be longer for larger potatoes, or shorter for smaller potatoes.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only, and does not include oil and salt.
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