To microwave a sweet potato, the general recommended time is about 5 minutes for a medium-sized potato. Here is a reliable method:
- Wash and dry the sweet potato.
- Pierce it several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning the potato over halfway through cooking.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should be tender and easy to pierce. If not done, continue microwaving in 30-second to 1-minute increments until tender.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
For larger potatoes, start with 5 to 6 minutes and adjust as needed. If cooking multiple potatoes, increase the time accordingly (e.g., 8 minutes for two medium potatoes)
. Wrapping the sweet potato in a damp paper towel is optional but can help keep it moist during cooking
. In summary, expect about 4–6 minutes per medium sweet potato in the microwave, turning halfway and checking for tenderness to ensure it is fully cooked.