Easiest Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave? ›

Pierce the sweet potato skin with a fork 5 to 6 times. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5-10 minutes—five minutes to cook one sweet potato in the microwave, and add two minutes for each additional potato—rotating them halfway through.

Now, don't get us wrong, cooking a sweet potato in the microwave won't give you exactly the same results as baking a sweet potato in the oven. “The skin doesn't get roasty-toasted or blistered or anything, it just gets a little softer,” Kendra says. “But on the inside it's pretty similar: tender and scoopable.”

If your sweet potato turns out too hard, it is probably undercooked. To make sure your potato is cooked right, check it after five minutes by poking it with a fork. If it is not easy to poke, put it back in for a minute and then continue cooking in 30-second increments until it is soft enough.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

This may sound tedious, but you'll want to avoid overcooking the sweet potato, which can make it dry on the outside and soggy on the inside. The timeframe for cooking may depend on the size of your sweet potato and the wattage of your microwave, so it's essential that you check for doneness yourself.

The Bottom Line

You can eat sweet potato skin. It's a good source of fiber, a nutrient that may help lower the risk of heart disease and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. The next time you make a sweet potato dish, whether it's a roasted side dish or a hearty, cozy casserole, leave the peel on.

Baking a potato can take an hour, while microwaving takes about 10 minutes. An equally good reason is this method produces a superior baked potato. A long time in the oven can often dry out the interior of a potato, but not so with the microwave. It steams the interior of the potato, keeping it moist and fluffy.

Boiling may actually retain most of the antioxidant power of sweet potatoes, compared to roasting and steaming. If we compare baking to boiling microscopically, boiling helps thin out the cell walls and gelatinize the starch, which may enhance the bioavailability of nutrients.

No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. Yams have rough, dark brown skin that is often compared to tree bark, and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked), and a sweet flavor.

How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad. If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts.

Should you poke holes in sweet potatoes before baking? ›

Do you have to poke holes in sweet potatoes before baking? Typically holes are poked into a sweet potato to prevent a potato exploding in your oven. However, the chance of that happening is low, and according to Lifehacker, sweet potatoes will retain more flavor if you don't poke them.

Minerals and metal

These minerals - which include iron, magnesium, and selenium – act like tiny pieces of metal and create what is known as an “arcing effect” in microwaves. An arcing effect is when sparks occur as a result of electromagnetic waves in a microwave reflecting or bouncing off metal.

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content.

Skipping the Scrub-and-Wash Step

Sweet potatoes grow in the ground, and skipping the cleaning step means dirt or grit can end up in your sweet potato casserole. Before cooking or cutting sweet potatoes, wash the skins and give them a scrub with a clean vegetable brush.

All you need to know about microwaving potatoes

Potatoes take about 5-6 minutes in the microwave for a 1000w microwave. We recommend cutting the potato in half lengthwise for quick, even cooking. For lower wattage microwaves, add 1-2 more minutes of cook time for a fully cooked potato.

How Long to Roast Sweet Potatoes. This recipe produces perfectly roasted sweet potatoes after about 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 425 degrees F. If you like your roasted sweet potatoes very soft, you might want to cook them a tad longer.

Prick the potato all over with a fork. Place the sweet potato, lemon wedge (if using) and 1 tsp of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes. Cut in half and serve with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.