
Microwaving sweet potatoes is a quick and efficient way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without waiting for an oven to preheat or spending an hour baking. If you’re wondering how long to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, let’s find the answer in this article below and explore how to make it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.

1. How Long to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave: About 5 to 10 Minutes
Cooking a sweet potato in the microwave is incredibly convenient, but the exact cooking time can vary. For an average-sized sweet potato, you’ll generally need about 5 to 7 minutes on high. However, larger sweet potatoes may take closer to 10 minutes. It’s important to cook in increments to avoid overcooking.
Start with 5 minutes, then check the potato by piercing it with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until done.
Read more:
- How Long to Bake a Sweet Potato at 350°F: 60-75 Minutes
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2. Preparing Your Sweet Potato for the Microwave
To get the best results when cooking a sweet potato in the microwave, start with proper preparation. Wash and scrub the sweet potato thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a fork, pierce the potato several times around its surface; this allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
For added flavor, you can lightly rub the skin with olive oil and a pinch of salt before microwaving, though this step is optional.
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3. Cooking a Sweet Potato in the Microwave: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you cook a sweet potato in the microwave perfectly every time:
- Wash and pierce: After washing and scrubbing your sweet potato, use a fork to pierce it several times all over.
- Place on a microwave-safe plate: Arrange the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple potatoes, ensure they are spaced out evenly.
- Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes: Start with 5 minutes on high. After the initial time, check the potato by poking it with a fork. If it’s still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute bursts.
- Rotate if needed: If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the sweet potato halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness: The sweet potato is ready when a fork or knife easily slides through the thickest part. If there’s resistance, microwave for another minute and test again.
4. How to Add Extra Flavor to Your Microwaved Sweet Potato
Microwaving sweet potatoes is fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Here are a few ways to enhance your microwaved sweet potato:
- Butter and spices: After microwaving, add a pat of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Savory toppings: For a savory twist, try topping your sweet potato with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or black beans for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Brown sugar glaze: For a dessert-like treat, drizzle your sweet potato with a little maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon.
5. Storing and Reheating Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
Once you know how long to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, you can easily make extras for meal prep.
To store, let the sweet potato cool completely, then wrap it in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal or snack whenever you need it.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Microwaving Sweet Potatoes
While cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
One is not piercing the potato enough, which can cause it to burst during cooking. Another mistake is microwaving for too long without checking, leading to an overcooked or dried-out potato. Lastly, skipping the step of rotating the potato can result in uneven cooking, with one side being mushy while the other remains firm.
7. Why Cooking Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave is a Game-Changer
Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is a game-changer for anyone short on time. Not only is it faster than baking, but it also retains the potato’s natural moisture, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture. This method is ideal for quick meals, snacks, or when you simply don’t want to heat up your kitchen with the oven. Knowing how long to cook a sweet potato in the microwave ensures that you can enjoy this nutritious food quickly and conveniently.
For a perfectly cooked sweet potato, microwaving is one of the easiest methods. Understanding how long to cook a sweet potato in the microwave ensures consistent results every time. Cooking times with sweet potatoes range from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size of the potato and your microwave’s wattage.