Microwaved Baked Potato
Published Oct 27, 2025
This microwave baked potato is the easiest and fastest way to cook a potato! Made with a russet potato, olive oil and seasonings and ready in 10!
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I love making microwave baked potatoes!
Using the microwave to make a “baked” potato is truly the fastest way to make a baked potato! And just like if it were cooked in an oven, the potato still comes out with a creamy, fluffy inside. I’ll often make one of these microwaved baked potatoes for lunch or dinner when my husband and the kids are out! I take mine with a scoop of sour cream and plenty of chopped, fresh chives, but I have ideas for other toppings below.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Microwave Baked Potato Ingredients
- Potato: I usually do this with a medium russet potato. Depending on the size of the potato, you might need a little more or a little less time. You can also cook sweet potatoes in the microwave!
- Seasonings: Olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need.
How to Make a Baked Potato in a Microwave
Microwaved Baked Potato Recipe
This microwave baked potato is the easiest and fastest way to cook a potato! Made with a russet potato, olive oil and seasonings and ready in 10!
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives
Instructions
- Scrub the potato under running water and dry it well.
- Use a fork to poke the potato 5–6 times all over to allow steam to escape.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip the potato and cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the skin feels soft when squeezed with a towel or oven mitt. (Cooking time depends on potato size and microwave power; add 1–2 minutes more if needed.)
- Let the potato rest for 2 minutes to finish cooking inside.
- Slice open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil or butter.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy warm.
Notes
- My Top Tip:Check your microwave’s wattage. How long to microwave a baked potato depends on how powerful your microwave is! A standard microwave is 800 to 1,000 watts, which is what this recipe’s times are based off of. If your microwave is more or less powerful than that, you’ll may need to adjust the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
- Storage: A cooked potato will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat it, put it back in the microwave for a few minutes. Freezing not recommended.
Nutrition
Serving: 1potato, Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 40mg, Potassium: 888mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
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Microwave Baked Potato Topping Ideas
- Sour cream, chives, and grated cheddar: These are, like, the original baked potato toppings…and you really can’t go wrong with them!
- Broccoli and grated cheddar: Frozen, cooked broccoli absolutely works, but air fryer broccoli or roasted broccoli is even more delicious.
- Chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley: You could also top with whipped feta dip!
- Fried egg and chili crisp: Read my tips on how to fry an egg.
- Leftover roasted, shredded chicken, pesto, and crumbled goat cheese: You could also do mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese!
- Tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumbers, and chopped, fresh dill: My go-to tzatziki sauce only takes 5 minutes to make.
Recipe Tips
- Check your microwave’s wattage. How long to microwave a baked potato depends on how powerful your microwave is! A standard microwave is 800 to 1,000 watts, which is what this recipe’s times are based off of. If your microwave is more or less powerful than that, you’ll may need to adjust the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
- Make sure to poke the potato enough with a fork. I think when in doubt, add more holes! These little vents will prevent the potato from exploding.
- Don’t skip the rest time. This microwave baked potato recipe really does rely on 2 minutes of resting for the potato to be fully cooked. I’ve skipped it before and the center is just a little underdone.
Serving Ideas
- Steak. Steak and potatoes are a classic combo for a reason! This air fryer steak cooks in a few minutes and these garlic butter steak bites are so juicy and tender.
- Chicken. I would absolutely use a baked potato to soak up the sauce of these pan seared chicken thighs!
- Chili. I grew up having chili and baked potatoes for dinner. My white chicken chili and pumpkin chili are two of my go-to’s.
- Salad. A big salad and a baked potato are kind of a perfect meal. Try my green goddess salad or kale Caesar salad!
