This microwave method is a game-changer for sweet potato fans and is perfect for busy weeknights!
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Sweet potatoes are usually baked, mashed, or fried. But I don’t always have time to grease the pans or mash this orange starch. For days like this, I turn to the microwave. Yes, you read that right. The microwave. Before you dismiss the idea, please hear me out. After all, sweet potatoes are tough vegetables. They can take a few zaps around the old microwave. And when cooked properly, you’ll still enjoy a soft and fluffy sweet potato.
Yes, this recipe is quick and easy, but most importantly, it’s delicious! Will they taste freshly baked? Well, no, but they won’t disappoint either. Just a little bit of butter and a pinch of salt and pepper brings out the naturally sweet taste and fluffy texture of the sweet potato. And this cooking method isn’t just for sweet potatoes. Check out our easy microwave baked potato recipe.
Are Microwave Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes are as healthy as they come. They’re full of all of the good stuff, loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Of course, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free and suitable for various diets, including vegan and vegetarian. However, there’s butter in this recipe, but you can swap it with a dairy-free alternative. A drizzle of olive oil would also work.
Quick tip for a fluffy potato
You can certainly just follow the recipe as it stands. As long as you pierce the potato with a fork you’ll have the steam needed for a tender potato. That said, there’s a good chance the skin will shrivel a bit. And for you baked potato lovers, the interior may not be as fluffy as the baked variety. But I do have a not-so-secret tip for you. Try wrapping the sweet potato in a damp but not drenched paper towel. The damp towel creates even more steam, which not only evenly cooks the sweet potato but also helps keep the inside fluffy and moist.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 sweet potato
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small pat of butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Pierce
Prepare sweet potatoes for microwaving.
Microwave
Cook until tender, adjust the time if necessary.
Season
Split, season, and add butter before serving.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Personally, I like enjoying these sweet potatoes right away, but you can cook them ahead of time if you like. They’ll last in the fridge for three to five days. To reheat, microwave the potato for about 1–2 minutes or until heated through. You may need to brush it with additional butter as well.
Yes, depending on the size and power of your microwave, you’ll probably need to increase the cooking time, though I’d still start with 5 minutes. After that, microwave the potatoes in 30-second increments until all are fork-plunging tender.
Try topping your sweet potato with avocado slices and Greek yogurt, or sprinkle over your favorite sharp cheese and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Microwave sweet potatoes are intentionally simple in flavor. That way, you can pair them with practically any dish or even make them the main meal! All you have to do is top the potato with a protein like air fryer chicken bites, baked brown-sugar bacon, or poached fish. Also, try adding some oven-roasted vegetables or easy cheesy baked asparagus!
How To Microwave A Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 small pat of butter
Instructions
-
Wash the sweet potato thoroughly, pat it dry, and pierce it 3–4 times with a fork. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
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Microwave the sweet potato for 5 minutes, turning it halfway through. If it’s not fork-tender after 5 minutes, continue microwaving in 30-second increments.
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Once the sweet potato is tender, split it down the middle, season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with a pat of butter.
Nutrition
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