Cooking potatoes in the microwave is one of the fastest ways to get a simple side dish on the table. This method gives you fluffy, tender potatoes in about 10 minutes, without turning on the oven. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy that still feels like real food.
These microwave potatoes can be served just like a baked potato, or tossed with a simple garlic and parsley dressing for extra flavor.
Overview
Microwaving is a quick and reliable way to cook potatoes when time is tight. While the skin won't get crispy like an oven-baked potato, the inside turns soft, fluffy, and tender in a fraction of the time.
This method works especially well for small potatoes, but it can also be used for larger potatoes with a few timing adjustments.
Can You Microwave a Baked Potato?
Yes, you can microwave a potato and get results very similar to a baked potato. The microwave cooks the potato from the inside out, creating a fluffy, tender center in much less time than the oven.
While the skin won't be crisp, microwaved potatoes are perfect for busy nights when you want a fast side dish without waiting an hour for the oven.
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs small potatoes
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- ⅓ cup parsley - chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Can I Cook Russet Potatoes In The Microwave?
Yes. The same method applies for all styles of potatoes. Poke the outside skin multiple times with a fork. Place on a plate and microwave for 9-11 minutes, until soft.
How To Cook Potatoes In The Microwave 👇👇
STEP 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash 1½ lbs small potatoes and trim off any rough spots. Use a fork to prick the potatoes in several places so steam can escape while they cook.
STEP 2: Mix the Garlic Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, ⅓ cup chopped parsley, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
STEP 3: Microwave the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Microwave on high for 9-11 minutes, depending on their size, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts, it will be hot.
STEP 4: Toss and Serve
Transfer the hot potatoes to a bowl and toss with the garlic dressing until evenly coated. Serve right away while warm.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Potatoes
- Potato size matters. I used baby red potatoes because they cook quickly and evenly, but this microwave method works for any type of potato. Larger potatoes may need a few extra minutes.
- Always poke the potatoes. Pricking the skin with a fork allows steam to escape so the potatoes cook evenly and don't split.
- Cook in a single layer. Spreading the potatoes out on the plate helps them cook through at the same time.
- Season after cooking. Tossing the hot potatoes with butter, olive oil, garlic, or herbs after microwaving helps the flavors absorb better.
- Add toppings you love. Finish with sour cream, chopped bacon, chives, shredded cheese, hot sauce, salsa, or extra salt and pepper.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change up these microwave potatoes:
- Classic baked potato style: Skip the garlic dressing and top with butter, sour cream, and chives.
- Cheesy potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the hot potatoes and let it melt.
- Garlic butter: Toss the potatoes with melted butter and extra minced garlic instead of olive oil.
- Herbed potatoes: Swap parsley for fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes, paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
If you're looking for other easy potato side dishes, try these smashed potatoes, seasoned roasted potatoes, crispy air fryer potatoes, or crispy rosemary garlic potatoes for a little more variety.
How to store leftovers
- Refrigerate - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Reheat - Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute. Check the temperature and heat it another 30 seconds at a time until the desired temperature is reached.
What To Serve With
These microwave potatoes pair well with just about any easy main dish, especially on busy weeknights. Try serving them with:
- Classic meatloaf for an easy comfort-food dinner
- Baked or air fryer chicken when you need something fast and reliable
- Sheet pan sausage and vegetables for a low-effort, one-pan meal
- Pan-seared pork chops for a simple protein-and-side dinner
- Beef or chicken casseroles when you want an easy, filling meal
They're also great as a quick lunch side or as a base for leftover protein.
FAQs
Most small potatoes cook in about 9-11 minutes, depending on their size and your microwave's power. Larger potatoes may need a few extra minutes.
No. Just place the potatoes directly on a microwave-safe plate and poke them with a fork so steam can escape.
Poking the potatoes allows steam to release as they cook, which helps them cook evenly and prevents splitting.
Yes. You can microwave the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in short intervals until warm.
How To Microwave Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs small potatoes
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash 1 ½ lb of small potatoes and slice off any unwanted pieces. Use a fork to prick the sides of the potatoes in multiple places.
- In a separate bowl, make the dressing by adding 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, ⅓ cup chopped parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Mix, and set aside.
- Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer and Microwave for 9-11 minutes. Check doneness by poking potatoes with a fork. Carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts (it will be hot).
- Toss potatoes with the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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