Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a fluffy and moist side dish without waiting for the oven. This foolproof method yields perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time. Top them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, a pat of butter, or a little brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a deliciously satisfying meal.

These Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes are a nutritious choice, packed with vitamin C and fiber, making them a perfect side dish for any main course. As a potato lover, I love how this easy microwave method allows me to have a healthy meal ready in less time, perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.
โค๏ธ Why you will love this recipe
- Quick & easy: This easy side dish is ready in just minutes using a microwave oven.
- Healthy option: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and essential nutrients.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main dishes and toppings.
- Minimal cleanup: Just a microwave-safe plate and a fork are needed.
- Perfect texture: Fluffy inside with a moist sweet potato skin.
๐๏ธ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Sweet potatoes: Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for even cooking. Small sweet potatoes are great for shorter cooking times, while larger ones may require extra time.
- Olive oil (optional): Adds a touch of flavor and helps the skin stay moist if you prefer a crispy texture. Coconut oil is a great alternative.
- Salt and garlic powder (optional): A sprinkle of salt and garlic powder can enhance the flavor of your baked sweet potatoes.
- Favorite toppings: Sour cream, butter, brown sugar, or even black beans make these sweet potatoes a perfect base for delicious fillings.
๐ฅฃ How to make microwave baked sweet potatoes
- Wash & prick: Rinse the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing off any dirt. Prick them several times with a fork to let steam escape.
- Prepare for cooking: Place the whole sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave potatoes: Cook on high power for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to handle the hot potatoes.



- Check doneness: Pierce the center of the potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, it’s perfectly cooked. If not, microwave for 1-2 more minutes in 30-second increments.
- Slice & serve: Carefully remove the plate, slice each microwaved sweet potato down the center, and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as a pat of butter, sour cream, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar to your cooked sweet potato and enjoy!

๐ช Recipe notes & tips
- Choose similar sizes: For even cooking, use sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size.
- Don’t skip the fork pricks: This step is essential to let steam escape and avoid any potato explosions in your microwave.
- Use a damp paper towel: Keeps the sweet potatoes moist while they cook for a fluffy texture.
- Handle with care: Sweet potatoes will be HOT! Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to avoid burns.
- Adjust cooking time: The size of your sweet potato matters. Smaller potatoes will take less time, while larger ones may need an additional minute or two.
- Other potatoes: โThis cooking method works perfectly with regular potatoes too!
๐ซ Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Place leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave leftovers for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freeze: Wrap cooled sweet potatoes in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal prep: Store cooked sweet potatoes plain, then customize with toppings when ready to serve.
โจ Baked sweet potato toppings
- Savory style: Top with black beans, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a healthy meal.
- Sweet & spiced: Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pat of butter for a dessert-like treat.
- Loaded potatoes: Turn them into a main dish by adding sour cream, shredded cheese, and cooked bacon.
- Vegan toppings: Use coconut oil or vegan butter with a pinch of salt and nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
- Herb-infused: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a fragrant twist.
๐ฝ๏ธ What to serve with microwave baked sweet potatoes
- Main Courses: Grilled chicken, steak, or baked salmon pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of these potatoes.
- Salads: A fresh green salad, coleslaw, or even a quinoa salad adds a vibrant, crunchy contrast.
- Soups: Creamy tomato soup, chili, or a hearty lentil soup create a comforting combo.
- Other Veggies: Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts round out the meal.
- Breakfast Ideas: Serve with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and a little salsa for a hearty breakfast option.
โ Frequently asked questions
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Add 2-3 extra minutes for each additional potato, flipping them halfway through.
Pierce it with a fork; if it glides in easily and the potato feels soft, it’s ready.
Absolutely! The skin is full of fiber and nutrients—just make sure it’s washed well before cooking.
Pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or wrap in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F.
Yes, white potatoes can also be microwaved using the same process, though cooking times may vary slightly.

๐ More favorite sweet potato recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Toast
- Whole30 Breakfast Casserole
- How to cook Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer
- Vegetarian Stew
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples
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๐ Recipe

How to Microwave Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes or more or less, as needed
Instructions
- Begin by washing the sweet potatoes until all the dirt and any stringy pieces are removed.4 sweet potatoes
- Prick the sweet potatoes several times all over with a fork
- Place them on a plate and pop them in the microwave.
- Cook on high for 8 minutes, carefully turning them over halfway through (they will be HOT! Use a kitchen towel to handle them if needed).
- Test the doneness by piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork. If it slides in easily they are ready. If not, turn them over again and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Carefully (with oven gloves or a kitchen towel) remove the plate from the microwave and cut each potato on half, about 3/4 of the way down so they're still attached.
- Add toppings and devour!
Notes
- Choose similar sizes: For even cooking, use sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size.
- Don’t skip the fork pricks: This step is essential to let steam escape and avoid any potato explosions in your microwave.
- Use a damp paper towel: Keeps the sweet potatoes moist while they cook for a fluffy texture.
- Handle with care: Sweet potatoes will be HOT! Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to avoid burns.
- Adjust cooking time: The size of your sweet potato matters. Smaller potatoes will take less time, while larger ones may need an additional minute or two.
Storage instructions:
- Refrigerate: Place leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave leftovers for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freeze: Wrap cooled sweet potatoes in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal prep: Store cooked sweet potatoes plain, then customize with toppings when ready to serve.