This microwave method takes all the work out of cooking succulent sweet potatoes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Sweet potatoes are usually baked, mashed, or fried. But I don’t always have time to fry up a batch of sweet potatoes or to wait an hour for the sweet potato sugars to caramelize in the oven. On busy days, I turn to the microwave. Yes, you read that right: the microwave. Before you dismiss the idea, please hear me out. Sweet potatoes are tough tubers, and they can handle a few rotations around the old microwave. And when cooked properly, you’ll still enjoy a soft and succulent sweet potato.
This recipe is quick and easy, but most importantly, it’s delicious! Will they taste freshly baked? Well, no, but they won’t disappoint anyone, either. Add just a little bit of butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the naturally sweet taste and fluffy texture of the sweet potato.
Are Microwave Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes are as healthy as they come. They’re full of all 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. There’s butter in this recipe, but you can swap it for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Quick Tip For A Fluffy Potato
As long as you pierce the potato with a fork before you microwave it, you’ll have the steam needed for a tender potato (and no exploding potatoes). That said, there’s a good chance the skin will shrivel a bit, and the interior may not be as fluffy as the baked variety. Try wrapping the sweet potato in a damp (but not drenched) paper towel. The damp towel creates even more steam, which evenly cooks the sweet potato and helps keep the inside fluffy and moist.
How To Make Ahead And Store
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 3-5 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.
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 serve 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 for a healthy side!
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.
- 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.
- 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 Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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