How to Boil a Potato in a Microwave

You may have noticed a “Potato” button on your microwave. Yes, you can boil potatoes in the microwave. It’s an easy way to cook them. It just takes a few minutes, and is a great kitchen skill to have on hand.

Why Would You Want to Boil Potatoes in a Microwave?

Because it takes much less time than boiling them on the stove. This can be especially useful when you’re short on time or when you’re trying to cook a quick meal.

Another advantage is that the microwave method doesn’t require as much water as boiling potatoes on the stove, which means less water is wasted.

Is it Safe to Boil Potatoes in a Microwave?

Sure, as long as you follow the steps to keep it from exploding. Which is either piercing the skin with a fork or chopping it before you boil.

As entertaining as an exploding potato sounds, it’s really not fun when you have to clean it up. Although Exploding Potatoes might make a good garage band name. Hmm.

1. Choose Your Potato

The first step is to pick a potato that’s good for boiling. You ideally want a waxy potato like the Yukon gold or red potatoes. But starchier potatoes, like all-purpose white or yellow, can work well too.

2. Clean the Potato

Rinse the potato (or potatoes) in cold water and scrub them with a brush or your hands to get dirt off of the skin. If you have time, soak them for a while before brushing to loosen up the dirt.

If there are bruises, cut them out with a knife. Do not dry the potatoes.

And for anyone who doesn’t know this: don’t clean vegetables with soap or anything but water. Just water and some gentle scrubbing action is all they need.

3. Pierce the Skin

Pierce the potato with a fork several times on all sides. This lets steam escape so the potato won’t explode in the microwave.

You can actually skip this step if you want to chop the potato before boiling.

4. Put it In a Microwave-safe Bowl

Put the potato (or potatoes, or chopped potato) into a microwave-safe dish or bowl. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, and a little bit of salt. The potatoes should also still be wet from cleaning.

It may seem counterintuitive to use such a small amount of water to boil something. But that’s the magic of microwaves. They do their own thing.

Cover the dish with either a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

5. Into the Microwave

Put your microwave on high or use the designated potato button if you have one. Microwave the potato in its covered dish on high for about 3 minutes.

Keep an eye on them. If they start moving or you hear popping sounds, that could mean they’re about to explode. Turn off the microwave and take them out if that happens.

After 3 minutes, grab an oven mitt and pull the bowl out. Remove the plastic wrap or lid, and be prepared for a burst of steam to come out.

Poke them with a knife or fork. If it slides through the skin easily, it’s done. If not, put the lid or new plastic wrap back on and microwave them for another minute or so.