Let’s get straight to the point: baked potatoes in the microwave beat their oven-cooked counterparts, hands down. Let me tell you why.

After years of preparing baked potatoes both ways, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: microwave cooking produces superior results. While this might challenge conventional wisdom, the evidence is compelling.

The primary advantage is the time saved. Instead of waiting 45-60 minutes for an oven-baked potato, you can have a perfectly cooked one in just 5-7 minutes. Despite the speed, the quality remains uncompromised — the microwave’s rapid heating helps preserve the potato’s natural moisture, resulting in a consistently light and fluffy interior.

The energy efficiency is equally noteworthy. Using a microwave requires much less power than heating an entire oven, and it doesn’t generate excess heat in your kitchen. This makes particular sense during warmer months when additional heat from the oven is unwanted.

As for results, while the skin may not achieve the same crispness, the considerable savings in time and energy make this a worthwhile trade-off for everyday meals.

For those who need no further convincing, we’ve dropped the steps on how to make the perfect “baked” potato in the microwave.

@onestopchop

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How To Make A Microwave Baked Potato

1. Prepare your potato thoroughly: Start with a medium-sized russet potato. Wash it under cool running water, scrubbing the skin to remove any dirt. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Using a fork, pierce the potato 8-10 times all around — this crucial step prevents steam buildup and potential explosion.

2. Season for optimal flavor: Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil or melted butter all over the potato’s surface, using your hands to massage it into the skin. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper if desired. This step ensures a flavorful, tender skin.

3. Initial cooking phase: Position the prepared potato on a microwave-safe plate. For optimal cooking, place it about 1 inch from the edge of the plate where microwave energy is strongest. Microwave on full power for 5 minutes, which begins the internal cooking process.

4. Check progress and complete cooking: Carefully flip the potato over (it will be hot!). Gently squeeze it with a kitchen towel – if there’s still significant resistance, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, turning each time, until the potato gives slightly when squeezed. Most medium potatoes need 3-5 additional minutes.

5. Essential resting period: Let your potato rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This allows the internal temperature to equalize and the potato to finish steaming from within, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture.

Expert Tips for Microwave Baked Potato Perfection

• For restaurant-quality crispy skin, finish your microwave-cooked potato in a preheated 425°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
• Choose potatoes of similar size when cooking multiple ones to ensure even cooking.
• When cooking multiple potatoes, arrange them in a circle on the plate and add 2-3 minutes per additional potato.
• Your potato should reach an internal temperature of 210°F for ideal fluffiness.