How to Cook Sweetpotato in Microwave

Oven-baked sweetpotatoes are hard to beat, but sometimes an hour-long bake time isn’t always practical for a busy weeknight meal. Fortunately, that’s where the microwave comes in for getting that same delicious, tender result in minutes.  

If you’re wondering how to cook a sweetpotato in the microwave while maintaining its amazing flavour and texture, you’ve come to the right place. With the right technique, you can create perfectly cooked sweetpotatoes that are ready to eat, mash, or top with your favourite ingredients, all without turning on the oven.  

Microwaving sweetpotatoes is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy the same tender, delicious results in just a few minutes.  

Microwaving sweetpotatoes isn’t just about saving time; it’s about making healthy eating easier. This quick-cook method locks in all the natural sweetness and nutrition that sweetpotatoes are known for. Whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or putting together a quick family dinner, this method guarantees delicious results every time. Plus, with zero added oil and minimal cleanup, it’s one of the most effortless ways to enjoy sweetpotatoes.

To explore more ways to cook sweetpotatoes, head to our Cooking Tips page. 

Cooking sweetpotatoes in the microwave couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to cook sweetpotato in the microwave step by step:  

1. Wash and prep your sweetpotatoes

Give your sweetpotatoes a rinse under cool water and gently scrub away any dirt. Leave the skins on because they help lock in moisture and are full of fibre and nutrients.  Did you know the skin of a sweetpotato actually holds most of the nutrients? It’s packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, so leaving the skin on not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional benefits. To learn more about why sweetpotatoes are so good for you, head over to our Nutrition Page. 

2. Prick the skins 

Using a fork, prick each sweetpotato. This allows steam to escape while cooking and prevents them from bursting.  

3. Microwave on high 

Microwave on high for 5-6 minutes for one potato or 7-8 minutes for two. Cooking time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the size of the sweetpotatoes.  

4. Check if it’s cooked 

Carefully insert a knife into the thickest part of the potato, and it should slide in easily when fully cooked. If the centre still feels firm, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, checking each time until perfectly tender.  

5. Serve 

Once cooked, let the sweetpotatoes rest for a minute to finish steaming. The inside should be fluffy and ready to eat.   

1 sweetpotato takes 5 minutes to cook on maximum power. Larger sweetpotatoes will take longer. Continue to microwave in 30-second bursts as needed until the potatoes are cooked through.   

4 sweetpotatoes take 12 minutes to cook. To prepare 4 sweetpotatoes, microwave for 12 minutes. Check the potatoes for doneness and continue to microwave in 30-second bursts as needed until the potatoes are cooked through.  

One of the best things about microwaved sweetpotatoes is how versatile they are. Once they are cooked, you can transform them into just about anything from simple sides to satisfying main dishes or even desserts.  

Keep it simple with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt to highlight the sweetpotato’s natural flavour. Or if you have a sweet tooth, you can elevate your sweetpotato into a dessert with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You can also use your cooked sweetpotato flesh as mash to make healthier alternative baked treats, such as our sweetpotato brownies.     

For a quick dinner idea, try adding savoury toppings like salsa and guacamole or our vegetarian hot honey loaded sweetpotato, which offers a delightful sweet and spicy kick.   

Microwaved sweetpotatoes make the perfect blank canvas for endless flavour combinations and are a quick, nourishing base for whatever you’re craving.  

The convenience of using a microwave doesn’t just save you time; it also locks in the incredible nutritional value of sweetpotatos, making it an ideal choice for a quick, healthy meal or snack.  

If you are watching your nutritional intake, trying to boost your vitamin consumption, or simply looking for a healthy dinner idea that doesn’t require an hour of oven time, the sweetpotato is your star ingredient.  

Sweetpotatoes are most famous for being a powerhouse of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient that contributes to immune function, iron metabolism, and the maintenance of healthy skin and vision. Crucially, the sweetpotato also serves up a robust dose of key water-soluble vitamins, perfectly aligning with your goal of maintaining a high intake:  

They also contain vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. By choosing the speedy microwave method, you get a quick meal that delivers this essential vitamin without lengthy heat exposure.  

Beyond the vitamins, you’ll also benefit from essential minerals like potassium, copper, and manganese, all of which support critical bodily functions, including metabolism and muscle development.  

Finally, despite their name, sweetpotatoes are not considered a high-sugar food and are predominantly made up of complex carbohydrates, which are released steadily for sustained energy. They are generally considered to have a medium Glycaemic Index, which is typically lower than that of a white potato, making them a better choice for those looking to limit rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.  

With all these benefits, microwaving your sweetpotato isn’t just about speed; it’s about choosing a convenient, incredibly nourishing base for any meal of the day.  

To learn more about the nutritional profile of sweetpotatoes, head over to our Nutrition Page. 

Knowing how to cook sweetpotato in microwave is the ultimate life hack when time is of the essence.   

The microwave method isn’t a compromise; it’s a commitment to convenience, nutrition, and versatility. By learning how to cook a sweetpotato in the microwave, you unlock a healthy meal base that is ready in minutes, packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fibre. With our simple steps, you know exactly how long to cook sweetpotato in microwave for that ideal, fluffy interior.  

This is your sign to grab a sweetpotato, follow our how to cook sweetpotato in the microwave guide, and experience the speed and ease of this method for yourself.   

Ready to try another quick sweetpotato recipe? Head to our recipes page for more inspiration.