Microwave Sweet Potatoes

I love cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave. It is so handy and the kitchen stays cool. I don’t have to heat up my oven. Plus, the sweet potatoes really tastes amazing. The inside is tender and moist.

Sweet potatoes also make a great idea for a quick lunch or as a side dish. No need to wait an hour for an oven baked sweet potato when you get the same tasty results in minutes. If you like using your microwave as much as I do, try these other recipes Microwave Brown Rice, How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave, and Microwave Baked Potatoes. You may also like Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes and these 55 Best Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes.

Why We Love This Recipe

We still like baking sweet potatoes but microwaving makes for an easy way if I only need a few baked. Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients and healthy benefits, so I always like have some on hand for a quick side.

We have even made Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Air Fryer, Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes. I just love sweet potatoes and the many ways you can serve.

Ingredients

• Medium-Sized Sweet Potatoes – Try to get about the same size
• Olive Oil – Use any oil that you prefer
• Sea Salt – Kosher Salt will work or regular table salt

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Cook a Sweet Potato In the Microwave

Step 1 – Wash the sweet potatoes.  Dry and poke holes 6-8 times per sweet potato with a fork in various spots throughout the sweet potato.

Step 2 – Brush the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and season with the sea salt.

Step 3 – Place in a microwave safe dish.

Step 4 – Microwave uncovered for 5 minutes.  If the potatoes are not done, cook in 1 minute increments until they are done.

Expert Tips

• Prepare Sweet Potatoes – Before placing the sweet potatoes in the microwave, make sure to scrub the outside of the sweet potato. You want to also pierce the uncooked sweet potato with a fork. This prevents the sweet potato from exploding in the microwave as it cooks.
• Sweet Potato Size – If you are cooking multiple sweet potatoes in the microwave at once, we recommend getting about the same size so they do not overcook.

How do you Know When Sweet Potatoes are Done?

The best way to tell when your sweet potatoes are finished cooking is pierce the sweet potato with knife. If it easily pierces than the sweet potato is finished cooking.

I have also squeezed the sides of the sweet potato with a paper towel to ensure it is soft.

Topping Ideas

Sweet potatoes have the perfect flavor and can be served straight from the microwave. But you can also add toppings for even more flavor. Here are some of our favorites.

• Chopped Bacon
• Diced Avocado
• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Garlic Powder
• Salsa
• Black Beans
• Sour Cream
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar

Serving Suggestions

So many options but here are a few favorites around here.

• The Best Blackened Chicken Recipe
• Easy Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe
• The Best Blackened Tilapia Recipe
• Baked Pineapple BBQ chicken recipe 
• Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp Recipe
• The Best Blackened Salmon Recipe
• Crockpot Spiral Ham

Sweet potatoes really go with just about anything. You can’t go wrong with this easy side dish. Just keep the main dish simple too and you are guaranteed to have an easy dinner.

Easy recipes like this are always a hit. You can make sweet potatoes for your entire family for less than one sweet potato at a restaurant. Plus, it is quicker at home and everyone enjoys a great meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store the microwave sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can leave it in the skin or remove the cooked sweet potatoes for a delicious side dish.
• Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate.