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Enjoy this delicious Microwave Sweet Potatoes in just 5 minutes. We love microwave sweet potatoes for a quick and easy side dish option.

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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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should I Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave?

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes and your microwave. We baked our sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes. If they are not done continue cooking in 1 minute intervals.

Can You Overcook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave?

Yes, you can overcook a sweet potato. Adjust your cooking time if you are cooking a smaller sweet potato. You may need to start out at 3 minutes to ensure you do not overcook.

Can I Microwave Multiple Potatoes at Once?

Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes at once in the microwave. Just adjust your cooking time if microwaving more than one.

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.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

Learn How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave with these simple steps. If you try it, let us know by leaving a comment. We love hearing from you.

Microwave Sweet Potatoes

5 from 9 votes
Enjoy this delicious microwave sweet potato recipe in just 5 minutes. We love microwave sweet potatoes for a quick and easy side dish option. 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 281

Ingredients

  • 2 Medium Size Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 tsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • Toppings:
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
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Instructions

  • Wash the sweet potatoes.  Dry and stab 6-8 times per sweet potato with a fork in various spots throughout the sweet potato.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and season with the sea salt.
  • Place in a microwave safe dish.
  • Microwave uncovered for 5 minutes.  If the potatoes are not done, cook in 1 minute increments until they are done.  You know when the potatoes are done with a knife can be inserted and easily removed or you can squeeze the potatoes and they will be done when they are soft.
  • Serve topped with the butter, salt and pepper.  Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate in an air tight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 281kcal, Carbohydrates 46g, Protein 4g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 1337mg, Potassium 770mg, Fiber 7g, Sugar 9g, Vitamin A 32240IU, Vitamin C 5mg, Calcium 72mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Marilyn Kay Ellison says:

    5 stars
    Loved these sweet potatoes!! So easy!

  2. Catherine Kraft says:

    5 stars
    Love baked sweet potatoes and these turned out perfect. Love them savory but also love butter, salt and a little sugar free maple syrup and cinnamon.

  3. Trevor Castaldo says:

    5 stars
    So for all those failed attempts on my own, once I found this I was like….wooohooo where have you been all my life…. now I can make them anytime…. listen to me…ANYTIME IWANT…. at home. At work, even when I go to my friends houses. In fact I made one on a road trip when I stopped in a convenient store. I went across the street and got a sweet potato ran back to the convenient store and bought a burrito and made that for my wife and then popped in the potato for myself. Wheni got up to the counter the clerk was like, I didn’t know we should sweet potatoes, I was like you don’t, so I gave him mine and he waslike this is the best. So I had to run back across the street and get another one for me. It is magical.

  4. Stacey says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and easy

  5. Crystal says:

    5 stars
    This was so easy and a great side besides the normal baked potato or mashed potatoes.