How long do you microwave a potato before baking?

Mama Odonkor
  • 173084 views
  • 10 Comments

10 Comments

Maulin A. December 19, 2020
Can I leave the potato in longer? Maybe 3 to 4 hours? I tend to ignore my oven.
 
supbrah April 25, 2012
Microwave the Potato with a knife deep cross cut in the top, for 3-5 minutes (depending on size) until the outer skin feels bouncy to the touch. Then bake in a oven preheated to 180 degrees. In the middle shelf the Potato should take anywhere from 30 mins to 1 hour to crisp the skin up and cook the Potato through. I don't think Microwaving first compromises the texture/flavour of the Po', it just helps it on it's way. Keep checking the Potato in the oven, when a small knife penetrates easily, Po' is done.
 
Pamela731 January 18, 2012
There's nothing like a true baked potato; microwaving doesn't come close. A little oil, salt and about 1 hour in a 375 degree oven. Umm umm.
 
ubs2007 January 17, 2012
No need to microwave. After washing potatoes, rub with olive oil, pierce on the top with a fork and put in the oven for about 45 - 60 min at 400 degrees. Your bakes potatoes will be super fluffy! Enjoy.
 
Sam1148 January 17, 2012
I think the starting method is just fine. Just 3-4 mins. Then finish up in the oven after coating them with some oil and salt. 10 mins on 'high" would make a very bad potato. Most microwaves have a 'potato' setting. I use that and then crisp up the skin with the oven. Using the setting for 1 potato, if I'm making two. Depends on your microwave/the power level/ and the programed settings, so there's really no hard answer.
 
healthierkitchen January 18, 2012
I'm with Sam. If in a hurry, you can significantly speed up cooking time (with just a little textural loss) by cooking in the microwave for about 5 minutes for a largish potato then putting into a conventional oven for about 20 - 30 minutes to crisper (depending on size). After the microwave part, you want the potato to yield a little to the touch but not be mushy.
 
SKK January 17, 2012
Either microwave or bake. Depending on the size of the potato: In microwave prick with fork to allow steam to escape and microwave for 10 - 15 minutes or until the potato feels soft enought to eat. In oven, also prick with fork and back at 350 for 30 40 minutes.
 
Lola July 12, 2014
You can also do both - microwave to start it off (3-4 minutes, as Sam 1148 says below) and then finish in the oven. I like this method because I think potatoes taste better when oven-baked, but starting it in the microwave speeds up the process.
 

Voted the Best Reply!

Miranda R. January 17, 2012
There is no need to microwave a potato before baking. I hope this is helpful!
 
Lola July 12, 2014
No, there is no need to ... but it's a nice technique if you want it to taste oven-baked but also want to speed up that process.
 
Recommended by Food52