Ingredients

4 Medium-Sized Potatoes Washed
2 tbsp Water
2 tbsp Butter
Salt to Taste
Black Pepper to Taste
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Finely Chopped

Quick Summary

To microwave potatoes, roughly chop them into equal-sized pieces before adding them to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water, cover the dish and then microwave for 7-10 minutes until tender.

Method

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

If you haven’t already, give the potatoes a good scrub. You can remove the skin at this point, but I prefer my potatoes with the skin on, so I would advise keeping it on.

Cut into potatoes into quarters. You’re looking to cut them into roughly the same sizes so that they keep at the same rate.

Cubes potatoes on a wooden chopping board

Step 2: Add to Dish

Pop the cut potatoes into a microwave-safe dish and add 2 tbsp of water to the base. This is what will create steam to cook the potatoes. Cover the dish with a vented lid or use a sheet of cling film. If using cling film, pierce a few holes in the top.

Cubed potatoes being covered with cling film in a glass dish

Step 3: Microwave

Microwave on high for about 7-10 minutes. The exact time depends on the size and quantity of the potatoes. Halfway through, carefully remove the lid and stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking.

Microwaved potatoes in a cling film covered glass dish

The timing is based on a 900w microwave. If you have a higher-wattage microwave, check the potatoes before 7 minutes. If you have a lower-wattage one then you’ll need to wait until around 10 minutes before checking.

Step 4: Check

After the initial cooking time, test a piece with a fork. If it slides in easily, they’re done. If not, microwave in additional 1-minute intervals until tender.

Step 5: Dress

While still hot, add about 2 tbsp of butter and stir to ensure it melts quickly and evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then add the fresh parsley before serving hot.

Tweaks

Add Spices Potatoes take well to spices so add your favourite spices to the potatoes before cooking them. Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric and fenugreek is a great combo.
Add Garlic Bash a garlic clove with the back of a knife, and toss this into the hot potatoes with the butter. The heat will draw out a subtle garlic flavour.
Make a Dressing While the potatoes are cooking, make a dressing with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, chilli flakes, salt and pepper then toss this through the hot potatoes.

Substitutes

Make it Vegan If you want to make this vegan, then simply swap out the butter for olive oil.
Use Flavoured Oil Swap the butter for a flavoured oil to give your potatoes some instant flavour. Chilli or garlic oil works particularly well.
Swap the Herbs Parsley is a good allrounder when it comes to herbs but you could try chopped coriander, mint, chervil or tarragon.

Storage

In the Fridge Pop the potatoes into an airtight container or Tupperware box, then allow to cool. Once cooled, seal and pop them into the fridge for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer Allow the potatoes to cool then spread them out on a lined baking tray. Freeze until solid then bag up and return to the freezer for up to 3 months.

Other Types

How to Microwave Jacket Potatoes

To microwave jacket potatoes, pierce their skins several times with a fork, place them on a microwave-safe plate, and cook on high for about 5-10 minutes per side until tender. I like to crisp them up in the oven for 10 minutes afterwards.

How to Microwave Whole Baby Potatoes

For microwaving baby potatoes, wash and prick them, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook on high for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender.

How to Microwave Potatoes for Mashing

To microwave potatoes for mashing, wash, peel, and chop them into uniform pieces, place in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover, and cook on high for 10-12 minutes or until tender before mashing.

FAQs

Can You Microwave Potatoes Instead of Boiling?

Yes, you can microwave potatoes instead of boiling them, which is a quicker and more energy-efficient method, especially for mashed potatoes or potato salad.

How Do You Add Flavour to Microwave Potatoes?

Pierce the potatoes and rub them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spices. After cooking, split the potatoes open and add butter, cheese, sour cream, chives, or any preferred toppings.

Tips

Use Equal-Sized Pieces If you cut some potatoes large and some small you’ll end up with a mix of raw and mushy potatoes – not what you want! Make sure you cut them to roughly the same sizes.

Allow to Stand Once out of the microwave, allow the potatoes to stand a for a minute or two. This will distribute the heat evenly throughout the bowl.

Be Cautious With Water Too much water will make your potatoes soggy. Add just enough to cover the base of the dish and to create some steam. 1 to 2 tbsp will be ample.

Don’t Mix Varieties I have found that different types of potatoes require slightly different cooking times. Where possible, try to stick to one variety at a time.