Here's How To Cook The Perfect Potato In The Microwave

Cooking the perfect baked potato in the oven can take some time, so that's why you might want to start turning to your microwave for a great one in a flash instead. While the perfect potato could take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes in the oven, you only need 7 minutes in the microwave. It's really just that easy (via Delish).

If you plan to cook your potato in the microwave, you have to prepare it right for this shortcut to work well. Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the potato. If there is too much water left on the potato's skin, the potato might steam too much in the microwave. Next, use a fork to prick small holes all over the potato. This helps the steam to escape so the potato is perfectly soft in the middle. Russet potatoes work well, though larger ones might need more time (via Kitchn).

To cook the potato through and well, you should start with 7 minutes in the microwave. Turn the potato over halfway through the cook time. If the potato still feels firm to the touch after the time is up, then continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until the potato is fork-tender. After the potato is done, let it rest in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Don't forget to season the inside of the potato with salt, pepper, and butter once it comes out of the microwave and has been split down the middle. If you want to add some extra flavor to the potato, consider rubbing the skin with olive oil before cooking.

If you really love a crisp skin that comes from baking a potato in the oven, then you can still achieve that without the long cook time. Set your oven to 425 degrees to preheat while the potato cooks in the microwave. Once the potato comes out, slide it onto a baking sheet, and into the oven for a few minutes to let the skin crisp up. It's the best of both worlds!