If you didn’t already know, making a baked potato in the microwave is quick and easy, especially with the help of plastic wrap. In fact, some grocery stores even sell pre-wrapped potatoes! Today we’re going to talk about how to microwave a baked potato with plastic wrap.
You’ll soon have a perfectly cooked potato ready to load up with all your favorite toppings!
Can You Really Microwave Potatoes in Plastic Wrap?
Yes, you can microwave potatoes in plastic wrap. That said, it needs to be microwave safe plastic wrap that’s designed for use specifically in your appliance. Make sure to check the usage instructions because not all plastic wraps work.
Microwave safe wrap is food safe, BPA free, and designed for breathability during cooking. Instead of things blowing up, you’ll be left with a nice, steamed potato.
If you wrap a potato in plastic that is not microwave compatible, it will likely melt, burn, or release toxic fumes. None of those are desired outcomes for cooking, believe me.
Still skeptical? Learn how to make a baked potato in the air fryer with foil instead!
How Long Do You Microwave a Plastic Wrapped Potato?
- Russet Potatoes – 7 minutes
- Sweet Potatoes – 6 minutes
- Smaller (Red, Gold) Potatoes – 5 Minutes
- Additional Potatoes (Beyond 1) – 3 Minutes Extra
Note that cook times are based on a 1000W microwave. You may need to add or subtract times if your wattage is lower or higher.
Cook time will also vary based on the size of your specific potato – they come in lots of shapes, weights, and densities! Your potato is done when it squishes under gentle pressure from the sides, or when a fork pierces through to the center easily.
Just use the times as a guideline, and make sure to add extra time in 30-60 second increments. Check the potato for doneness frequently to prevent overcooking.
How to Cook a Plastic Wrapped Potato in the Microwave:
- Thoroughly wash and dry your potato
- Pierce all sides of the exterior skin of the potato with a fork
- Rub the potato skin with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper (optional)
- Wrap each potato in microwave safe plastic wrap
- Place wrapped potatoes on a microwave safe plate
- Cook on high for 7 minutes, or until soft when squeezed
- Carefully remove from microwave (they will be hot)
- Rest potatoes for 2-3 minutes before unwrapping
- Serve with toppings as desired
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your specific potatoes and the wattage of your microwave. This guide is for an average-sized russet baking potato in a 1000W microwave.
Smaller potatoes and sweet potatoes generally take about a minute less. If you have a lower wattage microwave, however, the time will be more. Just make sure to check frequently and add additional time in small, 30-second increments to prevent overcooking.
In addition to cooking, it’s also handy to reheat baked potatoes in the microwave. Feel free to cook some extras now to save time later!
Are Plastic Wrapped Potatoes Safe?
Yes, as long as you’re using food grade microwave approved material, plastic wrapped potatoes are safe.
In fact, there’s no evidence to suggest that there are any adverse effects from food safe plastic wrap usage on potatoes (Source).
If you prefer a reusable option to the plastic wrap, try a silicone bag instead. They work similarly to the wrap, but they’re dishwasher safe to reuse again and again!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to microwave a baked potato with plastic wrap, you’re just minutes away from a soft, fluffy steamed potato. While the russet is classic, you can also cook your sweet potatoes and other types of potato with this handy wrapping method!
The wrap helps keep that potato nice and moist, and also foolproof – my favorite! Just add your favorite toppings and enjoy. Since they’re so easy to make, you can try different flavor combinations regularly.
In fact, once you’ve mastered this technique, you can move on to some fancier side dish spuds with my Microwave Hasselback Potatoes!
If you love potatoes, you may also enjoy learning to make homemade potato skins in the air fryer!
Fluffy Microwave Baked Potato in Plastic Wrap
Equipment
- Microwave
- Plate or container designed for microwave use
- Oven mitts or tongs
- Plastic wrap (microwave safe)
Ingredients
- 1 Potato (Russet preferred)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt & pepper (optional)
- Toppings
Instructions
- Wash and dry your potato thoroughly1 Potato (Russet preferred)
- Pierce potato skin with a fork
- Rub potato skin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired (optional)Olive oil (optional), Salt & pepper (optional)
- Wrap potato in microwave safe plastic wrap and place on a plate or in a container designated for microwave use
- Cook on high for 7 minutes or until soft when gently squeezed using oven mitts or tongs (it will be hot)
- Add an additional 1-3 minutes of cook time in 30 second increments if needed
- Remove from microwave and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before unwrapping
- Cut potato down the center and serve with your favorite toppingsToppings
Notes
- While Russet potatoes are most common, feel free to substitute another type of potato or sweet potato. Reduce cooking time to 5 minutes to start.
- If your potatoes are particularly small, I also recommend reducing cooking time to 5-6 minutes to start
- For pre wrapped potatoes, follow the directions on the package, as they may differ slightly
- If you are cooking more than one potato, add 1 minute to cook time
- Don’t bother with the oil and seasoning outside unless you eat potato skins. It won’t change the texture or the interior flavor at all
- Topping ideas: Butter, salt & pepper, sour cream, bacon, green onions, steamed broccoli, chili, shredded cheese, buffalo chicken dip, spinach and artichoke dip
Nutrition
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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