Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium Russet potato (about ½ pound)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: olive oil for crisping
Instructions
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Clean the Potato
- Rinse the potato under cool running water. Scrub thoroughly with a vegetable brush to remove dirt.
- Pat the potato dry with paper towels.
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Pierce the Potato
- Use a fork to pierce the potato 3–4 times on each side. This prevents it from exploding during cooking.
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Pre-Seasoning (Optional)
- Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for added flavor and crispness.
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Microwave Cooking
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then flip the potato and microwave for another 5 minutes. Adjust timing based on potato size and microwave wattage (see Notes).
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Check for Doneness
- Insert a fork into the potato. If it slides in easily, it’s done. If not, microwave in 1-minute increments until cooked through.
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Optional Crisping
- For a crispy skin, brush the potato with olive oil and place it in a preheated oven or air fryer at 425°F for 5–10 minutes.
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Serve
- Slice open the potato, season with salt and pepper, and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
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Microwave Wattage Timing:
- 1200W: 5–6 minutes for a single potato.
- 1000W: 7 minutes for a single potato.
- 800W: 8–9 minutes for a single potato.
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Cooking Multiple Potatoes: Add 1 minute per potato for consistent results.
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Let the potato rest for 2–3 minutes after microwaving to allow heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free