How to Cook Potatoes in Less Than 10 Minutes: 2 Methods to Have Your Potatoes Ready in No Time!

Potatoes are a staple in many households, but their long cooking time can make them a no-go for busy weeknights. Enter the microwave: the savior of speedy suppers and impromptu snack sessions. Whether you’re after whole spuds or crispy cubes, these two methods will have perfectly cooked potatoes ready in minutes.

Method 1: The Cling Film Shortcut

When time is of the essence, wrapping your potatoes in cling film is as easy as it gets. Start by selecting three medium-sized potatoes—leave the skins on for that rustic vibe. Wrap each spud tightly in cling film, ensuring there’s no air trapped. The magic here isn’t just the microwave’s power; it’s also those little holes you’ll poke into the plastic with a toothpick. These vents let steam escape, turning your humble microwave into a mini pressure cooker.

Pop the wrapped potatoes into the microwave for a quick five-minute spin. The cling film locks in moisture, giving you tender, fluffy insides with minimal effort. Just be careful when unwrapping—hot steam isn’t the kind of facial you want. Pair these spuds with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of rosemary for a no-fuss side dish.

Method 2: The Water Bath Trick

For those who prefer their potatoes peeled and diced, this method has you covered. Start by peeling and cubing three potatoes. Toss them into a microwave-safe bowl, add four tablespoons of water, and cover loosely. The water creates steam, which works wonders for even cooking. Five minutes in the microwave is all it takes to soften the cubes.

But we’re not stopping there. Transfer the potatoes to a plate where olive oil and rosemary are waiting. Sprinkle a little salt for good measure, then put them back in the microwave on the grill function for six more minutes. This second round gives the potatoes a slightly crispy edge, mimicking that oven-roasted effect without the wait. It’s a method that delivers big on flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting Common Potato Problems

Even the quickest cooking methods can have hiccups, but fear not—most are easy to fix. If your potatoes are still hard after the first microwave cycle, it’s likely a size issue; try cutting them smaller next time for more even cooking. Uneven textures? It could be that your microwave’s power setting isn’t high enough—always check that you’re using full power for the fastest results.

If cling film feels too fussy or tears mid-wrap, you can substitute it with a microwave-safe plate to cover your potatoes, though you may lose a bit of that steamy magic. For the water bath method, avoid skipping the second microwave session on the grill function—it’s the key to achieving that irresistible crispness.