The cooking time for a small potato in a microwave can vary depending on its size and the power of your microwave oven. As a general guideline, it usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes to microwave a small potato until it's fully cooked and tender.
Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to microwave a small potato:
- Wash the potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a fork to prick the potato's skin in a few places. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the potato on high power for about 2 minutes.
- Carefully remove the plate from the microwave and flip the potato over to ensure even cooking.
- Return the plate to the microwave and continue cooking on high power for another 2-4 minutes, depending on the potato's size and your microwave's wattage.
To check if the potato is fully cooked, insert a fork into the center. If it easily pierces through the potato and it feels soft, it's ready to eat. If it's still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until it's fully cooked.
Remember to use oven mitts or a towel when handling the hot plate and potato after microwaving, as they will be very hot. Always exercise caution when using a microwave to avoid burns or injuries.