Key Takeaways
- Wash and pierce baby potatoes, add a splash of water or a pat of butter, and microwave covered for 8-12 minutes depending on quantity.
- Red, yellow, and purple baby potatoes (also called new potatoes) all microwave the same way — skin thickness barely changes the timing.
- Five small baby red potatoes usually need about 6-7 minutes on high in a covered dish, checked with a fork at the halfway point.
- You can microwave baby potatoes for 3-4 minutes to parboil them before roasting for crisp skins in less oven time.
- The microwave won't give you crispy skin, so finish under the broiler or in a hot skillet if that's what you're after.
What Are Baby Potatoes (and New Potatoes)?
Baby potatoes are just regular potato varieties harvested early, before they’ve had a chance to fully mature and build up starch.
That’s why they’re smaller, thinner-skinned, and noticeably sweeter than a full-grown russet.
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely microwave baby potatoes — and in my experience it’s actually the fastest way to cook them.
You’ll sometimes see the same little potatoes labeled new potatoes at the grocery store, especially early in the season — it’s the same thing, just a different name for the same young harvest. I’ll stick with baby potatoes for the rest of this article, but the method is identical either way.
Because they’re low in starch and high in moisture compared to mature potatoes, they cook noticeably faster — which is part of why some potatoes seem to take so long to cook while a handful of baby potatoes is done in minutes.
Nutritionally, potatoes (skin included) are a solid source of potassium and vitamin C, according to the USDA FoodData Central record for raw potatoes with skin. Microwaving in a covered dish with minimal added water helps preserve more of those heat-sensitive nutrients than a long boil does.
How to Cook Baby Potatoes in the Microwave
This is the exact method I use whenever I need a side dish in a hurry — it works for red, yellow, purple, or fingerling baby potatoes.
What You'll Need
A microwave-safe bowl or dish with a lid (or a plate to cover it), a fork or toothpick, and 1-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil.
Salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you like — rosemary and chives are my go-to.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Wash thoroughly. Baby potatoes often come straight from the field with dirt still clinging to the skin, so give them a good scrub under warm water.
2. Pierce each potato. Use a fork or a toothpick to poke 2-3 holes in each one so steam can escape as it builds.
The FDA’s guidance on food safety while using a microwave oven specifically flags whole vegetables as a burst risk if the skin isn’t vented — this step really isn’t optional.
3. Arrange in a single layer. Spread them in a microwave-safe bowl so they cook evenly rather than piling up in the middle.
4. Add a splash of water or a pat of butter. A tablespoon or two of water creates steam that speeds cooking; butter adds flavor as it melts down over the potatoes.
5. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes. A vented lid or a plate set loosely on top traps steam without sealing it in completely.
6. Stir or shake, then continue cooking. Give the dish a shake, redistribute any melted butter, and microwave for another 3-5 minutes until a fork slides in easily.
Once they’re done, this is also the point where I’ll toss in some microwave broccoli alongside them if I want a two-vegetable plate without dirtying a second pan.
How Long to Microwave Baby Potatoes
Timing depends on how many potatoes you’re cooking and how powerful your microwave is — a higher-wattage microwave will generally cook potatoes faster than a lower-wattage one, though exact times can still vary by machine.
As a general rule, figure on 8-12 minutes total for a normal batch (about a pound), broken into two rounds so you can check doneness partway through.
If you’ve only got a handful — say five small baby red potatoes for a single serving — you’re looking at closer to 6-7 minutes on high, checked with a fork at the 4-minute mark.
Always test the largest potato in the batch, since baby potatoes aren’t perfectly uniform in size even within the same bag.
| Amount | Water/Butter Added | Microwave Time | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 small potatoes (single serving) | 1 tbsp water or butter | 6-7 minutes | High |
| 1 lb (about 15-20 potatoes) | 2 tbsp water or butter | 8-10 minutes | High |
| 2 lbs (large batch) | 3 tbsp water, stirred once | 12-14 minutes | High |
| Parboil before roasting | 1-2 tbsp water | 3-4 minutes | High |
Can You Microwave Red Baby Potatoes?
Yes — red baby potatoes microwave exactly the same way as any other baby potato.
Their skin is a touch thinner than a yellow or purple variety, which if anything means they can cook a shade faster, so start checking a minute or two early.
For a simple microwave baby red potato recipe, toss the cooked potatoes with butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley right in the hot dish — the residual heat is enough to bloom the garlic without it turning bitter.
I also like smashing a few of the softer ones with a fork and folding in sour cream and chives for a lazy loaded-potato side.
If you want a heartier plate, cooked baby potatoes pair well with microwaved mushrooms sautéed in the same butter, or a handful of microwaved tomatoes for a warm, saucy side.
One important thing to understand: if any potatoes — red or otherwise — have turned green under the skin or started sprouting, don’t rely on trimming them and cooking as usual to make them safe. Green skin signals a natural toxin called solanine, and cooking doesn’t reliably destroy it; see MedlinePlus’s page on solanine poisoning for symptoms to watch for.
When in doubt, toss the potato and consult a healthcare professional if anyone has eaten a green or sprouted potato and feels unwell.
How to Parboil Baby Potatoes in the Microwave Before Roasting
If crispy roasted skins are the goal, the microwave is a genuinely great shortcut for the parboiling step.
Wash and pierce the potatoes as usual, then microwave them covered on high for 3-4 minutes — just long enough to soften the centers without fully cooking them through.
Drain any liquid, toss the warm potatoes in oil and salt, and finish them in a 425°F oven or under the broiler for 15-20 minutes until the skins blister and crisp up.
This cuts total roasting time nearly in half compared to starting from raw, and it’s the trick I always come back to on busy weeknights.
Tips for Perfectly Microwaved Baby Potatoes
Cut larger potatoes in half. If some potatoes in the bag are noticeably bigger, halve them so everything finishes at the same time.
Use a toothpick if a fork feels too aggressive. Very small baby potatoes can split apart under a fork’s tines — a toothpick or skewer pokes a cleaner hole.
Don’t skip the cover. An uncovered dish lets moisture escape, and you’ll end up with dry, unevenly cooked potatoes.
Rest for a minute before serving. Like most microwaved food, baby potatoes keep cooking slightly from residual heat — pulling them a touch early avoids mush.
If you’re building out a full microwave dinner, microwaved frozen peas are an easy add-on that cook in almost the same amount of time.
Season generously. Because there’s no browning happening in a microwave, herbs, garlic, and a finishing squeeze of lemon do a lot of the flavor work that caramelization would otherwise provide.
Pros and Cons of Microwaving Baby Potatoes
In my experience, the microwave is the right call for a weeknight side dish — it’s just not the right tool if crispy skin is the whole point of the meal.
Why It Works So Well
Baby potatoes are small and low-starch, which is exactly the profile that microwaves well — even heat penetration without drying out a thick, starchy core.
It’s also genuinely fast: 8-12 minutes total versus 25-40 minutes roasting in the oven, with almost no cleanup.
Where It Falls Short
Every microwave runs a little differently, so the same 10 minutes can leave potatoes mushy in one machine and undercooked in another — always test with a fork rather than trusting the clock alone.
And no matter how long you cook them, microwaved baby potatoes will never develop that crisp, blistered skin — for that, you’ll need the oven or a hot skillet as a finishing step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you microwave baby potatoes?
For about a pound of baby potatoes, plan on 8-10 minutes on high in a covered dish, checking for fork-tenderness at the halfway point and adding time in short bursts if needed.
How long do I need to microwave 5 baby red potatoes?
A small batch of five baby red potatoes typically takes 6-7 minutes on high with a splash of water or butter in a covered dish, checked with a fork around the 4-minute mark.
Can you microwave baby potatoes before roasting them?
Yes, this works great as a parboiling shortcut. Microwave them covered for 3-4 minutes until just softened, then roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes for crisp skins in less total time.
Can you microwave new potatoes the same way as baby potatoes?
New potatoes and baby potatoes are the same thing, just different names for the same young harvest, so the method and timing described here apply to both.
Do you need to add water when microwaving baby potatoes?
A tablespoon or two of water or melted butter helps create steam that cooks the potatoes evenly and keeps them from drying out, so it's worth adding even a small amount.