When you need something genuinely satisfying you can’t beat a plate of chips. Whether served with a burger, fish or even on their own, chips are filling, comforting and perfect for a dinner time treat.
There are many ways to cook your chips, all of which take a little time. But then we thought: Can you microwave chips quicker than cooking them using any other method? Yes, you can!
To microwave chips, pop a portion onto a plate and then microwave for 2 minutes, flip and then microwave for another minute. Unfortunately, their texture won’t be quite as good.
How to Microwave Chips
Whilst we wouldn’t recommend that you cook your chips in the microwave, you can try. If you do want to try it and are rushed for time, then try this method and see how it works for you.
Where possible, however, you’ll find that the oven works much better at producing the perfect textured chips:
- Place on a Plate
Pop your portion of chips onto a microwavable plate into a single layer. - Microwave for 2 Minutes
Turn the microwave on for about two minutes on full power. - Flip
Check the chips and turn them over. - Microwaving Again
Put them back into the microwave for another minute or two. - Repeat Until Cooked
Keep repeating this process until you are confident that the chips are fully cooked. It should take around eight to ten minutes.
If you have bought microwavable chips, then these will work much better and be much tastier, although you can never quite beat fried or chips cooked in the oven. I
f you have these, then follow the instructions on the packet to cook your chips.
How to Microwave Chips Successfully
When it comes to having chips from the microwave, here are our 3 tips you should follow:
- Crisp Under the Grill – We would recommend that you only cook frozen chips in the microwave, and even then they won’t cook too well. To crisp them up you could pop them under the grill for a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, even if you do this, they won’t taste as good, and the texture will seem a little odd.
- Cover with Paper Towel – If you find that the chips splatter and make a mess in the microwave pop a piece of microwavable paper towel onto the top of them before microwaving. This will keep the splatters a little more contained. Just be careful the paper doesn’t get too hot and burst into flames!
- Just Don’t Bother – Don’t try and microwave your chips! Well, if you do, then make sure you buy some that are specially made for microwaving. These are easy to find on your supermarket shelves, and you can pop them into the freezer until you need them. They also only take a couple of minutes to cook!
Why You Should Microwave Chips
It’s not all bad news. However, there are some benefits to using the microwave:
Speedy
The only advantage of cooking your frozen chips is the speed it takes about ten minutes instead of the twenty to thirty minutes it would take in the oven.
This might not be a lot of time, but if you are in a real pinch with time, then it can help. However, beware, they won’t taste as good!
Just Buy Microwavable Chips
Whilst frozen or freshly cut chips don’t cook well in the microwave, if you buy microwavable chips, then you will find that it is quick and your chips are delicious. They even have a little of that crunch you would get if you had used the oven.
So, if you know you’re going to use the microwave then buy fries dedicated to the job.
Why You Shouldn’t Microwave Chips
As you’ve probably guessed by now, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to use the microwave to cook chips:
Limited Space
One factor that can be a problem when microwaving chips is how much space you have.
In most microwaves, you will only be able to fit one small portion of chips at a time so you couldn’t use this method for a family or more significant portions. If, however, it’s just you, then the microwave will work fine.
Lack of Texture and Taste
The biggest disadvantage and the main reason you shouldn’t cook your fries in the microwave is that they don’t taste great and the texture can be awful! They go soggy almost every time and no amount of crisping can change this.
Microwaving Chips FAQs
If you have more questions about microwaving chips then have a look at these:
Yes, as a quick and easy form of chips, microwave chips are really good. They will, of course, lack the texture of fried chips but it all comes down to health and convenience.
Although it is possible to cook frozen chips in a microwave, it’s not the best idea. You’ll find the texture completely off and they become quite soggy. Instead, by dedicated microwave chips.
Ross is a freelance writer with a passion for delicious food and drinks, having worked in the hospitality industry in the past. He began working with Let’s Foodie when it first launched to provide information on how to reheat, freeze and microwave different foods.
