How to Reheat Boiled Potatoes in Microwave
Yes, you can - here is the exact time for your microwave's wattage
Yes - and it is the fastest method there is. Put the potatoes in a dish with a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes per cup, stirring once halfway. They come out hot and soft in a fraction of the time the oven takes.
The catch is texture: without moisture and a cover, microwave reheating makes boiled potatoes hard and dry at the edges. The two rules that prevent that - add water, cover the dish - are built into the steps below.
Step by Step
Prep the Dish
Place boiled potatoes in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Cut large potatoes in half or into chunks - uniform pieces heat evenly and cut the cook time.
Add Moisture
Add 1 tablespoon of water, broth, or a small pat of butter per cup of potatoes. This creates steam that keeps the interior fluffy instead of hard and dry.
Cover Loosely
Cover with a damp paper towel, vented lid, or microwave-safe plate. Leave a small gap for steam to escape - never seal a container airtight.
Heat in Bursts
Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir or flip the pieces, then continue in 30-second bursts until steaming hot throughout (165°F / 74°C on a thermometer).
Rest and Serve
Let the potatoes stand covered for 1 minute - heat continues to distribute. Season with salt and a fresh pat of butter, and serve immediately.
Times by Microwave Wattage
| Microwave | Time (per cup) | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 700W (compact) | 2-3 minutes | Stir after each minute |
| 900W (average) | 1.5-2 minutes | Stir at 1 minute |
| 1000W (mid-range) | 1-1.5 minutes | Check at 1 minute |
| 1100-1200W (full size) | 45-90 seconds | Watch closely - dries fast |
Microwave Reheating FAQ
Can I reheat boiled potatoes in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat boiled potatoes in the microwave - it is the fastest method, taking just 1-2 minutes. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add 1 tablespoon of water per cup, cover with a damp paper towel or vented lid, and heat on high until steaming hot throughout. Stir halfway so they heat evenly.
How long to reheat boiled potatoes in the microwave?
Plan on 1-2 minutes per cup on high power. Start with 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second bursts until steaming hot. Lower-wattage microwaves (700W) need closer to 2-3 minutes; powerful ones (1100W+) may finish in under a minute.
Why do microwaved boiled potatoes get hard?
Boiled potatoes get hard in the microwave when they are reheated uncovered and without moisture - the microwave drives water out of the surface before the center warms. Prevent it by adding a tablespoon of water, covering the dish so steam circulates, and stopping as soon as the potatoes are steaming hot.
Is it safe to microwave potatoes that were boiled yesterday?
Yes, if they were refrigerated within 2 hours of boiling and stored covered, microwaving them the next day is safe. Reheat until steaming hot throughout (165°F / 74°C), stir halfway through, and let them stand 1 minute before eating so the heat evens out. Use refrigerated potatoes within 3-4 days.
Microwave Don'ts
Don't reheat uncovered - the surfaces dry out and turn hard before the center is warm.
Don't reheat a whole large potato whole - cut it up first or the outside overcooks.
Don't use metal or foil - sparks and fire hazard. Glass or ceramic only.
Don't reheat straight from frozen - thaw overnight in the fridge for even heating.
Don't reheat twice - reheat only the portion you will eat now.