Quick Answer: Will a baked potato explode in the microwave?

Whether by oven or microwave, the potato is heated above the boiling point of water. The volume ratio of water to steam is approximately 1:1700. … If you are lucky, the explosion occurs in the oven or microwave during cooking; thus only making a ruined potato and a major mess.

Can potatoes explode in microwave?

When a potato is cooked in the microwave, the internal water boils and produces steam. … Eventually, the built up pressure bursts the potato. Any item with a moist interior and a tough outer skin can explode in the microwave if you don’t create vents by piercing the skin before you microwave it.

Can a baked potato explode?

“Yes, it’s good to prick them,” says Brennan Smith, a faculty member of the School of Food Science at University of Idaho. “It pokes holes in the skin, which allows steam to escape. Otherwise, they could explode—it doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens every once in a while.

How do you keep baked potatoes from exploding?

A russet potato is usually about 80 percent water, so poking it and trimming off the ends will help the steam escape. Sometimes a potato could be even moister and the water, especially in a larger size potato may be trying to escape as steam from the middle cells of the potato.

What problem can occur when baking a potato in a microwave oven?

The combination of high temperature and water used in cooking potatoes in a microwave can have adverse effect on its nutrition content. Also microwaving a potato without pricking a few holes on its skin may lead to an explosion inside the oven.

Should you poke holes in potatoes before microwaving?

“Yes, it’s good to prick them,” Smith told Food52. “It pokes holes in the skin, which allows steam to escape. Otherwise, they could explode—it doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens every once in a while. The potato is full of water it’s trying to turn to steam, or water vapor.

Should I wrap baked potatoes in foil?

Do not wrap potatoes in aluminum foil for baking. Foil holds in moisture and steams the potatoes, resulting in a “boiled” taste and texture. Turn the potatoes over halfway through the baking time to prevent browning of the undersides where they touch the baking tray or oven rack.

Is it normal for potatoes to whistle in the microwave?

Ignore what sounds like your potato screaming for help — it’s just potato moisture turning into potato steam and escaping through the fork holes as potato vapor. Turn the spud over and repeat for another four minutes. … If you want a crispier skin, bake your microwaved potato at 375F for 10 minutes.

What happens if you dont poke holes in a potato?

Expert Advice. “Yes, it’s good to prick them,” says Brennan Smith, a faculty member of the School of Food Science at University of Idaho. “It pokes holes in the skin, which allows steam to escape. Otherwise, they could explode—it doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens every once in a while.

How many minutes should I microwave a potato?

Wash potato thoroughly and pat completely dry. Pierce 3 to 4 times with a fork. Place potato on microwave-safe plate and microwave 7 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking. If your potato isn’t fork-tender after 7 minutes, continue microwaving in 1 minute increments until fully cooked.

What is the healthiest way to cook a potato?

Baking a potato is the best way to prepare it, as baking, or microwaving, a potato causes the lowest amount of nutrients to be lost, she said. The next-healthiest way to cook a potato is through steaming, which causes less nutrient loss than boiling.

Why you shouldn’t microwave potatoes?

Potatoes often house Clostridium botulinum, the botulism bacteria. When potatoes are cooked and not immediately stored in the fridge, spores of the bacteria can multiply. Microwaving the potatoes won’t kill the bacteria either, so your second-day potatoes could cause an upset stomach.