Fastest Way to Cook Potatoes When Starving: Microwave, Instant Pot & Skillet Speed Tests

Okay, let's be real. You forgot to prep dinner again, your stomach's growling like an angry bear, and potatoes seem like the only salvation. But who has an hour to bake them? Not me. After burning more potatoes than I care to admit during my college days (RIP microwave that smelled like burnt spuds for weeks), I finally cracked the code on speed-cooking these tubers.

Why Microwave is the Undisputed Speed King

Look, I get it. Microwaved potatoes get a bad rap. People think they'll turn out rubbery or explode (more on that disaster later). But hear me out: when done right, microwaving is hands-down the fastest way to cook potatoes. Period. I timed all methods during my 2022 "Potato Speed Trials" and here's the cold, hard truth:

Last Tuesday I clocked this at 7 minutes 12 seconds for two russets - faster than my Uber Eats delivery. The texture? Surprisingly fluffy if you don't overcook. But here's my beef: microwaves vary wildly. My mom's ancient microwave takes twice as long as my new Panasonic. Always check doneness with a fork.

The Instant Pot Shortcut (When Microwaves Feel Wrong)

Maybe you're anti-microwave. Maybe exploding spuds traumatized you. That's where the Instant Pot becomes your savior. While not quite as fast as microwaving, it's still one of the fastest ways to cook potatoes if you want that traditional "steamed" texture.

Total time? About 20 minutes including pressurizing. Not microwave-fast, but your potatoes won't have those weird dry spots microwaves sometimes create. My favorite hack? Cooking cubed potatoes for potato salad in 4 minutes flat. Changed my BBQ game forever.

Skillet Method: Crispy Edges in Record Time

Need crispy breakfast potatoes yesterday? Slicing is your ticket. Thinly sliced potatoes cook crazy fast - I'm talking 10 minutes flat. Here's my diner-style approach:

Honest opinion? This method requires constant attention. Burned a batch texting my sister. But when nailed, you get golden edges with creamy centers faster than any oven method. Pro tip: parboil sliced potatoes for 3 minutes first if you want softer insides.

Why You Should Never Bake When Speed Matters

Let's settle this: traditional baking is NOT the fastest way to cook potatoes. At 45-60 minutes, it's a luxury for Sunday roasts. But I've seen websites claiming otherwise. Don't believe the hype.

That said, air fryers changed the game slightly. A whole potato takes 35-40 minutes at 400°F - still triple microwaving time. Where air fryers shine? Reheating already-cooked potatoes in 5 minutes. Not what we're after here.

Potato Type Matters More Than You Think

Not all potatoes cook equally! During my testing, waxy red potatoes cooked 30% faster than starchy russets in every method. Here's the breakdown:

Personal confession: I used russets for everything until I tried red potatoes in the skillet. Now they're my go-to for fast breakfasts. The difference? Less starch means faster water penetration. Science!

Your Potato Speed Questions Answered

Can I really cook potatoes in 5 minutes?

Small red potatoes? Absolutely. In the microwave or sliced in a skillet. Larger russets take 7-8 minutes minimum. Any recipe claiming "3 minute baked potatoes" is lying - trust my scorched microwave.

Why do restaurant potatoes cook faster?

They par-cook them ahead! Smart kitchens pre-cook potatoes 80% before service, then finish to order. Steal this trick: microwave potatoes night before, refrigerate, then crisp in skillet in 4 minutes.

What's the fastest way for mashed potatoes?

Pressure cooker cubed potatoes (4 minutes!). Mash with warm cream. Total time: 10 minutes start to finish. Boiling takes 20+ minutes - no contest.

Do potatoes cook faster covered or uncovered?

In microwaves and skillets: uncovered for crispy edges. In pressure cookers: sealed is mandatory. For boiling? Covered pot boils faster but doesn't reduce cooking time once boiling.

Can I speed up baked potatoes?

Yes! Pierce skin, rub with oil, and microwave 5 minutes before transferring to 450°F oven. Cuts baking time to 15 minutes. Without microwave? Forget it.

Does potato shape affect cooking speed?

Massively! Surface area rules:

• Whole potato: slowest
• Cubes: moderate speed
• Slices: fast
• Shredded: fastest (hash browns in 6 min)

Game-Changing Speed Hacks From My Kitchen

• Cube before cooking: Dicing potatoes doubles surface area, cutting cooking time by 60%
• Soak sliced potatoes: 10 min cold water bath removes starch for faster crisping
• Add salt to water: Boiling potatoes in salted water cooks them 25% faster (science!)
• Preheat properly: Skillet must sizzle when potatoes hit oil - cold pans = soggy potatoes
• Don't overcrowd: Single layer in skillet or microwave cooks twice as fast

After all these tests, here's my conclusion: the microwave remains the fastest way to cook whole potatoes when every minute counts. Are they as perfect as slow-roasted spuds? Nope. But when hunger strikes, that 7-minute potato with butter and salt tastes like victory.