How to Cook Sweet Potato - Cooking Times
Compare cooking times and preparation for Sweet Potato. Times vary with portion size, cut and heating conditions; check the tips for each method below.
Tubers
Season: Autumn, Winter
Preparation
Cut off both ends. Cut into rounds if large
Cooking Times by Method
Boil
Boil20-30 min
From cold water
Whole or rounds. Start from cold water to slowly draw out sweetness
Stir-fry
Stir-fry5-8 min
Thin slices. Pan-frying candied-style also works great
Microwave
Microwave4-6 min
1 potato (200g) at 600W. Wrap in newspaper + plastic for moist result
Steam
Steam20-30 min
Low and slow steaming increases sweetness
Common Mistakes
- High heat and short cooking doesn't bring out sweetness — low and slow is the rule
- Not soaking after cutting causes discoloration from tannins
Storage & Use PlanTips & dates
Storage Time Guide
No sourced storage estimate is available for this vegetable yet. Follow the pack instructions and set your own use date below.
Estimates assume fresh produce stored as described. Freshness and temperature affect storage; these dates do not guarantee safety. Follow pack dates and instructions. Do not eat food showing spoilage, regardless of the date.
Sweet Potato Cooking FAQs
How long to boil Sweet Potato?
Boil Sweet Potato for 20-30 min (From cold water). Whole or rounds. Start from cold water to slowly draw out sweetness
How long to microwave Sweet Potato?
Microwave Sweet Potato for 4-6 min. 1 potato (200g) at 600W. Wrap in newspaper + plastic for moist result
How long to stir-fry Sweet Potato?
Stir-fry Sweet Potato for 5-8 min. Thin slices. Pan-frying candied-style also works great
How long to steam Sweet Potato?
Steam Sweet Potato for 20-30 min. Low and slow steaming increases sweetness
Compare Related Cooking Times
Cooking times are estimates. Adjust for portion size, thickness and equipment, and check that the food is cooked through.