How to Microwave a Whole Apple

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While making desserts containing apples, it is good to microwave a whole apple so that softened fruit can melt in your mouth to give you a sweet and healthy treat. However, heed caution as microwaving a whole apple may not be the route to go.

A whole apple in the microwave cannot be cooked as the sweet pulp can explode all over inside the microwave. This thick skin traps moisture under the surface, which builds up steam pressure that can cause the fruit to blow up. 

So, how do you microwave a whole apple? To safely microwave an apple, core it, peel it or cut it into slices before nuking. After puncturing the thick skin of the whole apple, steam is allowed to escape and pressure does not built up inside.

The information provided in this write-up can help you in microwaving your apples more effectively. Covered below are helpful tips and the answers to your frequently asked questions about microwaving apples the right way.

Can you cook a whole apple in the microwave?

No, you cannot cook a whole apple in a microwave.

The main reason behind it is that apples have a lot of moisture trapped underneath a thick skin. So if you heat a whole apple in a microwave, then the fruity pulp can explode inside the microwave.

What happens if you microwave a whole apple?

When you microwave a whole apple then it will explode as its thick skin can burst when the moisture inside the apple expands after being heated. Therefore, it is not advisable to microwave a whole apple. 

If you want to cook the apple in the microwave, then you will have to core it, peel it or cut it into slices before putting it into the microwave. This punctures the thick skin, and allows the steam to escape which releases any pressure that would have built up inside the whole apple.

Can you soften apples in the microwave?

Yes, you can soften apples in the microwave, however it must be cored, peeled or sliced before microwaving.

You can soften apples in the microwave to make jarred food for your baby, make a healthy apple sauce quickly or make it easier for you to chew the apple. 

It is easier and faster to soften the apples in a microwave than on a stove or in the oven. You can add microwaved apples to some recipes, flavor them with spices or mash them to eat with a fork once they are softened in the microwave.

Can you steam apples in the microwave?

Yes, you can steam apples in the microwave easily in a few steps.

How long do you steam apples in the microwave?

In total, steam apples in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high. Still, you will have to check their tenderness after every 15 seconds after the first minute.

The time taken to steam the apples can depend upon the quantity, weight, variety and size of apples you are using. Some apples can be steamed in 1-2 minutes, whereas some larger pieces may take 3-4 minutes to steam perfectly.

Tips to microwave apples

The tips to microwave apples are briefly described here under. These tips will help you to microwave your apples to use them in your recipes or eating them after softening.

• Before microwaving your apples, wash them under running water to get rid of pesticides and other contaminant residues left on the skin. You can also use a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts of water to wash your apples to remove pesticides and dirt from them instead of using plain water for this purpose. Apples are on the EWG’s dirty dozen list, so it is recommended to purchase organic.
• Use a vegetable peeler to remove the core and seeds of your apples. Remove the core of an apple within a minute by inserting the peeler into its core and giving it a quick twist. Pop-out the core from the apple while pulling the peeler out of it. Then you can use the vegetable peeler to peel the skin of the apple if desired.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the apple ,without the core, into slices or small pieces of the required size. You can also use a mandolin and an apple corer for this purpose to save some time. 
• Spray a microwave safe baking dish made of glass or ceramic with a thin layer of cooking oil. Spread the apple pieces in a even layer into the baking dish. The layer of oil in the dish will prevent the apple slices from sticking to the dish. But if you do not want to eat fried apples, then add 1-2 tablespoon of water to the dish before microwaving apple slices.
• Use a microwave cover or microwave safe plastic wrap as a lid over the baking dish to trap the steam before placing it into the microwave.
• Microwave your apple slices at high for 1-2 minutes or until they are tender. The time to cook your apples can depend upon the thickness of apple slices as well as the microwave wattage of the appliance you are using.
• Use microwave mitts to take the baking dish out and check the doneness of the apples. Insert a fork into some of the slices to verify doneness. Microwave the apple slices for 15 second increments until they are soft enough per your liking.
• After the apple slices are done perfectly, add seasoning of your choices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar, etc. before serving.

Best way to microwave apples

The best way to microwave apples is to peel the apples, remove the core, and cut them into slices or smaller pieces. These slices can be quickly cooked in a microwave.

Take a microwave-safe dish with a cover and put the slices or pieces of apple into the dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water into the dish, cover it with the lid and put it into the microwave. 

Microwave your apples for 1-2 minutes, checking the tenderness after every 20-30 seconds as the time can vary based on a few different factors. Microwave the apples until they cooked or reached the level of doneness that you are looking for.

In a matter of minutes, you have have prepared and cooked apples with help from a microwave. Zap the apples in shortened increments so that you don’t miss the mark and completely overcook them.

Hope this guide was helpful in your quest for microwaving apples. Follow the helpful tips provided in detail so that your microwaved apples turn out perfect each and every time.