Your microwave might just be the kitchen MVP you've been overlooking.
While many of us rely on it for quick reheats and defrosting, it can actually do much more — from reviving ingredients on the verge of going bad to helping you prepare surprisingly sophisticated snacks.
These clever microwave hacks don’t just make cooking easier — they also help reduce food waste and prep time. Ready to get more out of your microwave than ever before? Here are five smart tricks to start with.
1. Get More Juice Out of Citrus Fruits
Cold lemons = stubborn lemons.
When citrus fruits are chilled, their membranes stiffen, making juice extraction tougher. Warm them slightly in the microwave to loosen them up.
Try this: Pop a lemon, lime, or orange into the microwave for about 20 seconds. The heat relaxes the membranes inside, making the juice flow much more easily. Not only will you get more juice, but it’ll save you effort — and possibly a second lemon.
2. Revive Stale Bread in Seconds
Don’t toss that crusty, day-old bread just yet. If your loaf has gone from soft to sad, your microwave can help bring it back to life.
Try this: Wrap the stale bread (or bagel or pita) in a damp paper towel, then heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds. The steam rehydrates the bread, softening the texture and making it taste freshly baked — at least for a little while. Just be sure to enjoy it right away before it dries out again.
3. Peel Garlic Without the Fuss
If you dread peeling garlic, this tip will change your cooking routine. Forget the sticky skins and lingering smell on your fingers.
Try this: Slice off the end of the clove, microwave it for about 20 seconds, and watch the magic happen. The heat creates steam that loosens the skin, making it slide off effortlessly. Bonus: no garlic-scented fingers.
4. Make Crispy Potato Chips from Scratch
Craving chips but don’t want to deal with deep frying or store-bought options? Your microwave has a surprisingly simple fix.
Try this: Thinly slice a potato (a mandoline helps), lightly oil the slices, season with salt, and lay them on a microwave-safe plate without overlapping. Microwave for about 3 minutes, watching closely. Once crisped, you’ll have homemade chips with zero frying and plenty of flavor. You can even try yams, parsnips, or add your own custom seasonings like garlic salt or paprika.
5. Dry Out Fresh Herbs Before They Go Bad
Forgotten herbs wilting in the fridge? Don’t toss them — dry them out and extend their shelf life with this microwave trick.
Try this: Rinse and fully dry the herbs (this works best for hardy ones like rosemary, oregano, or thyme), then sandwich them between two paper towels. Microwave for 1 minute, then in 15–20 second intervals until completely dry. Once done, store whole or grind into a powder with a mortar and pestle.
Whether you’re reviving ingredients, saving time, or adding new skills to your kitchen toolkit, these microwave hacks prove just how versatile this everyday appliance can be.
So the next time you’re standing in front of it with just a bowl of leftovers, consider all the other tricks it’s waiting to show you.
This was inspired by an article Food Republic.
