No. Microwave ovens do not generally cook food from its centre outward. Their waves deposit energy within the parts of the food they penetrate, rather than targeting the centre first.
The FDA explains that, in thick foods, microwaves primarily heat the outer layers while heat conduction helps cook the interior. Virginia Tech's food-science specialists also explicitly reject the inside-out description and explain that direct microwave penetration is limited.
Heating is not necessarily uniform. Food composition, size, shape and whether it is frozen affect the result. Producing heat within food is therefore different from heating every part equally or cooking the centre first.
Microwaves generate heat within food, but that does not mean the centre heats first or the whole portion heats evenly.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The FDA explicitly states that microwave ovens do not cook inside out. In thick foods, direct microwave heating primarily affects outer layers, with conduction transferring heat inward.
Based on: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Virginia Cooperative Extension
The expert-reviewed publication rejects the inside-out claim and explains that microwave penetration is limited, while heat generated in exposed regions helps cook the remaining food.
Based on: Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Food shape, size, composition and physical state affect heating. The publication also describes uneven heating and cold spots.
Based on: Virginia Cooperative Extension
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