How to Microwave a Fried Egg

It certainly is not the conventional method to fry an egg in the microwave. However, once you learn this quick and convenient method, you can have a perfectly cooked fried egg in a minute or so without the messy cleanup. Of course, the egg is not actually fried, but no one will ever know unless you confess that you made it in the microwave.

Why Cook Fried Eggs In the Microwave?

When you use the microwave to cook eggs, you can conveniently prepare them without needing a skillet or oven. Whether you are making poached, scrambled, or fried eggs, the microwave method typically takes about a minute to cook. As a result, it is a quick and easy option for busy mornings or late dinners. 

Additionally, it saves you clean-up time since you only have to clean a single container instead of a greasy skillet. Frying eggs on the stovetop often leads to grease splatter, but you will not have to worry about that using this method.

Tips for Making a Fried Egg In the Microwave

If you are ready to try this unusual cooking method, here are some tips for making sure your fried egg turns out perfectly.

• Eggs cook quickly in the microwave, so keep a close eye on them. To prevent overcooking, check on the eggs every 10 seconds or so to ensure that they cook perfectly.
• Make sure to leave space at the top of the bowl to prevent the egg from overflowing, which will make a mess and cause the egg to cook unevenly.
• Do not microwave an egg in its shell because the heat causes the liquid inside to expand, rapidly building up pressure. This pressure causes the egg to explode, which is not only messy but dangerous.

Factors That Will Affect the Cooking Time of Fried Eggs

Keep in mind that several factors will impact the overall cooking time. Here are some things to consider.

• Adjust the cooking time based on your preferences. For a runny yolk, cook the egg for a shorter time. For a fully cooked yolk, increase the cooking time slightly.
• No matter how you cook it, the size of the egg will affect the cooking time, but this is especially true when microwaving an egg. Adjust times slightly if you are using either an extra-small or extra-large egg.
• Another factor that can impact cooking time is the microwave's wattage. Higher-wattage microwaves will result in shorter cooking times.

What Are the Disadvantages of Cooking Fried Eggs in the Microwave?

When cooking fried eggs in the microwave, you may notice that they do not have the same texture as stovetop-cooked eggs and can sometimes cook unevenly. Cooking the egg in short intervals and rotating it during the process can help address these issues. If your microwave has a turntable, placing the egg in the center of the dish and allowing it to rotate during cooking will result in more even cooking. However, if your microwave does not have a turntable, you may need to stop and manually rotate the dish halfway through cooking.

Do Microwaved Fried Eggs Taste Different?

Microwaving fried eggs can result in a slightly different taste compared to frying eggs on a stovetop. The texture of microwaved fried eggs may be softer, and the whites may be less firm than eggs cooked in a skillet. However, the flavor of the egg itself should remain largely the same.

Microwaved fried eggs may not have the same browning or crispiness on the edges as stovetop-fried eggs. Overall, while there may be some slight differences, microwaved fried eggs are as delicious and satisfying, especially when you need a quick and easy option with minimal cleanup.

Can You Reheat Fried Eggs?

While we do not recommend reheating eggs in the microwave, the short answer is, yes, you can reheat fried eggs in the microwave. However, you only need to reheat them for about 30 seconds to warm them up without overcooking. Overcooking eggs makes them dry and rubbery.

In Summary

Using our recipe, you can quickly and conveniently cook fried eggs in the microwave. This method also requires less cleanup time since you don't have to clean a greasy skillet or oven. If you are short on time, you do not have to grab a granola bar and rush out the door. Now, you can prepare fried eggs with toast in just a couple of minutes using our microwave-fried egg recipe. You can easily make the family a hearty breakfast while on the go. Unless you tell them, no one will ever know that you microwaved your fried eggs.

How to Microwave a Fried Egg

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• Author: Bobbie Morris

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray or a small amount of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Lightly coat a microwave-safe dish or mug with cooking spray or a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Crack the egg into the dish or mug.
3. For even cooking, make sure both yolks and whites are evenly distributed before placing them in the microwave.
4. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Place the dish or mug in the microwave.
6. Microwave on high power for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave's wattage and how well-done you prefer your egg. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
7. Carefully remove the dish or mug from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as it will be hot.

Notes

Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and personal preferences. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©/ via Getty Images.