There are some really good reasons to cook eggs in a microwave: it is quicker than using a pan, and therefore saves energy usage; it uses far fewer pots and pans, so fewer dishes to do; and, believe it or not, it results in a healthier meal since fewer nutrients are lost during microwave cooking.
However, eggs cooked in a microwave don't taste exactly the same: they can be a little drier, a little denser, and not so visually pleasing. Plus, you may have heard that eggs can explode while being cooked in a microwave (we have plenty of advice on how to clean a microwave should that happen to you, though our recipe should be eggsplosion-proof – sorry).
Nonetheless, if you are in a hurry for a healthy meal, you may want to try some of these microwaved egg recipes. Always remove hot egg from a microwave with care.
How to boil eggs in a microwave
Prep + cook time:
5 mins + 5 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
Two eggs
Salt
Steps:
1. Put your eggs in a microwave-safe bowl and fully cover with very hot (but not quite boiling) water. Fresh eggs will sink; those past their best will float and should be discarded.
2. Add a large pinch of salt to the water and cover the bowl OR prick the bottom of the egg with a pin. These methods should stop the eggs exploding.
3. Microwave on high for between three and four minutes from when the water has started boiling; three minutes will give you soft boiled eggs; four, harder boiled eggs*.
4. Let the eggs sit for another three to four minutes in the water if you're planning on eating them hard boiled. Otherwise, remove them immediately and eat straightaway, or put in ice-cold water if you want to peel them and eat cold.
*As with all recipes, cooking times will vary depending on your microwave – you may need to adjust to suit. Always ensure your eggs are cooked properly to avoid illness.
How to make poached eggs in a microwave
Prep + cook time:
1 mins + 2 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
One egg
Salt
Steps:
1. Fill a microwaveable bowl with cold water, and crack the egg, which should be at room temperature, into it. Prick the yolk with the tip of a sharp knife to stop it exploding if you cook it too hard or too long.
2. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 20 to 30 seconds before checking if the egg white is cooked.
3. Continue to cook the egg for 5 to 10 seconds, checking each time until it is cooked to taste. Make a record of how long cooking takes in your microwave for next time*.
4. Remove from the bowl with a slotted spoon, drip dry and serve.
*As with all recipes, cooking times will vary depending on your microwave – you may need to adjust to suit. Always ensure your eggs are cooked properly to avoid illness.
How to make scrambled eggs in a microwave
Prep + cook time:
2 mins + 2 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
Two eggs
A dash of milk
Salt
Steps:
1. Whisk the eggs with the milk and a pinch of salt in a microwaveable bowl.
2. Put a lid on the bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Carefully remove the bowl and whisk the eggs again with a fork or egg beater.
4. Replace the lid and microwave again for 30 seconds*.
5. Remove the bowl again and whisk the eggs again then return to the microwave for another 10 seconds at a time, whisking the eggs each time until they are at a consistency you like. Serve immediately.
*As with all recipes, cooking times will vary depending on your microwave – you may need to adjust to suit. Always ensure your eggs are cooked properly to avoid illness.
How to make fried eggs in a microwave
Prep + cook time:
1 min + 30 seconds to 1½ mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
One egg
Cooking oil
Steps:
1. Lightly spray the inside of a microwave-safe boil with cooking oil.
2. Crack your egg into the bowl, use the tip of a sharp knife to pierce the yolk, and season to taste.
3. Cover with the lid and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Allow to stand for 30 seconds, then remove the lid to check. If needed, return to the microwave for another 10 to 20 seconds, checking again to see if it is ready. Once cooked to your preferred firmness, serve immediately*.
*As with all recipes, cooking times will vary depending on your microwave – you may need to adjust to suit. Always ensure your eggs are cooked properly to avoid illness.
How to make omelette in microwave
Prep + cook time:
2 mins + 2 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
Two eggs
Salt
Butter
Steps:
1. Put a large knob of butter into a microwave-safe plate and melt in the microwave (10 seconds on high should do this).
2. Beat the eggs, adding a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the beaten egg onto the plate and cover with a lid or another plate, face-down. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
4. Using a fork, pull any uncooked egg into the center of the dish and put back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat until the omelette is cooked to taste.
*As with all recipes, cooking times will vary depending on your microwave – you may need to adjust to suit. Always ensure your eggs are cooked properly to avoid illness.
FAQs
Can you cook an egg in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook an egg in the microwave; in fact, doing so makes for a more nutritious meal, though the texture of microwave-cooked eggs can be a little denser than those cooked on a stovetop.
How long should I cook an egg in the microwave?
How long you microwave an egg for really depends on the recipe and the strength of your microwave. It's always best to under-cook your egg at first as you can always put it back in for more cooking time. Start with 30 seconds and work up from there, noting the final cooking time for each egg recipe you try. Always ensure egg whites are properly cooked before eating.
How do you cook an egg in the microwave without it exploding?
Pricking an egg's shell or yolk can stop it exploding, as can putting it into water which will help it cook evenly.
Cooking eggs in a microwave takes some experimentation at first because not all microwaves cook at the same rate. However, with patience the first time around, and good note-taking, you can create easy microwave egg recipes that are quick and easy to make.
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