Microwave Fried Eggs
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These microwave fried eggs are one of the quickest ways to make breakfast when you don’t want to dirty a skillet. They cook in about a minute, require almost no cleanup, and are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, toast, or a quick protein-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Hack
- Ready in about 1 minute
- No skillet required
- Easy cleanup
- Great for breakfast sandwiches
- Perfect for busy mornings
These Microwave Fried Eggs have saved many rushed mornings at our house. With about a 1-minute cook time and almost no cleanup, they’ve become my son’s go-to breakfast before school. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for toast, breakfast sandwiches, or a simple meal when you’re short on time.
Before we get started, it’s important to set expectations. These aren’t exactly the same as stovetop fried eggs. Microwaves cook differently, so the yolk can range from soft to fully cooked depending on your microwave and cooking time. Think of this as a fast and convenient breakfast shortcut rather than a replacement for a traditional over-easy egg.
Microwave Fried Eggs Ingredients
They make a great weekday breakfast and are also decadent enough to entertain for a weekend brunch. Plus they are delicious as a topper to sandwiches, salads, burgers, toasts, and pastas.
- Oil: Choose your favorite kind of oil. Canola or avocado oil have a neutral flavor and work well. Olive oil gives a more savory flavor that’s also so delicious.
- Large eggs: Be sure you buy the freshest date at the store. This makes the eggs hold their shape better in the microwave.
- Salt and pepper: To season the eggs, of course!
Once you try cooking eggs in the microwave, I know you’ll be hooked. Definitely give our other favorite egg recipes a try. Microwave Poached Eggs just like a fancy restaurant and a Microwave Omelette is great for leftover veggies.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
My teenager makes these several times a week before school. They’re fast, easy, and require almost zero effort. While they aren’t identical to a pan-fried egg, they’re a great option when you’re short on time and just need breakfast on the table fast.
Tip from Jesseca:
The first time you make these, start checking the eggs a little earlier than the recipe suggests. Every microwave cooks differently, and once you find the timing that works best for yours, you’ll be able to make them perfectly every time.
What To Expect
Microwave eggs cook differently than eggs made in a skillet.
- The yolks may be soft, jammy, or fully cooked depending on your microwave.
- The whites cook quickly.
- Results can vary from one microwave to another.
- These are best viewed as a quick breakfast shortcut rather than a true over-easy egg.
If your first attempt isn’t perfect, adjust the cooking time by 10-second increments until you find what works best for your microwave.
Best Microwave Time By Wattage
Not all microwaves cook at the same speed, which is why one person’s eggs may be perfect at 45 seconds while someone else’s need over a minute. If you’re not sure where to start, use the chart below as a guideline:
| Microwave Wattage | Starting Cook Time |
|---|
| 700-900 watts | 60-75 seconds |
| 1000-1200 watts | 45-60 seconds |
| 1200+ watts | 35-45 seconds |
After cooking, let the eggs rest for 1 minute before checking for doneness. If needed, continue cooking in 10-second increments until they reach your preferred texture.
Most microwaves have the wattage listed on a sticker inside the door, on the back of the unit, or in the owner’s manual. If you can’t find it, search your microwave model number online and the wattage should appear in the product specifications.
Best Ways To Use Microwave Fried Eggs
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy they are to add to a quick meal. Since they’re ready in about a minute, they’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something filling without the extra dishes.
- Rice Bowls: Add a microwave egg to leftover rice with vegetables, soy sauce, or hot sauce for a simple lunch or dinner.
- English Muffins: Add a slice of cheese and your favorite breakfast meat for an easy homemade breakfast sandwich.
- Bagels: Tuck an egg into a toasted bagel with cream cheese, cheddar, or avocado for a more substantial breakfast.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Layer on toast, croissants, biscuits, or sandwich thins for a grab-and-go meal.
- Toast: Serve over buttered toast with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or everything bagel seasoning.
Your Questions, Answered
Sort of. While the cooking method is different from a traditional fried egg, you’ll end up with an egg that has a similar appearance and can be used in many of the same ways. The texture, especially of the yolk, may be slightly different than a skillet-fried egg.
Maybe. Microwave wattage varies, so some readers get a softer yolk while others end up with a firmer center. If you prefer a runnier yolk, start with a shorter cook time and increase as needed.
Piercing the yolk allows steam to escape during cooking, which helps prevent the egg from bursting in the microwave.
Your microwave may cook faster than the one used for testing. Try reducing the cooking time by 10 to 15 seconds and remember that the eggs will continue cooking slightly while they rest.
Egg size, starting temperature, and microwave wattage can all affect cooking time. Continue microwaving in 10-second increments until the eggs reach your preferred doneness.
Yes. Covering the eggs helps trap heat and encourages more even cooking. It also helps prevent splatters inside your microwave.
Absolutely. The method works for one or two eggs. Keep in mind that a single egg may cook a little faster.
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Microwave Fried Eggs
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons oil
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly coat a microwave-safe plate or paper plate with oil or cooking spray.
- Carefully crack the eggs onto the plate, keeping the yolks intact.
- Use a toothpick to gently poke a small hole in each yolk. This helps prevent the yolks from bursting while they cook.
- Cover with a second microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
- Let the eggs rest in the microwave for 1 minute before checking for doneness.
- If needed, continue cooking in 10-second increments until the eggs reach your preferred texture.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Important: Microwave wattage varies significantly from one machine to another. The first time you make this recipe, start checking for doneness early and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Pro Tip: Once you find the timing that works best for your microwave, write it down for future batches.
- Storage: These eggs are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, refrigerate for up to 1 day and reheat in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
- Best Uses: Breakfast sandwiches, English muffins, bagels, toast, breakfast burritos, and rice bowls.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
VERY SADLY, MY MICROWAVE “OVER EASY” EGGS WERE AS HARD AS ANY HARD BOILED EGG. DEFINITELY DID NOT WORK.
Just got your recipe today. Tried it right after reading and they turned out great. My microwave is a whrilpool 1000 watt. It cooked the yolks completly but sitll a over well egg. I will adjust the time as I cook the eggs this way. Thanks for the recipe.
Love that you tested it right away!
Microwaves can vary a ton, even at the same wattage, so you’re on the right track adjusting the time. If you want a slightly softer yolk, try pulling it 5–10 seconds earlier and let it sit for a few seconds to finish cooking from the residual heat.
Appreciate you sharing your results, super helpful for others with similar microwaves.
It worked!!! This recipe is pure witchery magic, but the eggs were perfect!! Sooo wish I wasn’t today-years-old (40+) when I learned this hack, but I’m definitely going to enjoy easy microwave eggs now and share this recipe with my friends. Thanks for the easy step-by-step instructions and photos. 💕🌻🥰
Cooked for only 30 seconds before microwave started popping and let it go for 50 seconds total. Then let it sit for 45 seconds in the microwave and it was completely overcooked.
Use a lower power setting.
Worked very well! Thank you!
So glad it worked for you, Lori! Thanks for giving it a try.
just made an egg sandwich with these eggs. yummy!!!
One minute was too long in my microwave! Egg exploded twice in the first 45 seconds. Next time, I’ll try it on lower power.
my yolks were hard and the whites weren’t finished cooking 😢
That is because microwaves heat fat very quickly. Try using a lower power setting and longer cook time.
Thank you, zelda!
weirdly delicious way to cook eggs. Double check your wattage before starting and don’t overcook!