Microwave Fried Eggs

Name: Microwave Fried Eggs
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1 egg; 10 sprays spray oil

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Our easy recipe for Microwave Fried Eggs gives you the perfect egg in just under 2 minutes. Cooked whites and runny yolk, all cooked in a bowl in the microwave. This recipe has all the tips to get a perfectly cooked "fried" egg every time, for a quick and easy breakfast.

Two fried eggs on toast with broken yolks.

Of course these are not actually fried, as they are done in the microwave. But they are a microwave alternative and healthier as you don't have to use lots of oil. This is seriously the easiest way to "fry" an egg - all you need is a bowl and a microwave.

We want to show you that healthy eating can be quick and easy too. These eggs are perfect for a speedy breakfast, or to put on top of something a bit more filling for lunch. No need to use a big pan or wait for the oil to heat, and perfect for when you want just one egg.

If you are looking for some other microwave recipes to try, then why not try our Fluffy Microwave Scrambled Eggs, Perfect Microwave Rice, How To Microwave Bacon, Microwave Poached Eggs and Microwave Porridge.

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Ingredients needed
How to make Microwave Fried Eggs - Step by step
Why should you try it?
Why use a microwave?
Health benefits of eggs
What to serve with microwave fried eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
Extra tips
More egg recipes
Recipe
Feedback

Ingredients needed

Egg - This is really the only ingredient. Make sure to use the freshest eggs you can and bring them to room temperature before using. We used a medium sized egg. The size of the egg will vary the cooking time.
Spray oil - We sprayed the bowl with some oil just to make sure it doesn't stick. You could rub the bottom of the bowl with a little oil if you didn't have spray oil.

A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to make Microwave Fried Eggs - Step by step

One: Spray a microwave safe bowl with oil. Crack an egg into the bowl and, using the pointed end of a sharp knife, gently pierce the yolk.

Two shot collage of a bowl first coated in oil, then with an egg cracked into it.

Two: Place a microwave safe plate on top of the bowl and put in the microwave. Cook on high for 30 seconds.

Interior of a microwave with a bowl covered wit ha plate.

Three: Leave for 1 minute and then check the egg. Cook for 15 seconds more then check again. It may need 10 seconds more, depending on how you like your eggs cooked.

Why should you try it?

Perfect eggs every time - Once you have experimented a little with making this in your own microwave and getting the cooking times right, you will have perfect eggs every time. Make sure you read through all our FAQs and extra tips.
Quick and easy - These microwave fried eggs are ready in just 2 minutes. Perfect for a healthy breakfast on those busy mornings.
Versatile - There is so much that you can do with a fries egg, and far more than just serving it on toast. We have given all our favourite serving suggestions below.

Why use a microwave?

Microwaves have gotten a bad reputation over the years. They have been called lazy and they have been called dangerous. But, if you are looking at these recipes then I am guessing that you don't believe either of those, and neither do we. Let's dispel those myths. Firstly, there is no real evidence that shows that microwaves are dangerous to your health. You will find a lot of information on the internet to say they are, but nothing scientifically proven. However, studies have shown that using a microwave might be better at preserving nutrients than other cooking methods.

Microwaves are for lazy people? Nope! That is such an ableist thing to say. There are many reasons why people might use a microwave as a convenient method of cooking, such as not being able to stand at the cooker for any length of time. Also, microwaves tend to cook things much quicker, which is perfect for those with less time in the kitchen and you also don't usually need to do any stirring, which is perfect if you need something you can just put in and leave.

Sometimes the microwave can be a bit of a life saver. If your oven breaks, or you are having your kitchen renovated, you need to be able to make meals with just a microwave. Maybe you are living in accommodation with no/limited cooking facilities like a hotel/studio/student halls. We want to show just what you can do with a microwave.

Health benefits of eggs

Eggs are delicious and nutritious, not to mention a great budget friendly ingredient for making versatile meals. They are a great source of protein, Omega-3s and "good" cholesterol. They are a good source of vitamin B12, B6, vitamin D, selenium, and other important minerals!

What to serve with microwave fried eggs

If you are eating them by themselves, then a pinch of good sea salt and pepper adds loads of flavour. We are also partial to a good splash of hot sauce on these too.

Some kind of bread is a must with poached eggs, right? We love serving these with our Homemade Easy Bagels. Or if you want to try making your own loaf of bread, then why not try our Easy White Loaf Recipe? You could also fold them up in our Homemade Flatbreads with some beans, salsa and guacamole for a breakfast wrap/burrito.

If you want to add some greens to your breakfast, then some spinach cooked in a little butter, or even raw goes well with these eggs. It's also a good way to use up leftovers of our Lemon Roasted Asparagus and makes these feel a little more special - breakfast for a Sunday brunch.

Here are some other things that you can add a fried egg to:

They are great in a bacon sandwich
Add one to a burger
Put one on top of a pizza
Top a salad with a fries egg
Make a simple spaghetti dish using our easy pasta sauce and top with a fried egg
Huevos Rancheros - a traditional Mexican breakfast that can use poached or fried egg
Top a comforting stew with a fried egg
Add it to the top of Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) instead of the traditional omelette.

Two fried eggs on toast in front of a mug of tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I cook the microwave fried eggs in?

We have found that a microwaveable bowl is best for cooking these in. However, you could use a ramekin that is suitable for the microwave too.

How long do microwave fried eggs take to cook?

Microwave cooking temperatures can vary massively, so there will be a little trial and error when you first make this, so you can find the exact cooking time using your microwave. The perfect fried egg should have a runny yolk and opaque white. You don't want to overcook the eggs!
In our microwave (our is 1,000 watts) it takes about 1 minute 45 seconds and this is what we have found when we have made this in other microwaves when travelling too. But use that as a guide. It will depend on how powerful your microwave is, the type of cup/bowl you use and also the size of your eggs (we used medium). No matter what the wattage of your microwave, use the HIGH setting.
If you are wanted a hard yolk, then you will need to cook it for about 2 minutes total.

Why do you leave the egg for 1 minute?

There will still be a lot of heat in the bowl after the first 30 seconds cooking. By leaving it for 1 minute it allows the egg to cook from the heat and steam, and set the whites of the egg, without overcooking the yolk.

Are microwave fried eggs gluten free?

Yes, as long as there is no cross contamination, then this can be gluten free. Just be careful that whatever you are serving it with is gluten free too.

Why isn't my egg yolk runny?

If your yolk is not runny, then it is over cooked. By cooking it for 10 seconds at a time after the initial 30 seconds, you can check on it regularly. Your microwave might also be really powerful, and you might just need to cook it for 15 seconds the first time, and then 10 seconds at a time after that.

Why are my egg whites still runny?

If they are still runny, then you will need to cook them for 10 seconds at a time more, until they are cooked through.

Why have my microwave fried eggs exploded?

If you cook these too quickly, or for too long, the steam will build up and if it can't release fast enough then it will cause it to explode. That is why after the initial 30 seconds cooking, you want to just cook it for 10 seconds at a time until it is cooked. The difference between a perfectly fried egg and an overcooked one can be just 10 seconds. Piercing the yolk also stops the egg from exploding and this is essential if you want a hard yolk.

Can I cook more than one egg at a time?

Yes, you can cook 2 eggs at a time, but you will need to use a bigger bowl for this. They will need about 2 minutes to 2 minutes 15 seconds total cooking time, following the same method for just one egg.

Extra tips

Let refrigerated eggs reach room temperature before cooking.
Fresh eggs are always best, because they will hold their shape better and give you perfect fried eggs. Place the egg in a bowl of water, and if it sinks, it is fresh. Floating eggs should be thrown away because they are too old.
If you are having trouble cracking your egg straight into the bowl, then crack it into a small ramekin first and then pour that into the cup.
Don't forget to pierce the egg yolk as this will stop it from exploding.
Make sure you cover the bowl with a plate. This stops the steam escaping and keeps the bowl at the temperature needed to cook the egg.

More egg recipes

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