5 EASY Ways – How To Cook Eggs In The Microwave

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Although serious chefs may turn their noses up at the idea of using a microwave to cook eggs, this is actually a great, quick and convenient cooking method which can indeed produce delicious eggs in a variety of styles.

It’s a quick and convenient option for those short on time. Although it may take a bit of experimentation at the beginning to cook your eggs just the way you like them, once you have it figured out, you’ll be enjoying breakfast – or lunch and dinner – in a matter of minutes.

Every microwave is different, so work with the advice and directions on how to microwave eggs given below and tailor it to your own model.

In this guide, you will find out how to make an omelet, scrambled, poached, hard boiled and soft boiled eggs in a microwave.

Caution: Microwaving eggs is potentially hazardous.

  • Moisture and steam that builds up inside cooked eggs can be released quickly and violently, with the potential for some scalding hot explosions.
  • Microwaving an egg in the shell increases this potential. These explosions can cause serious injury including permanent loss of vision.
  • We highly recommend letting your hot eggs rest in the microwave before stirring or attempting to move them.

​How To Make An Omelet Using A Microwave

Microwaved Omlet In A Mug

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 slice of cheddar cheese
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: ham, onion, bell pepper

Directions:

  1. Spray the inside of a microwave-safe container with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Crack the eggs into the container, discarding the shells. Stir gently with a fork until the eggs are just mixed.
  3. Add salt, pepper and optional ingredients.
  4. Cover the top of the container with plastic wrap.
  5. Ensure the microwave is set to HIGH and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Remove the container and check to see if the eggs need more cooking time. At this point, the top of the mixture will probably appear wet or runny. If so, heat for another 15 seconds – check and repeat until the eggs are completely solid or appear cooked.
  7. Place a slice of cheddar cheese over half of the omelet.
  8. Carefully fold the other half over the cheddar cheese, cushioning it in the middle. You may need to microwave for another 15 seconds to melt the cheese if the eggs have cooled down too much.

You can add various ingredients such as ham and onions to the egg mixture before cooking.

We recommend using a rectangular container. This makes it easier to place the cheese on one side and flip half of the cooked egg on top to form a traditional style omelet.

There are other omelet variations, such as mixing all your ingredients together and microwaving in a mug or mason jar. Technically, this creation is more like a frittata, but still a tasty option!

How To Microwave Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled Eggs

Making scrambled eggs in the microwave is really simple. It will take you less than 2 minutes to complete this recipe – perfect for those who need a quick breakfast.

SEE ALSO: Can you freeze scrambled eggs?

Ingredients:​

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: cheese, herbs

Directions:

  1. Spray a microwave-friendly bowl with cooking spray or rub with butter.
  2. Break the eggs into the bowl and mix with milk until blended.
  3. Microwave for 45 seconds.
  4. Remove the hot bowl using kitchen gloves – solids will be forming in the base, so you need to stir gently to even out the contents.
  5. Place back in the microwave and cook for another 30-45 seconds.
  6. Repeat until the eggs are cooked.
  7. Remove from the microwave and add salt and pepper to taste.

You can experiment with adding cheese or herbs to your scrambled eggs part-way through the cooking process.

How To Poach An Egg In The Microwave

Poached Eggs On Toast

Poaching an egg in the traditional style – on a stovetop – typically takes a lot of practice to perfect. With this method, you can nail the perfect poached egg every time!

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Water (enough to allow the egg/s to be submerged)
  • Vinegar (1 tsp.)
  • Optional: cheese, herbs

Directions:

  1. In a microwave-safe container, add the water and vinegar.
  2. Carefully crack and add the egg/s to the container. Be careful not to break the yolk.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
  4. Set your microwave at 50% to 80% power and microwave for 1 minute. This is where a bit of experimentation comes into play with regards to power and time settings.
  5. If after 1 minute the egg/s need more time, try microwaving at 15 second intervals until you are satisfied.
  6. Remove from the microwave and use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the poached egg/s from the liquid.

This method is very easy and fast. Keeping an eye on your cooking times is essential, to ensure that you don’t overcook your egg. Once you figure out the optimal time and power settings for your microwave, you will have your poaching formula down to a fine art.

How To Microwave Hard Boiled And Soft Boiled Eggs

hard boiled egg

Along with poaching eggs, cooking hard and soft boiled eggs to perfection also takes some skill and patience. Making them in the microwave gives you control over time and power levels – something that can be tricky to master on a stove.

The only problem with this method is the potential for an egg explosion. See the caution note at the top of the page.

Ingredients:​

  • 1 egg
  • Water

Directions:

  1. You will need a container that is deep enough to allow an egg to be fully submerged in the water.
  2. Pre-boil the water and add it to the container. Starting with hot water reduces the risk of the pressure build up inside the egg. This is because water boils more quickly than the liquid inside the egg.
  3. Optional: Using a paper clip, pierce the egg in a couple of different places. Pricking the egg will help reduce the pressure that can accumulate once you start cooking.
  4. Put the egg in the hot water. Again, ensure that it is fully submerged.
  5. Cover the top of the container with a microwavable plate or cover in case there is an explosion. This will help contain a potential mess and act to insulate the container, boiling the water faster.
  6. Microwave the egg for 1 minute for soft boiled. If you prefer hard boiled eggs, try 1 minute 20 seconds. To begin with, this will take a bit of experimentation.
  7. Let the egg rest to finish the cooking process. This can take up to 5 minutes, depending on what firmness you prefer.
  8. Place the egg in cold water to stop the cooking process and peel carefully.

You can also make hard or soft boiled eggs by carefully cracking an egg into a ramekin with butter and microwaving for less than 1 minute – or until your desired level of firmness. This is a safer option, but not as fancy or easy to transport as an egg within a shell.

Written By Tara Williams

Tara is a food writer that has been editing and authoring articles for KitchenSanity since its founding. Her writing offers personal experience from experimentation with food and recipe creation. If you’re looking for simple tips, she will make your journey in the kitchen straightforward with a dash of fun.