How to Cook Eggs in the Microwave

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Scrambled, poached, baked, & more

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Poached Egg

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Scrambled Egg

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Baked Eggs

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Omelet

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Mini Quiche

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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Eggs are some of the simplest and most satisfying foods out there, so it’s no wonder they’re a staple in many people’s diets. But what happens when you want to cook eggs at home, but you don’t have access to a stove? If this sounds like your situation, you’re in luck! There are many ways to cook delicious eggs with just a microwave, and we’ll go over them all. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Cooking an Egg in the Microwave

Grease a microwave-safe bowl, then crack your egg into it. Pierce the egg a few times with a fork.
Top the egg with ⅓ cup of water, and cover with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap.
Microwave for 45 seconds, then check the egg. If it isn’t done yet, cook in additional 10-second increments.
Use a spoon to remove the egg from the water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

How to Make a Poached Egg in the Microwave

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Any microwave-safe mug or bowl will work, but those with circular, flat bottoms (such as a ramekin or custard cup) are best.^{[1]XResearch source} You'll end up with an egg in a convenient patty shape, perfect for serving on toast or an English muffin.
Dip a paper towel in a little bit of vegetable or olive oil and smear the oil around the inside of the bowl. You can also spray the mug or bowl with non-stick cooking spray, or use melted butter.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Then, take a toothpick or a fork to pierce the egg 4-5 times. This helps prevent the egg from “exploding” and splattering the interior of your microwave while cooking.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Add 1/3 cup of water and cover the container. Pour the water right over the top of the egg, then cover the bowl with a paper towel or microwave-safe plate. This will help prevent any splatters from dirtying your microwave.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can also use microwave-safe plastic wrap, but just make sure to pull back a corner of it for venting.^{[5]XResearch source}
5
Cook the egg in the microwave. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on the highest setting for 45 seconds. When it's done, remove the paper towel and inspect the egg. The white should be set, but the yolk should be runny.^{[6]XResearch source} If the white is still liquid, put it back in the microwave and cook for an additional 10-15 seconds. When the white is no longer runny, your egg is done cooking.
- For a hard-cooked egg (a firmer yolk, similar to a hard-boiled egg) cook on the highest power setting for 60 seconds to start, then continue in 10-second increments until done.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Microwave wattages will vary, so adjust these cooking times as needed based on your microwave's power.
  - If your microwave is a higher wattage (900-1000 watts), your egg may need a bit less time.
  - If your microwave is a lower wattage (600-800 watts), it may need more time.^{[8]XResearch source}
Carefully uncover the bowl—it will be hot! Use a spoon to remove the egg from the water, and set it on a plate. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper to taste.^{[9]XResearch source} Serve the egg on a bagel, toast, or English muffin, or simply eat it on its own.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

How to Cook a Scrambled Egg in the Microwave

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Vegetable oil, olive oil, or cooking spray all work as well. For added flavor, consider using melted butter.^{[10]XResearch source}
If you want a small amount, stick with 1 egg, but if you want a heartier portion, opt for 2. Next, measure out 1 tablespoon of milk, and add it into the mug or bowl.^{[11]XResearch source} You can also use heavy cream instead of milk, if you prefer creamier scrambled eggs.^{[12]XResearch source}
Mix up the yolk, the white and the milk until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth.^{[13]XResearch source}
Place your mug or bowl in the microwave and cook it for 45 seconds, then remove. (Your eggs won’t be fully done yet, but that’s okay—you’re going to put them back in after this step.) Take your fork and gently stir them again to help get that perfect scrambled egg texture.^{[14]XResearch source}
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all excellent options to add flavor. You can also add a tablespoon or two of shredded cheese or a small handful of scallions, if you'd like. When you're done, stir everything together.^{[15]XResearch source}
6
Cook your eggs for another 45 seconds. Return your eggs to the microwave and cook for an additional 45 seconds.^{[16]XResearch source} Afterwards, check to see if the eggs are done to your liking. If they’re still too soft or runny for your taste, return them to the microwave and cook for another 15 seconds. Repeat as needed.
- Note: These times apply to a 1,000 watt microwave. If your microwave has a lower or higher wattage, adjust times as needed.
Use a fork to fluff up your eggs, and add any additional garnishes you may desire. Your scrambled eggs are now ready to eat!

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

How to Make Baked Eggs in the Microwave

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1
Get a microwave-safe bowl and grease it. Any microwave-safe bowl will do, but a ramekin works especially well. Grease the bottom and sides with melted butter to prevent sticking (and for flavor!).^{[17]XResearch source}
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Crack 1-2 eggs into the bowl. Make sure to pierce the eggs a few times with a fork to break the membrane—this prevents “exploding” and splattering.^{[18]XResearch source}
3
Add seasonings and extra ingredients of your choice. Add a splash of cream, and top with any seasonings you may desire, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, or freshly chopped herbs.^{[19]XResearch source} You can also get creative with some heartier add-ins! Here are some options to inspire you:
- Spinach and ham: For this option, you’ll want to pack a small handful of spinach into the bottom of your bowl or ramekin before adding your eggs. Next, top with small cubes of cooked ham, and your eggs are ready to go into the microwave.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Bacon, scallions, and cheddar: Top your eggs with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese (or any other cheese you might want), then sprinkle with scallions.
- Kale, tomato, and avocado: Before adding your eggs in, add chopped kale and tomato to the bottom of your ramekin.^{[21]XResearch source} Crack your eggs on top of the veggies. Save your avocado for later—you’ll top your eggs with it once they’re done cooking.
- Pesto caprese: Top your eggs with a dollop of basil pesto, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and sliced cherry tomatoes.
4
Cover and cook your eggs in the microwave. Once you’ve added the seasonings and toppings of your choice, cover the bowl or ramekin with a microwave-safe plate. Place in the microwave and cook for 1 minute.^{[22]XResearch source} Check to see if the eggs are cooked to your liking. If they aren’t, return to the microwave and cook in additional 10-15 second increments until they’re done to your taste.
- When your eggs are done, add any additional toppings you may desire, like sliced avocado or fresh cracked pepper.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

How to Make an Omelet in the Microwave

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For this option, choose a bowl with a wide, flat bottom, since this will be the shape of your omelet. The larger the base, the wider and thinner your omelet will be.
2
Grease the bottom and sides with butter. Add a small spoonful of butter into the bowl, and microwave for 10 seconds to melt it. Once the butter is melted, make sure to spread it all around the bottom and sides of the bowl to prevent sticking.^{[23]XResearch source}
- You can also use oil or cooking spray instead of butter, if you prefer.
Then, use a fork or whisk to beat them until smooth.
4
Add milk, seasonings, and the fillings of your choice. Pour in a tablespoon of milk, a pinch of salt, and a shake of black pepper.^{[24]XResearch source}For toppings and fillings, anything goes, as long as they are chopped or shredded into very small, bite-sized pieces. Here are some delicious ingredients to choose from if you need inspiration:
- Chopped ham, bacon or sausage (precooked)
- Shredded cheddar or swiss cheese
- Scallions
- Chopped onions
- Chopped bell peppers
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped spinach
- Chopped kale
Use a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel to cover your eggs, then pop them into the microwave for 45 seconds to start. Check the omelet to see if the eggs are set. If the eggs are still runny, your omelet needs more time. Microwave for another 30 seconds, and check them again. Repeat this process as needed until the eggs are fully cooked.
Use a spatula to help it out of the bowl if necessary. Since you greased your bowl with butter or oil, it should slide out pretty easily. And that’s it! Your delicious omelet is ready to eat.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

How to Make a Mini Quiche in the Microwave

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Choose one with a wide, flat bottom and tall sides. A ramekin also works for this option. Grease the bottom and sides of the mug or ramekin with oil, butter, or cooking spray.
To crush up the crackers, place them in a small plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin, or use your hands to mash them. Next, pour the crackers into the bottom of the mug. This will form the quiche's "crust."^{[25]XResearch source}
3
Mix up the egg filling. In a separate bowl, beat together two eggs and a tablespoon of milk. Add a pinch of salt, a shake of pepper, and a handful of your favorite quiche fillings. Here are a few ideas:
- Chopped ham, bacon or sausage (precooked)
- Chunks of feta cheese
- Shredded gruyere or cheddar cheese
- Chopped spinach
- Chopped tomatoes
It will cover up the crackers and rise up the sides of the mug. Use a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel to cover it, and it’s now ready to pop into the microwave.
Check the quiche when it's finished cooking to make sure it's set.^{[26]XResearch source} If it needs more time, continue to cook in short 10-second increments, checking in between.
Scoop your delicious quiche out with the spoon and enjoy!^{[27]XResearch source}

Community Q&A

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Question
Why is the quiche cooked in only 45 seconds to a minute and a half, but the mini quiche in a cup takes a full 3 minutes?
Community Answer
The thinner it is and over a wider area, the faster it cooks. Thinned out in a wide pan, it cooks fast, but narrowed down in a cup, it needs more cooking time.
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Can I make a sunny side up egg in the microwave?
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Yes, you can. Use a saucer to crack the egg into and use a bowl to cover it, just in case it explodes. You might also want to break the yolk to prevent exploding, but it doesn't always work if you microwave it for too long. Start with maybe 15 seconds, depending on the wattage of your microwave. You can probably guess how much longer to cook it after that. Just make sure it is fully cooked before eating.
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Can I boil eggs in a microwave?
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Put the egg in a microwave-safe container with some water. Cook for about a minute -- the time depends on the type of boiled egg you prefer. See How to Hard Boil Eggs in a Microwave for more details.
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Tips

If cooking more than 1 egg at a time, increase the cooking times as needed.
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Be sure to take out your spoon or fork out of the mix before you put it in the microwave!
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Warnings

Never microwave an egg in its shell. There is a very good chance the egg will “explode” and create a mess in your microwave. These explosions can even cause burns and other serious injuries.
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