Microwave Egg Cooking Made Easy

Eggs are an essential breakfast food (and can be enjoyed anytime)—whether you need a quick hard-boiled snack or a hearty scramble for a fast and simple dinner.

You don't need to clean a whole pan to prepare a fast breakfast for yourself, nor do you need a fully equipped kitchen. In fact, eggs can be cooked in various styles in the microwave—whether you crave a delicate poached egg for an eggs benedict or a straightforward fried egg. Check out these tips for making the perfect egg every time.

How to Make Scrambled Eggs in the Microwave

Cooking scrambled eggs in the microwave is super easy, and you don't need to stress about eggs popping, since the scrambling process will break up the surface.

Coat a microwave-safe bowl with butter or non-stick spray, then crack two eggs into it. Add salt, pepper, and any other mix-ins you like (shredded cheese, diced veggies, or ham are great options). Pour in a splash of cream or water, then use a fork to whisk everything together.

Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue in 30-second intervals until the eggs reach your desired consistency.

How to Prepare Poached Eggs in the Microwave

Making poached eggs the traditional way can be challenging, but they're nearly foolproof in the microwave. Fill a microwave-safe bowl or mug with a few inches of water, then carefully crack the egg into it.

Use a toothpick to gently prick the yolk, allowing steam to escape, and microwave for 60 seconds. If the egg whites are opaque, it's ready. If not, add another 30 seconds. Drain the water and transfer the poached egg to your plate.

How to Prepare Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Microwave

Hard-boiled eggs might seem like a microwave mishap waiting to happen, but they can actually be made quickly and easily.

Start by filling a microwave-safe bowl with water, microwaving it for four minutes until hot. Carefully pierce the egg's shell with a pin and drop it into the hot water. Cover the bowl with a plate, and microwave for another four minutes on half power. (Add one extra minute per additional egg.) Let the egg sit in the hot water for a minute, then place it in an ice bath to cool. The egg will be ready to peel!

How to Make Over-Easy Eggs in the Microwave

Craving a fried egg without the mess? Grease your bowl with butter or spray oil, then crack an egg or two into it. (Don't forget to season with salt and pepper!) Microwave on high, checking every 30 seconds for your desired doneness, or try cooking at 30 percent power for a minute and a half for a slower, more controlled process.

Helpful Tips for Cooking Eggs in the Microwave

Whatever method you choose, there are some handy tips to help you make tasty eggs while minimizing the mess that comes with microwaving them.

Grease or Butter the Bowl Well to Prevent Sticking

Eggs tend to stick to the bowl, making them tough to remove cleanly and requiring extra effort (or a few rounds in the dishwasher) to clean up. To avoid this, you can spray the bowl with nonstick cooking spray, rub it with vegetable oil, or butter the edges. (Eggs cooked in water, like poached eggs, typically won't stick.)

Pierce the egg to avoid explosions

Eggs contain a lot of liquid, and as they heat up, steam can form. If this steam can't escape through the eggshell, it could cause a mess. Use a fork or toothpick to poke a few small holes in the egg white and yolk to let the steam out.

Consider lowering the microwave power level

Cooking eggs on a lower setting (at half power or 30 percent power) helps them cook more gently, reducing the chances of an egg explosion. If you prefer the faster, high-heat method, pause every 20 seconds to prevent the eggs from reaching too high a temperature, avoiding the mess and the dreaded microwave cleanup task. This also lets you fine-tune the consistency, so your eggs aren’t rubbery.