How to Boil an Egg In the Microwave: Step-By-Step Instructions

For those last-minute meals when you just must throw an egg on it, here’s how to boil an egg in the microwave.

In my humble opinion, eggs are the perfect food. Talk about versatility and nutrition. Most people know how to boil an egg using boiling water on the stove. But microwaving them is also a good approach. It saves not only time but also energy.

Below are step-by-step instructions for boiling an egg in your microwave. So whether you prefer soft-boiled eggs or hard-boiled eggs, we’ve got you covered.

Benefits of Microwaving Eggs

1. Time-saving. Microwaving eggs is faster than boiling them on the stove. Whether you’re making them while rushing out the door or need an easy WFH lunch, you can’t go wrong.
2. Energy-efficient. Using the microwave consumes less energy than cooking them on a stove. Ultimately, it reduces your carbon footprint. Always a good thing! Did you hear that? It was Mother Nature saying thank you.
3. Easy cleanup. Microwaving eggs requires fewer dishes than using a stovetop. It also has less cleanup, which makes for a faster cooking process.

Things to Keep in Mind When Boiling Eggs

Before diving into the microwave method, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential risks. Microwaving eggs in their shells can cause them to explode due to the buildup of steam inside. So, it’s crucial to take the proper precautions to prevent any accidents.

Use microwave-safe containers. Always use a microwave-safe bowl or container for cooking the eggs. Avoid using metal or plastic containers that aren’t labeled as microwave-safe.

Pierce the eggshell. Gently pierce the eggshell with a pin to allow steam to escape during cooking. Be careful not to pierce the yolk. This reduces the risk of the egg exploding because no one needs that. 

Cover the container. To cut the risk of an egg explosion, cover the microwave-safe container with a microwave-safe lid or plate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Eggs in the Microwave

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

1. Choose the right container. Select a microwave-safe bowl or container large enough to hold the eggs and water without overflowing. A glass or ceramic container with a wide base works well.
2. Fill the container with water. Fill the container with enough water to cover the eggs by at least an inch (2.5 cm). The water provides a consistent heat source and helps prevent the eggs from cracking.
3. Add vinegar and salt. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of salt to the water. The vinegar helps prevent the egg whites from spreading if the eggshell cracks. While the salt raises the water’s boiling point, allowing for more even cooking.
4. Gently place the eggs in the water. Using a spoon, lower the eggs carefully into the water, ensuring they are submerged.
5. Microwave the eggs. Place the container in the microwave and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Set the microwave to 50% power and cook the eggs for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave and the number of eggs you cook.
6. Check the eggs. After 8 minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove one egg from the container. Carefully run it under cold water and peel it to check for doneness. If the egg is not cooked to your liking, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals. Check after each interval until the desired level of doneness is achieved. For a soft-boiled egg, microwave the egg at 50% power for 4-6 minutes. 
7. Stop the cooking process. Once the eggs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them from the hot water to a bowl of ice water. This technique is blanching and stops the cooking process. It also makes peeling the eggs easier.
8. Peel and enjoy. After the eggs have cooled for a few minutes, gently tap them on a countertop to crack the shells. Roll the egg between your hands or on the countertop to loosen the shell, then peel it off under running water for the best results.

Tips & Tricks for how to boil an egg in the microwave

Use room-temperature eggs. Room-temperature eggs are less likely to crack in the microwave due to the sudden temperature change. If your eggs are stored in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before microwaving.

Adjust the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the number of cooked eggs. Start with the minimum recommended time and increase it in 1-minute intervals if necessary. Record the ideal cooking time for your microwave to make future cooking sessions easier.

Experiment with power settings. If your microwave allows for power adjustments, experiment with different power levels to find the best setting. Lower power settings can lead to more even cooking but may require longer cooking times.

Don’t overcrowd the container. Overcrowding the container may result in uneven cooking, as the eggs may not be submerged in the water. Cook eggs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Get creative with seasonings. You’ve mastered the basics. Now it’s time to try adding different seasonings to the water for extra flavor. Add a splash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of your favorite spices, or a few slices of lemon to give your eggs a unique twist.

how to boil an egg in the microwave FAQs

How do you microwave an egg without it exploding?

This is a great question for when you’re learning how to boil an egg in the microwave. You’ll find different instructions with varying methods if you do a quick Google search. But in general, yes. It’s best to poke a hole in your egg prior to microwaving. This will prevent the egg from exploding. 

Are hard-boiled eggs healthy?

Yes, hard boiled eggs are definitely healthy. And since you’re cooking them in their own shell, there is no need to add oil such as cooking spray or butter. This helps to reduce the amount of saturated fat you are consuming. Eggs are also gluten-free, low carb, and keto friendly. 

What is the nutritional information for a hardboiled egg?

Below is the nutritional information for one medium hard-boiled egg:

Calories: 72

Grams of protein: 6.3g

Carbohydrates: 0.4g

Fat: 4.8g

Sodium: 71mg

Cholesterol: 186mg

Trans fat: 0g

Calcium: 28mg

Potassium: 69mg

Eggs also include essential amino acids and are high in vitamins such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.

Fan Fave Egg Recipes

Avocado toast with an additional egg. Elevate your avocado toast with a soft-boiled egg that’s perfectly runny in the center.

Starbucks egg bites. One of our favorite recipes of all time. These egg bites are super easy to make. Bake them in a muffin tin in the oven for a delicious snack, lunch, or breakfast for dinner. 

Egg salad. You truly can’t go wrong with a traditional egg salad sandwich. Try using soft-boiled eggs and replacing mayo with greek yogurt. Don’t forget the herbs!

Bacon, egg, and cheese pinwheels. For an easy on-the-go breakfast with some extra carbs.

Still, need more inspiration? Check out our ultimate list of recipes to use up extra eggs.

Boiling eggs in the microwave is a time-saving and energy-efficient alternative to the traditional way. By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, microwave-boiled eggs in no time. 

Remember to use a microwave-safe container and take the necessary precautions. With some practice and experimentation, you’ll master the art of microwaving eggs and enjoy a delicious and nutritious yummy snack or healthy breakfast in minutes.

Have questions or suggestions about how to boil an egg in the microwave? Leave them in the comments below.