Craving a perfectly runny yolk without hovering over a skillet? Our microwave method delivers sunny side up eggs in under 60 seconds.
No splatter, no guesswork—just quick, mess-free mornings. We’ve cracked the code (pun intended) on avoiding rubbery whites while keeping yolks gloriously jiggly.
This guide walks through ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips for microwave egg mastery.
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How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs in the Microwave
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: BreakfastCuisine: American1
2
minutes1
minute90
kcal3
minutesCooking sunny side up eggs in the microwave is a game changer for busy mornings. This recipe allows you to enjoy fluffy, beautifully cooked eggs without the fuss of stovetop cooking. Perfect for a quick breakfast or to top off your brunch spread, you'll appreciate the simplicity and speed of this method.
Ingredients
egg
water
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
spray . optional
Directions
- Start by greasing a microwave-safe plate with cooking spray, Crack the egg onto the plate, making sure not to break the yolk, Add 1 teaspoon of water around the egg, This will help steam the egg and keep it moist, Cover the egg with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splatters, Microwave on high for about 50 seconds, Check the egg; if the whites are fully set but the yolk is still runny, it's perfect.
- If necessary, microwave for an additional 10-20 seconds, Carefully remove the plate from the microwave, and let it sit for a few seconds to finish cooking, Season the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cheese on top or herbs for extra flavor. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave wattage, so adjust as needed. This method is ideal for a quick meal, and you can easily scale it up for more servings by using multiple plates.
What Are Sunny Side Up Eggs?
Sunny side up eggs are the breakfast rockstars with golden, runny yolks staring up like mini suns. The whites cook until just set while the yolk stays gloriously liquid – no flipping involved. My grandpa called them “campfire eggs” because he’d make them during our chilly school camping trips using a portable stove.
He’d joke that cafeteria eggs were “rubber hockey pucks” compared to his yolk perfection. The key difference? Traditional stovetop methods use gentle heat, but microwaves require finesse to avoid overcooking. We’ll show you how to nail that balance.
Can You Make Sunny Side Up Eggs in the Microwave?
Absolutely! My dad George once nuked eggs straight in the shell (spoiler: it exploded like a confetti cannon). But done right, microwaving delivers tender eggs in 45-90 seconds without splatter or skillet stress. The secret? Using a microwave-safe dish and short cooking bursts. This method not only saves time but can also be a simple recipe for making an egg substitute in minutes. If you’re curious about how to cook Just Egg in the microwave, it’s a quick and effective solution that many people enjoy.
Lower-wattage microwaves (700-900W) work best for controlled heating. Commercial-grade 1200W beasts? They’ll cook eggs faster than my grandpa’s campfire stories. We’ll share wattage hacks later to prevent rubbery disasters.
Ready to gather your tools and ingredients? Let’s crack into the essentials…
Ingredients for Microwave Sunny Side Up Eggs
Let’s raid your fridge! You likely have everything needed already. My college roommate once made these with expired eggs – let’s just say we renamed them “sunny side down eggs.” Learn from our mistakes.
Essential Ingredients
- Large eggs (freshness matters – use the float test)
- Neutral oil or butter (1/4 tsp per egg prevents sticking)
- Salt & pepper (the dynamic duo of egg seasoning)
Fill a bowl with water. Fresh eggs sink; older ones float. Science!
Ingredient Substitutes & Alternatives
- Oil swaps: Bacon grease adds smokiness, or use avocado oil spray
- Butter haters: A damp paper towel under the dish prevents sticking sans fat
- Egg alternatives: 3 tbsp liquid egg whites = 1 white (yolks optional)
Also See: Baked Fish Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Tools You’ll Need
No fancy gear required – unless you count my niece’s unicorn mug as fancy. True story: she insists it makes eggs “taste magical.” For a quick breakfast option, consider whipping up a 2-minute microwave bacon egg breakfast mug. It’s an easy and delicious way to start your day!
- Microwave-safe dish: Ramekin, mug, or small bowl (avoid metal trim)
- Toothpick or fork: For yolk piercing (prevents mini egg-splosions)
- Paper towel: Covering prevents splatter art on your microwave
- Non-stick spray: Optional but helpful for easy cleanup
Also See: Brown Rice Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Cook Sunny Side Up Eggs in the Microwave
I’ve burned more eggs than I’d care to admit while perfecting this. Follow these steps to avoid my “charcoal yolk” phase. Cooking eggs in the microwave can be tricky, but it’s a quick and convenient method if done right. By adjusting the cooking time and using the proper bowl, you can achieve perfectly cooked eggs without the burnt bits.
Step 1: Prepare the Microwave-safe Dish
Lightly grease your dish with oil or butter. Aunt Edna swears by buttering with the wrapper’s residual grease – her Depression-era hack saves 0.2 seconds. Knowing how to melt butter in the microwave can be a quick and convenient way to add flavor to your dishes. This method ensures the butter is evenly melted without the risk of burning it on the stovetop.
Step 2: Crack the Eggs Carefully
Crack eggs into the dish without breaking yolks. Pro tip: Use a flat surface, not the bowl edge. Less shell shrapnel! For a quick breakfast solution, consider using the microwave for your eggs. With just a few simple steps, you can make over easy eggs microwave-style in no time.
Step 3: Pierce the Yolks (Optional)
Gently poke yolks with a toothpick if you fear explosions. It’s like giving eggs a safety valve. Skip for ultra-runny centers.
Step 4: Microwave in Short Intervals
700-900W microwaves: Start with 45 seconds 1000W+ microwaves: Try 30 seconds Cover with a paper towel to contain any pops.
Step 5: Check Doneness & Adjust
Egg whites should be fully set (no clear spots), yolks slightly jiggly. Add 10-second bursts if needed. Overcooking turns yolks chalky – tragedy! For a quick and easy meal, a microwave egg white recipe is a perfect option. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a fluffy and delicious egg white dish in minutes.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Salt immediately (enhances flavor), pepper to taste. Slide onto toast using a silicone spatula. Instagram quick – runny yolks wait for no one! If you’re in a hurry, you can even make toast in the microwave. It’s a simple method that yields surprisingly good results when you’re short on time.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore pro tweaks to handle any microwave wattage or yolk preference. Many people overlook the potential pitfalls of microwaving common foods, which can lead to uneven heating or undesirable textures.
Expert Tips for Perfect Microwave Sunny Side Up Eggs
We’ve all been there – rubbery whites or yolks that went from jiggly to Jurassic. These pro tips (learned through many “egg-speriments”) guarantee yolk perfection every time.
Adjusting Cooking Time Based on Microwave Wattage
Microwaves vary like British weather. Our 700W office microwave cooks eggs 20 seconds slower than my 1100W home model. Use this cheat sheet:
- 600-800W: 50-70 seconds total
- 900-1100W: 30-45 seconds total
- 1200W+: 25-35 seconds + 10-second rests
Start low – you can always add time. Burnt eggs smell worse than forgotten gym socks.
Preventing Eggs From Drying Out
My cousin’s eggs once emerged looking like parchment. Solution? Add 1 teaspoon water around the dish edges before microwaving. The steam keeps eggs tender. Covering with a damp paper towel works too – just don’t use Grandma’s lace doily. Many people are discovering how easy and quick to prepare eggs in the microwave. With a few simple techniques, a delicious egg recipe can be ready in minutes.
Enhancing Flavor With Seasonings & Toppings
Plain eggs? Bo-ring. During college finals, my roommate invented “everything bagel eggs” – sprinkle seasoning pre-microwave. Game-changers: If you’re looking for a quick way to spice up your breakfast routine, microwave fried eggs are a fantastic option. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked eggs in minutes, making them an easy choice for busy mornings.
- Smoked paprika + crumbled feta
- Minced garlic + parsley
- Hot sauce swirls (add post-cooking)
Cheese lovers: add shreds after the first 15 seconds. It melts without becoming a greasy pool. Melting cheese in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enhance your favorite dishes. Whether it’s for nachos or a cheesy pasta, the microwave offers a convenient method to get that perfect melt.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Even egg-cellent cooks face nuking nightmares. Here’s how to recover from kitchen blunders without ordering takeout.
Overcooked Egg Whites
If your whites resemble bubble wrap, lower the power level to 70%. My neighbor’s “chewy” eggs improved instantly using this trick. For existing rubbery disasters, drizzle hollandaise sauce – it’s the culinary equivalent of a band-aid.
Undercooked Yolks
Runny is good; raw is salmonella roulette. If whites set but yolks are cold:
- Add 1 tsp water around yolk
- Microwave 5 seconds
- Let sit 20 seconds (residual heat finishes cooking)
Works better than my old “keep zapping” method that created yolk craters.
Eggs Exploding in the Microwave
Yes, it’s as messy as it sounds (RIP my favorite Power Rangers mug). Prevent egg-splosions:
- Pierce yolks with a toothpick pre-cooking
- Never microwave in sealed containers
- Use room-temp eggs (cold ones heat unevenly)
If disaster strikes, sprinkle salt on exploded bits – they’ll wipe up easier. Voice of experience here.
Mastered the art of microwave eggs? Let’s tackle storing leftovers without turning them into rubber hockey pucks…
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Making sunny side up eggs in the microwave is a game-changer for busy mornings. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs in under 2 minutes—no stovetop required.
Experiment with different seasonings, toppings, and cooking times to find your ideal texture. Once you master this technique, you’ll wonder why you ever used a pan!