Microwave Fried Egg Method (No Dirty Dishes!)
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This no-pan egg frying in the microwave trending hack from TikTok is the most perfect easy egg hack ever.
This “stove free” “dish free” egg trick has been all over the interwebs, and we break down what exactly worked for us and how to duplicate this in your own kitchen.
Why you will love making this TikTok Egg Recipe
Great for kids and college students – Many kids and college students in dorms have a lot of limitations on home cooking. Learning to cook an egg in a microwave is a valuable skill to provide a great breakfast without the need for a full kitchen.
No mess, no fuss – Typically, making eggs requires pans, oil, eggs, milk, and butter!
But this no fuss, no mess paper plate method to make eggs will have you on a quick path for that tiktok egg sandwich in under a minute.
Where did this hack original come from?
Presumably, people have been doing this for ages – after all, the microwave was invented for ease, and like many viral ideas on tiktok, it’s been done 1000s of times before.
However, we did get wind of this from two FYP appearances @akakasandra (“So you wanna cook an egg, but you don’t wanna do dishes”…SAY NO MORE) and @drewbie.lee.
See the video below in action:
Testing Eggs in Microwave – Important Notes
Here are some important notes as we put this viral egg hack to the test.
- I tried this egg method three times! I prefer to use cooking spray vs. oil. I used vegetable oil and vegetable cooking spray.
- The vegetable oil tasted fine, but the cooking spray made a prettier egg.
- The egg did pop, and seem like it was about to burst in the microwave, but it was just the oil getting hot.
- 50 seconds gave me a hard center, and 35 seconds had more liquid yolk. You’ll have to experiment with your microwave to perfect this, as all microwave wattages are different.
- I also used cheap paper plates to see if it would work, and it did. Slid right off the plate (with both methods), too!
Fried Egg Ingredients
- One egg
- nonstick cooking spray
- Two paper plates
How to Microwave an Egg on a Paper Plate
- Generously spray one paper plate with nonstick cooking spray.
- Crack the egg on the plate and top with an additional plate to make a cover.
- Microwave on high for 45-50 seconds or up to a minute, depending on how you like your egg.
- Remove from the microwave and enjoy as-is or slide off the plate onto your favorite toast.
Expert Egg Tips
There is more than one way to cook an egg in the microwave! Go from fried to scrambled by cracking an egg in a mug, adding milk, butter, and some seasoning.
Mix and microwave for up to 2 minutes. Smother with cheese, mix, and boom!
Can you microwave a paper plate?
Just like all elements, this depends on what the plate is made from.
While the term “paper plate” implies paper, it’s often used interchangeably for any disposable plate. Plates made from plastic should NOT go into the microwave, but simple, cheap white made-from-paper plates are typically fine.
Plates usually say on the packaging if they are safe for heat and microwaves, so when in doubt, refer to manufacturer rules.
Paper Plate Fried Eggs (TikTok Viral)
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 paper plates
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Generously spray one paper plate with nonstick cooking spray.
- Crack the egg on the plate and top with an additional plate to make a cover.
- Microwave on high for 45-50 seconds or up to a minute, depending on how you like your egg. See notes for timing.
- Remove from the microwave and enjoy as-is or slide off the plate onto your favorite toast.
Notes
- I tried this egg method three times! I prefer to use cooking spray vs. oil. I used vegetable oil and vegetable cooking spray.
- The vegetable oil tasted fine, but the cooking spray made a prettier egg.
- The egg did pop, and seem like it was about to burst in the microwave, but it was just the oil getting hot.
- 50 seconds gave me a hard center, and 35 seconds had more liquid yolk. You’ll have to experiment with your microwave to perfect this, as all microwave wattages are different.
- I also used cheap paper plates to see if it would work, and it did. Slid right off the plate (with both methods), too!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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This was so easy and fast. I put a slice of bread in the toaster and the egg in the microwave and used the top plate from the microwave as my plate and no dishes were used. So fast and so good. Only added a little salt and pepper. Thanks.
I had to try this as I was very skeptical the egg wouldn’t burst or it would be glued to the paper plate. It worked! I like eating a runny yolk so my cook time was 40 seconds. I’m curious about the timing and possibility for waving two eggs? Has anyone successfully waved two eggs? Thanks for any advice.
I’ve been doing this for a long time (30+ years!) but I use slices of bell peppers, or an onion ring to curb the sprawl of the whites. I tried using the toast crust, but bread gets too tough in the microwave! HTH!
I have a 1500 watt microwave I don’t think it’s going to work
It might cook super fast and high on a microwave like that. Typically there is a way to lower the watts but you would have to check the microwave for instructions. Sometimes its on the door or behind the door before you close it.
I tried this and it was delicious. I think I will be making my eggs this way for now on.
Haven’t tried it yet, but I am thinking a paper bowl so the egg white doesn’t travel too far!
An Easy Microwave way to Cook a Beautiful Egg! Still testing timing though to keep a Runny Yolk. 🤔