An egg expert has shared a method to make the perfect fried egg in less than one minute, and it does not involve using a frying pan. According to Tom Ferris, an egg expert from Roostys, the microwave offers a far easier way to achieve a fried egg with a runny yolk and crisp white edges.
Microwave Method for Fried Eggs
Ferris explained: “You can make a perfect fried egg in the microwave. People are always surprised when I tell them you can make a fried-style egg in the microwave. It’s one of the first things I learned as a teenager experimenting in the kitchen. It looks, tastes, and even feels like a fried egg, but you don’t need to use a hob or lots of oil, and it’s ready in about 60 seconds.”
The key is understanding how eggs respond to heat. They cook incredibly fast when exposed to direct microwave energy. Ferris added: “The challenge is controlling that they stay soft and don’t turn rubbery. A tiny bit of oil and the right timing make all the difference.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make the egg, you need a microwave-safe bowl or mug, a paper towel, one egg, and a tablespoon of cooking oil. Ferris recommends any oil, such as olive, sunflower, or even butter for a classic fried flavour.
- Add the oil and swirl it to coat the bottom of the bowl.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and gently pierce the yolk with a fork several times. This is crucial to prevent the yolk from exploding in the microwave.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cover the bowl loosely with a paper towel to allow steaming and prevent splatter.
- Microwave on full power for about one minute. For powerful microwaves, 45 seconds may suffice.
- Let the egg rest for one minute. It continues to cook gently during this time, achieving a lovely texture.
Ferris suggests lifting the egg out with a spoon and placing it directly onto toast.
Other Egg Cooking Methods
Scrambled and poached eggs can also be prepared using a similar microwave technique, offering quick and easy alternatives to traditional stovetop cooking.



