Microwave is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, especially if you don’t have time or don’t feel like cooking. Eggs are relatively easy to cook and reheat, and you can prepare them in so many different ways. So, can you reheat eggs in the microwave?
However, when in a hurry, cooking eggs in the microwave may not be comfortable. Sometimes it is better to cook a large batch. Then, reheat eggs in the microwave when it comes time to serve the meal.
Can you reheat eggs in the microwave? Yes, you can use a microwave to reheat most egg dishes. However, there are different ways to reheat various egg dishes.
All egg dishes can be reheated except boiled eggs, which are likely to cause an explosion. Boiled eggs are hard to reheat. You should boil water in the microwave. Then, drop the eggs into the hot what outside of the appliance.
Whether you like a fancy frittata, over easy eggs or you prefer scrambled eggs, there is an option that suits everyone using the microwave method. It is definitely the quickest way to reheat egg dishes.
Depending on the egg recipe, select the correct method to reheat so you avoid explosion or burnt egg dishes. In this article, we will answer frequently asked questions regarding the safety, risks, and best ways to reheat eggs.
Microwaving Eggs
Is It OK to Microwave Eggs? Cooking eggs in the microwave will maximize their nutrition, especially if you cook under low heat.
Microwaved eggs retain more nutrients than oven-cooked eggs because they are cooked for less time at lower temperatures. They are very healthy, probably more than oven-cooked eggs on what you use for cooking them.
If you roast or fry eggs, you are likely to lose 90% of the nutrients. Nutrients can’t withstand intense direct heat. Microwaved eggs have more nutrients since microwaves cook faster in a short period of time.
Some nutrients like B2, B1, folic acid, and vitamin C thrive well in microwaves.
Positively, heat can be destructive towards nutrients but it does eliminate dangerous bacteria in food. Consider cooking your egg whites to solidify. They contain 57% of the protein in the egg. The heat will aid your body in processing proteins found in egg whites.
Is It Safe to Reheat Eggs in The Microwave?
Yes, you can safely reheat egg dishes in the microwave when it is time to serve. The exception is boiled eggs, if you reheat boiled eggs in the microwave there is a high risk of the egg exploding if you don’t use a hot water bath.
The last thing you want is to clean up the mess after the egg explosion. It is not convenient to clean up a dried stain or smell inside of the microwave each time.
If a disaster does occur, use chemicals, dish soap, or lemons to clean a microwave in just a few minutes. There are various ways to clean up food residue and odor in the microwave, select the best option based on how long the dirt has been stored and what kind of oil-based food it is.
Generally, eggs are safe to reheat in the microwave. However, the eggs must be stored properly and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before being consumed.
According to the USDA temperature danger zone guidelines, eggs are considered perishable food items that needs to be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of initial preparation.
Ensure to have food thermometer and follow the correct method to prevent potential hazards and food borne illness.
Is It OK to Reheat Cooked Eggs?
Whether fried, poached, or scrambled without milk, all types of egg dishes can be reheated in a microwave. Check the precautions to ensure you are safe.
Use containers that are microwave safe. When reheating your eggs, use secure containers such as glass and ceramic plates, don’t cover them with aluminum foil, and avoid using plastic bowls in the microwave when possible.
Always remove the eggshell when heating a boiled egg, though it is not recommended. Removing the shell first helps prevent the egg from exploding, but the dense and soft object has a tendency to trap steam and moisture inside the layers which can lead to a potential explosion.
Try to avoid overheating the eggs in the microwave. When you reheat cooked eggs under high temperatures, they lose nutrients and become less wholesome when consumed.
Why Should You Not Reheat Eggs?
Cooking eggs in the microwave is quick and straightforward. However, there few reasons why you should not reheat eggs in the microwave.
As long as you follow proper cooking and reheating temperatures, and respect the temperature danger zone guidelines, then reheating eggs in a microwave should be a minimal threat.
Here are reasons why you should not reheat eggs in a microwave:
Risk Explosion: When reheating egg-based dishes in a microwave, be cautious since the eggshell can explode if it is not allowed to release steam. Altogether remove the eggshell before heating the egg in the microwave to avoid the risk of explosion.
When you put eggs in the microwave, they heat up very fast, building up pressure inside, and finally burst through the shell. It would help if you pierced the yoke to avoid potential eruption.
Risk of Overcooking: Reheating eggs in the microwave under too much heat can overcook them, leading to loss of nutrients. Keenly follow recipes to avoid overcooking your eggs; this will keep them nutritious.
No Browning: Microwave appliances don’t brown eggs; consider cooking your egg on the stove if you like it brown to get your preferred presentation. A preheated microwave crisper pan may do the trick, but no guarantees.
Dehydration: Food contains water that the microwave is used to heat with. As a result, food with a high amount of water tends to heat quickly in the microwave compared to dry foods. Food with low water content like meats and eggs end up getting tough if heated under high temperatures in the microwave for too long.
Can Reheated Eggs Make You Sick?
Reheating eggs might make it hard to reach the adequate temperature to kill germs and prevent food-borne illness. Cooked eggs can be safe to consume as leftovers if initially cooked thoroughly.
Instead of reheating, consider chopping boiled eggs and using them on top of green salads.
Eggs are known for being an excellent source of protein, but you should not reheat them if they have been improperly handled. Avoid reheating if the temperature danger zone guidelines have been jeopardized in any way.
When you expose eggs to heat regularly under high temperatures, the protein is destroyed and becomes potentially toxic, making them unsafe for consumption. Eating them can pose health risks since they affect your digestive tract, and you can end up being sick.
Best Way to Reheat Eggs Safely
Cook eggs and reheat them with a microwave at a later time when you want to eat them. Here are ways you can safely reheat eggs in the microwave to avoid any risk of explosion and potential health hazards.
Reheating Boiled Eggs Safely
There is a high risk of explosion when reheating boiled eggs in the microwave. Eat it cold or warm it with hot water as possible; however, if you have to microwave the boiled egg despite the warning. Apply the following tips:
- Peel off the eggshell first before putting it in the microwave
- Wrap the egg in a paper towel. After peeling off the eggshell, wrap the egg in a wet towel and heat for 15-second intervals up to 30 seconds total.
- Don’t overheat. If you reheat the egg beyond the recommended temperature of 30 seconds, you will likely experience an explosion.
Reheating boiled eggs in the microwave requires a lot more attention compared to any other egg dish. If you follow this procedure carefully, you will not experience any discharge, especially when reheating the boiled egg.
Reheating Fried Eggs Safely
Reheating fried eggs can be hard to prepare because the yolk can easily break while cooking. Here are tips for reheating fried eggs in the microwave.
- Put the fried egg on a microwave-safe dish
- Use a damp paper towel to cover the fried egg; the wet towel will help the egg retain moisture while warming
- Heat the egg for 30 seconds to 2 minutes until it is hot to your preferred level; keep checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating the egg
- Avoid overcooking the fried egg, especially if it has a runny yolk
Final Thoughts
Microwave brings leftover food back to life, including when reheating eggs. However, without following correct techniques and tips, you may experience explosion, burnt, or risk health when leftover eggs are consumed.
Whether you are reheating boiled or fried eggs, microwaving is the easiest and most nutritious way. For health safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside the egg before consuming.
Place any egg dish that needs to be reheated in a microwave-safe plate or container instead of using plastic wrap or plastic containers.
Avoid overheating the eggs. This may result in browning or explosion of the eggs that is not revivable and also makes a big mess to clean up afterward.
To reheat the boiled egg, remove the shell so the heat and pressure is not trapped inside leading to an explosion. Wrap in a damp paper towel to keep the moisture intact while microwaving for 15 seconds until desired internal temperature is reached.
When reheating fried eggs, place the egg in the microwave safe container and cover it with a damp paper towel on top. As a result, the egg will keep the moisture and avoid getting burned or dehydrated edges.
Start with 30 second intervals and avoid overcooking, especially if the yolks were served runny.
From boiled to fried and scrambled eggs, there are many egg dishes that require proper reheating methods to enjoy the next day. Use these tips and acknowledge the potential hazards and risks.
Understand the importance of reheating eggs in the microwave the right way. Whether you are serving leftover eggs and bacon or making an egg sandwich, you can enjoy reheated eggs at any time of the day.
You May Also Like
- How to Reheat Boiled Eggs
- Microwave Poached Eggs
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- Microwave Scrambled Eggs
- Microwave Runny Eggs
Enjoy this post about reheating eggs in the microwave!