Leftovers are inevitable, and fried eggs are no exception. If you’re tempted to throw out those extra fried eggs, don’t! Many people question if you can reheat fried eggs in the microwave, and we’re here to assure you that yes, you can.
Reheating fried eggs in the microwave can be done in a few easy steps. Simply place the eggs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 15 seconds per side.
How can you reheat fried eggs in the microwave?
Reheating fried eggs is just like reheating scrambled eggs. They can absolutely be reheated in a microwave, but you may end up with a rubbery, overcooked texture using this method. This can be prevented by following the steps below:
- Place the eggs on a microwave-safe plate
- Cover or wrap them with a damp paper towel – this helps the eggs retain moisture to keep them from becoming rubbery
- Microwave for about 15 seconds, then flip the eggs and microwave for an additional 15 seconds
And that’s it! According to the FDA, as long as the eggs were properly refrigerated and have been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re safe to eat.
What’s the best way to reheat fried eggs?
If you have a little extra time to spare, you may consider reheating your fried eggs on the stovetop instead. Although this method takes longer, it’s a better option for avoiding the rubbery texture that can result from microwaving. To reheat on the stovetop:
- Add a small amount of butter or oil to a frying pan and place over medium heat
- Put the leftover eggs in the pan and let sit for one or two minutes until heated through
- Remove from the heat, put on a plate, and enjoy!
Does reheating fried eggs make them toxic?
A common misconception about reheating eggs is that they’ll become toxic and unsafe to eat, but this isn’t the case. The USDA website’s guidelines on preparing and storing eggs are clear: as long as the eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and properly refrigerated afterward, they can be safely eaten within three or four days.
How do you store fried eggs?
Once eggs have been cooked, make sure any leftovers are cool before placing them in the fridge. Then store them in a sealed container at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and consume within three or four days.
Keep in mind, however, that cooked eggs should never be allowed to sit outside of the fridge for more than two hours, or more than one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fried eggs have been sitting out for too long, your safest option is to throw them away.
The takeaway
Fried eggs can be easily reheated using a microwave or, alternately, on the stovetop. Just make sure you’re storing all leftovers properly and reheating to 165 degrees Fahrenheit so that they’re safe to enjoy!
