How to Fry an Egg

Learn how to fry an egg perfectly! Though frying an egg is easy, there are a few tips and tricks you can do to make sure you end up with an over easy, over medium, or over hard fried egg.

Perfect Fried Eggs

There is nothing better than a perfect fried egg. Whether you have eggs as a dish on their own, on a breakfast sandwich or in an egg in a basket, there is just nothing better! This is an easy step-by-step on how to fry an egg.

What Pan + Material is Best?

 There are so many different options for pans out there for frying eggs. Our favorite pan is a nonstick skillet. No matter what fat or oil you use, the egg tends to come out, no problem!

Whatever pan you do use, be sure not to overcrowd your eggs in the skillet. Always remember to use a larger skillet for when you are frying multiple eggs at a time.

Pans You Can Use to Fry an Egg

Non-stick– a non-stick pan is your best bet for frying an egg. We love that it makes an easy recipe even easier.

Cast Iron– a cast iron skillet will work because it gets hot fast and retains heat. However, be sure you have enough oil or butter and check the edges of your egg frequently to make sure they aren’t sticking to the pan.

Stainless Steel– if you only have a stainless steel pan you can still use it. Just be very diligent when frying the eggs because stainless steel can heat inconsistency and have some very hot spots.

Butter vs. Oil

There are two kinds of people in this world. Butter people and oil people. Which one you use all depends on your preference.

Butter- using butter will leave you with a nutty flavored egg and when cooked over medium-high will leave you with a fried egg with minimal browning for a over easy or over medium egg.

Oil- if you use avocado oil or olive oil you will be left with a bubbly egg white that has those burn, crispy edges that some people adore in a fried egg.

Over Easy, Over Medium, or Over Hard

There are a few different ways you can order a fried egg. Some people love a runny yolk, some a jammy yolk, and then there are those people who can’t stand any jiggle to their yolk at all.

How your yolk turns out depends on how long you fry your egg and if you do the flip or not.

For over easy or sunny- side up eggs– Cook the eggs over medium heat until the egg white is just cooked (about 2-3 minutes) and your egg yolk is just set but still jiggly. Remove from heat and enjoy.  

For over medium eggs. Cook the eggs over medium heat until the egg white is cooked and there is no sign of any raw egg white. Cook until the yolk is set and only jiggly in the center of the yolk (3-4 minutes). 

For over hard eggs. Cook the eggs over medium heat until the egg white and egg yolk are completely cooked (4-5 minutes). To ensure the egg is completely cooked, flip the egg over and cook the egg for an additional 20-30 seconds. 

Pro Tips for Frying Eggs

Use fresh eggs. Eggs are always better fresh, be sure to check the date on your eggs before frying them.

Be patient. It is easy to want to rush the process of frying an egg, but the more patient you are the better your egg will turn out.

Check the edges. As your egg is frying, use a spatula to gently pull up on edges of the egg white to be sure the egg white isn’t sticking to the pan.

Don’t forget to season.  Always sprinkle some salt and pepper on your fried eggs.  It elevates all the flavors in your dish.

FAQ

Storage

You can store eggs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days!

To reheat: Reheat eggs on low in the microwave to be sure you don’t over cook them.