Why You’ll LoveHow to Fry an Egg Recipe
Mastering a simple fried egg means perfect crispy edges, firm whites, and your yolk cooked just how you like it. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe ideal for breakfast, topping grain bowls, layering on toast, or even adding to dinner. With just one egg and a bit of oil or butter, you can elevate any meal in minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil or a small pat of butter
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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Crack the egg into a small bowl or ramekin to ensure an easy and clean pour.
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Heat a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the oil or butter and swirl to coat the pan.
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Reduce the heat to low. Gently pour the egg into the skillet. After about 1 minute, cover the pan with a lid. This helps the whites set without overcooking the yolk.
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Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, or until the whites are just set for a sunny side up egg.
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For over-easy: Uncover, gently flip the egg, and cook for about 15 seconds.
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For over-medium or over-hard: Flip and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on how firm you like the yolk.
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Transfer the egg to a plate. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~5 minutes
Total time: ~10 minutes
Servings: 1
Variations
Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
Add chopped chives, parsley, or dill before serving.
Serve over toast, avocado toast, sautéed greens, or grain bowls.
For extra crispy edges: start with slightly more oil and a slightly higher heat, then reduce quickly after adding the egg.
Low and slow: cook on very low heat for a soft, delicate texture.
Storage/Reheating
Fried eggs are best fresh, but if needed:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for 30–60 seconds or microwave for about 15 seconds. Keep in mind the yolk may become more set and the edges less crisp.
FAQs
How do I avoid the egg sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan with enough oil or butter to prevent sticking.
My yolk broke when I tried to flip it—what can I do?
Crack the egg into a small bowl first for better control, and only flip if necessary (e.g., over-easy or over-hard styles).
Can I cook more than one egg at a time?
Yes, but make sure there’s enough space in the pan so the eggs don’t touch. Cook gently so each egg sets evenly.
What pan temperature should I use?
Start on medium heat to warm the pan and oil, then reduce to low as soon as the egg is added for even cooking.
Which is better: olive oil or butter?
Both are great. Butter adds a richer flavor, while olive oil offers a slightly lighter, more neutral taste.
How do I get the edges crispy?
Use a little extra oil, let the egg cook undisturbed for a minute, and tilt the pan so the oil pools beneath the edges.
Is it okay if the whites are a little soft?
Yes, as long as they’re cooked through. Covering the pan helps ensure even cooking without overdoing the yolk.
How do I get a runny yolk vs a firm yolk?
For a runny yolk, cook sunny side up or over-easy. For a firmer yolk, flip and cook for a longer time (over-medium or over-hard).
What can I serve fried eggs with?
Serve with toast, avocado, sautéed greens, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or atop polenta or rice dishes.
Can I add seasoning or toppings?
Yes—season with salt and pepper, and try fresh herbs, chili flakes, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Conclusion
Frying an egg may seem basic, but doing it well makes a big difference. With this simple, foolproof method, you’ll get crispy edges, tender whites, and a yolk that’s cooked exactly how you like it. Whether it’s the star of your breakfast or a finishing touch on another dish, a perfectly fried egg brings flavor, texture, and comfort to every plate.
How to Fry an Egg
- Total Time: 5–7 mins
- Yield: 1–2 eggs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This guide to making the perfect Fried Egg shows you how to cook eggs exactly how you like them—sunny side up, over-easy, over-medium, or over-hard. With just a few simple tips, you can make fried eggs with crisp edges and perfectly set yolks every time.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 large eggs
- Butter or olive oil, for the pan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the pan.
- Crack the egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the skillet.
- For sunny side up: Cook without flipping for 2–3 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
- For over-easy: Flip carefully and cook for 15–30 seconds more.
- For over-medium: Cook 30–45 seconds after flipping, until the yolk is slightly set.
- For over-hard: Cook 1–2 minutes after flipping, until the yolk is fully cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best results.
- Cook eggs one or two at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fresh eggs hold their shape better and cook more evenly.
- Great served over toast, grains, salads, or as part of a breakfast plate.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 3–5 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large fried egg
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
