How to Fry the Perfect Egg? Easy & Step-by-Step Guide

One of the first things you learn in the kitchen is how to fry an egg. Fried eggs have many uses, are incredibly nourishing, and taste great. Mastering the technique of frying eggs is vital in the kitchen, whether you want crunchy fried edges or a soft, runny yolk. From sunny-side-up to over-easy, over-medium, and over-hard, this comprehensive guide will show you how to fry the perfect egg, regardless of the pan you’re using. Whether you’re making a basic sunny-side-up egg or a crispy fried egg dish, you can easily upgrade your breakfast, lunch, or supper with only a frying pan, a little oil or butter, and some high-quality eggs. So let’s get started!

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The Perfect Fried Egg: A Childhood Favorite

When I was a child, one of the first things I learned was how to fry an egg sunny-side up. An overcooked egg with mushy whites and burned edges destroys any breakfast—it’s a mess! A well-cooked egg in butter or oil, with soft whites and a runny yolk, is pure simplicity. It’s the foundation of a fantastic meal, whether it’s served on avocado toast or as part of a big breakfast buffet.

When you get the hang of it, it’s really simple! What do I consider a perfectly fried egg? An egg, cooked sunny-side up in butter or enough oil to avoid chewy whites or burnt edges. Depending on my mood, I might boil them in bacon fat and top with a little black pepper, which is one of the best pairings for wonderful eggs.

What You Need for Perfect Fried Eggs

At first, let’s know what you will need for making a perfect fried egg.

Ingredients for Fried Eggs

Fresh Eggs: Fresher is better. While we’re talking about chicken eggs, this procedure is also suitable for duck or quail eggs. Avoid using older eggs that have been sitting in the refrigerator for too long.
Butter or Oil (or a fat of your choice): My personal favorite is unsalted butter, but you may also use bacon grease, your favorite cooking oil, or even something upscale like duck or goose fat (which adds a wonderful crispy texture to roasted potatoes).

How to Fry the Perfect Egg?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this incredible dish, a protein powerhouse that turns from raw to cooked in minutes. Many cooks find it difficult to fry eggs since they contain two different forms of protein. The rich yolks cook more slowly than the lean whites. Overcook to get rubbery whites. Whites that are undercooked have a slimy texture. It takes two strategies to get your eggs just perfect. In reality, there are a number of effective two-pronged strategies.

I’ll show you how to fry eggs such that the whites and yolks are cooked just to your liking.

1. How to Fry Sunny Side Up

Sunny side up eggs are those that are fried only on one side, leaving the yolk liquid and easily dippable. The idea is to maintain the yolks liquid while setting the whites. This is how:

Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a non-stick or cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. If using butter, wait until it stops sizzling but doesn’t start to brown.
Put the egg in the skillet.
Wait until the white begins to set, then use a fork to carefully break up the white nearest to the egg, taking care not to break the yolk. This pulls the layer of white that surrounds the yolk out to the edge. Chefs and diner cooks utilize this smooth move to cook the white uniformly. Additionally, it ensures that the egg won’t have the sticky slime that some people find repulsive about sunny side eggs.
There is no need to flip the egg; serve it when the whites are consistently white (not transparent). Add salt and pepper according to taste.

2. How to Fry Over Easy Eggs

Over easy eggs still contain a runny yolk, but they are flipped and briefly cooked on the second side to ensure that the white is fully set.

Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a non-stick or cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. If using butter, wait until it stops sizzling but doesn’t start to brown.
Put the egg in the skillet.
Use a big spatula to flip the egg, being careful not to break the yolk, as soon as the whites are slightly firm and the yolk starts to set, which should happen after about two minutes.
Cook for 30 to 60 seconds more, then serve with the flipped side up. Add salt and pepper according to taste.

Alternate method 1

You can avoid flipping the egg by coating it with frying oil or butter. Simply tip the pan slightly to scoop up the hot fat and pour it back over the egg. Until the white is set, do this multiple times.

Alternate method 2

Another method is to add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover it with a lid until the top of the egg is cooked, checking in every 30 seconds to ensure it is not overcooked. Be careful: Prepare the lid to pop onto the pan right away to avoid hot grease splattering all over you and your kitchen.

3. How to Fry Over Medium Eggs

Over medium eggs are similar to over easy eggs, with the exception that the yolk cooks longer, becoming partially set yet still creamy. The yolk of a superb over medium egg should be jammy, not runny or set all the way through.

Heat 1 tablespoon frying oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. If using butter, wait until it stops sizzling but doesn’t start to brown.
Put the egg in the skillet.
After 2 to 3 minutes, when the whites are hard and the bottom of the yolk is set, flip it with a big spatula, being careful not to break the yolk.
After another 60 to 90 seconds of cooking, serve with the flip side up and adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. How to Fry Over Hard Eggs

Over hard fried eggs are the most thoroughly cooked of the lot, with both the whites and yolks fully cooked.

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer. If using butter, wait until it stops sizzling but doesn’t start to brown.
To the skillet, add the egg.
After 2 to 3 minutes, when the whites are hard and the bottom of the yolk is set, flip it with a big spatula, being careful not to break the yolk.
Continue cooking until the yolk is completely set, 2 to 3 minutes. Take off the pan and add seasoning to taste.

Tip: To ensure uniformly cooked eggs every time, jab the yolk when cracking the egg into the pan, allowing the yolk to break and cook evenly alongside the whites.

How to Serve Fried Eggs?

Serve bread, bacon, fried eggs, and all of your favorite breakfast accompaniments. We adore hash browns, sautéed mushrooms, fried tomatoes, and breakfast potatoes.
For a protein boost, we love to top fried rice with a fried egg.
Savor a traditional meal and top your steak with an egg.
Serve your fried egg on your preferred bread roll, bagel, or English muffin to create a breakfast sandwich. Add bacon, morning sausage, or ham.
To your preferred avocado toast, add it. There aren’t many better breakfast or brunch options than avocado toast with an egg.
Add a properly fried egg on top to transform a traditional Croque Monsieur into a decadent Croque Madame.

Seasoning Your Fried Egg

Usually a sprinkling of salt and pepper is all that needs to be added, though some extra seasoning can pump up the flavor.

For a Classic Touch: Salt, black pepper, and some paprika on top.
For a Twist: To mix it up, use smoked salt, garlic powder, or squeeze some hot sauce in there.
Herbs And Garnishes: Sprigs of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or a dusting of grated cheese, etc.

Tips for Presentation

Use a Ring Mold: To achieve a perfectly round fried egg, place a metal ring mold in the pan and crack the egg in the mold.
Serve with Accompaniments: For a prettier plate, serve fried eggs with toast, avocado, or fresh greens.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Runny Whites: If the whites aren’t setting, put a lid on the pan or turn the heat down and cook a bit longer.
Overcooked Yolk: Use medium-low heat and look out for overcooked.
Sticking: Make sure the pan has been heated before adding oil, and use a large amount of fat to coat the surface to avoid sticking.

How to Fry an Egg in an Air Fryer?

Frying an egg in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to using a skillet, and it yields delicious results with minimal oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting that perfectly cooked air-fried egg.

What You’ll Need:

Fresh eggs
Cooking spray or a little oil (optional)
A ramekin, small pan, or silicone mold that is safe for the air fryer
Salt and pepper for taste (optional)

Steps:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F (150 C) for 1–2 minutes. This allows for a more even cook on the egg.

Prepare the Ramekin or Mold

Use a little bit of water to lightly spray an air fryer-safe ramekin, pan, or silicone mold. This allows it to not stick as much and is easy to clean.

Crack the Egg

Gently break the egg into the prepared ramekin or mold. If you want to keep the yolk whole, don’t break the yolk.

Cook the Egg

UFO into the air fryer basket with the ramekin or mold. For a semi-runny yolk, cook at 300°F (150°C) for 5–6 minutes, or 7–8 minutes for a more solid yolk. Because all air fryers are different and the doneness of the yolk you prefer may also vary, starting at 5 minutes to check for doneness is best.

Season and Serve

Remove the egg from the air fryer (hot!) as soon as it is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste and dig in!

Tips for Best Results

Adjust Cooking Time: Each air fryer is a bit different, so please adjust your cooking times according to your air fryer!
Do Not Use High Temperature: Cooking at lower and medium temperature does not allow the yolk to overcook even if the whites are set completely.
A Little Extra Flavor: Insert a pinch of herbs, cheese or seasoning right before cooking

Dig in to your totally perfectly air fried egg!

How to Air Fry a Poached Egg?

To make a poached egg in an air fryer:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly oil a ramekin or small air fryer-safe bowl.
Add Water and Crack the Egg: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the ramekin, then gently crack the egg into it.
Cook the Egg: Place the ramekin in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes for a soft poach or up to 8 minutes for a firmer yolk.
Serve: Carefully remove the ramekin, drain excess water, and enjoy!

How to Make Crispy Fried Eggs?

If you enjoy crispy eggs (though you may change your mind after cleaning up after yourself), this method is brilliant.

Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke. Place the egg in the pan and then stand back. In just a few seconds, the whites will swell up substantially, turning the outsides dark gold, and there will probably be some splattering. This method works so quickly that you’ll want to dish everything and seat the diners before you begin. It takes roughly 90 seconds from the moment the shell cracks to when it is served.

How to Crack an Egg?

Have you ever had chunks of shell fall inside an egg? So you’re probably smacking the shell against the pan’s rim. Instead, try forcefully tapping it on a flat surface, such as a countertop. To keep the yolk from shattering, split the broken shell in half as near the cooking surface as you can. If this happens, you’ll have the ingredients for scrambled eggs. However, that’s a different matter. Crack the egg into a tiny dish and carefully move it to the heated pan if you want to be incredibly cautious and eliminate broken shells from the mix.

How Long to Fry an Egg?

Frying an egg can be difficult because it cooks quickly. When cooking them, the most crucial thing to pay attention to is the burner or heat. I used a medium-sized cooking element that can become rather hot. Even on low heat, using a hotter burner will speed up the cooking process. The same is true for a smaller burner, but it will take longer. Based on this, I was able to come up with the following times using my medium-sized burner:

Sunny-Side Up Egg: Cook in a pan with oil over low to medium heat for one minute.
Eggs Over Easy: Cook for 45 seconds on one side in a pan with oil over low to medium heat, then turn and cook for an additional 20 to 25 seconds.
Over Medium Egg: Cook for 90 seconds on each side in an oil-based pan over low to medium heat.
Over Hard Egg: Cook for 2 to 2 ½ minutes on each side in a pan with oil over low to medium heat.

Should I Use Oil or Butter?

When frying eggs with oil or butter, there are a few minor differences to consider. Although butter may heat up more quickly and may burn, it will improve the taste of the eggs. Eggs can be cooked at low temperatures in oil, which has a greater smoke point and gives them the ideal white color. Here are some of my preferred fats to use:

Oil.
Unsalted Butter.
Rendered Bacon Fat.

The Best Pan for Frying Eggs

When frying eggs, go for a non-stick skillet for convenience and consistency. A non-stick skillet is perfect for quick and simple cleaning because it uses less fat. However, if you like crispy edges, a cast-iron or carbon steel skillet will work perfectly. However, you will need to use a little extra oil.

Avoid using stainless steel pans because eggs adhere to them. Stainless steel cookware can cause more trouble than it needs to. However, if you have to, you might have to use the same technique as a cast-iron pan to shallow-fry your egg.

Non-Stick Skillet: Perfect for simple cleanup and less oil consumption.
Carbon steel or cast iron: Ideal for more oily, crispy edges.
Avoid Stainless Steel: Eggs tend to stick, necessitating extra oil and finesse.

Final Words

This is our overall guide on how to fry the perfect egg. Perfecting the art of frying an egg is all about mastering the balance of heat, timing, and technique. Whether you prefer a classic sunny-side-up or an over-hard egg, experimenting with these methods will help you find your favorite way to fry an egg. With a few basic steps and practice, you’ll soon be serving perfectly cooked fried eggs every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a fried egg is cooked?

Whether you prefer a soft egg or one that is cooked through with a firm yolk is entirely a matter of taste. For the majority of people, the egg white’s complete cooking is crucial. Check by wriggling the pan, and if the egg white still jiggles, let it set completely for another minute or so.

What is the healthiest way to fry an egg?

The best approach to cutting calories and making your egg a little healthier is to use less oil or fat. Another wise choice is to use healthy oil, such as avocado oil.

When frying an egg lid on or off?

I usually advise adding the cover for the most reliable cooking. By doing this, you can prevent the bottom of the egg from burning before the yolk and white are cooked to your preferred consistency.