Fried eggs are a breakfast staple, But making that perfect fried egg with crispy edges, set whites, and a runny yolk can be tricky sometimes. Whether you prefer sunny-side-up egg or over-easy egg, I am sharing with you my tried and test method and detailed steps to fry eggs to perfection.​
Fried eggs are a breakfast staple, but achieving the perfect balance of crispy edges and a runny yolk can be tricky. Whether you prefer them sunny-side up or over-easy, even crispy fried egg tips I am sharing with you all the steps to fry eggs to perfection.​
When making fried eggs we know each one of us has personal preferences for fried eggs. Some like sunny side up and some like it over easy.Â
The difference between sunny side up and over easy is that over-easy eggs are flipped and cooked on both sides before removing from the pan. Sunny side eggs are cooked from one side only. The egg whites are set and yolks are runny or jammy in both types of fried eggs.Â
Adjust the cooking time with the timer method and you can make all types of fried eggs. Make them over easy, over medium over hard. They are all so delicious and super easy to make. Â
Ingredients
You need only these 3 ingredients.Â
- Eggs: Good fresh eggs is a prerequisite for the best-fried eggs. Take good local large eggs with beautiful orange yolks for that beautiful look.
- Olive oil: good quality olive oil is best for cooking eggs. I use extra virgin olive oil which adds a lot of flavours and stable oil for cooking due to its high smoking point.
- Salt: a good pinch of sea salt pepper and adds to the taste.
Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Small bowl (optional, for cracking the egg)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fried Eggs
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Use medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. Butter gives a rich flavor while oil (like olive oil) creates crispy egg whites.
Tip: Wait for the butter to foam or the oil to shimmer slightly—this means it’s hot enough.
Step 2: Crack the Egg Carefully
Crack the egg into a small bowl first. This gives better control and reduces the risk of broken yolks or shell fragments.
Then, gently slide the egg into the pan.
Step 3: Choose Your Egg Style
Sunny Side Up
- Let the egg cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
- The whites should be just-set whites while the yolk stays bright and runny.
- Optional: Cover with a lid for 30 seconds to ensure the whites on top cook without flipping.
Over Easy
- Once the egg whites are set, gently flip the egg using a spatula.
- Cook for 30–45 seconds more.
- For over medium, cook 1 minute longer. For over hard, cook until yolk is fully cooked.
Crispy Fried Egg
Tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil over the whites to help them cook while getting lacy edges. Use more oil and slightly higher heat.
Over-Hard Egg
- Crack the egg into a skillet over medium heat (use butter or oil). Let the egg whites set fully before flipping.
- Gently flip the egg with a spatula once the whites are cooked.
- Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes on the other side until the yolk is no longer soft or runny.
- Press gently with the spatula if you’re unsure check that if the yolk doesn’t jiggle, it’s over hard
Pro Tips for Fried Egg
- Use room temperature eggs to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Want perfect yolks? it’s very simple just don’t cover with lid, and avoid high heat.
- Add a drop of water and cover the pan if you prefer steamed tops without flipping.
Variations
- Crispy Edges: Use slightly more oil and a hotter pan to achieve lacy, crispy edges.​
- Basted Eggs: Spoon hot oil or butter over the egg whites to cook the top without flipping.​
- Steam-Fried:Â Add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover it to steam the top of the egg, ensuring fully cooked whites and a runny yolk
FAQ: Your Fried Egg Questions Answered
1. What is the best pan for frying eggs?
Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan. They allow for even cooking and prevent sticking.
2. How do I keep the whites from spreading too much?
Crack the egg into a bowl first, then slide it into the center of the pan. Cold eggs from the fridge tend to spread more.
3. What’s the difference between sunny side up and over easy eggs?
Sunny side up: Cooked on one side only.
Over easy: Flipped briefly, whites are fully cooked, yolk still runn
4. How do I make the egg edges crispy?
Use extra oil and a slightly higher heat. Don’t move the egg—let the bottom crisp naturally.
5. Is butter or oil better for frying eggs?
Butter = rich flavor
Oil = higher smoke point, crispier texture
Choose based on your goal!
6. Can I store fried eggs for later?
You can, but it’s best to eat fresh. Reheating often overcooks the yolk and makes the whites rubbery.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Fried Eggs
Any dish tastes better with a fried egg on it. But We especially love to top our noodle dishes, pasta and curry noodles etc.
More Such Egg Recipes
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How to Fry An Egg
An easy method of how to fry an egg on the stovetop. Here are a few simple tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture of a fried egg, Runny yolk or jammy yolk. Crispy fried sunny side up or over easy. Use this technique to make the best fried egg.Â
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Non-stick pan
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Cast iron pan
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt
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In a skillet pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil (you will not use all of it in one go but you need this much in the pan for a crispy egg.
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Heat olive oil so much that it shimmers on the pan.
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Carefully break the egg into the skillet and reduce the heat.
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Allow the egg to cook on medium heat. Gently tilt the pan to keep spreading the oil.
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Cook the egg till the edges are crisp and golden.
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You can cook yolk as per your liking. It takes 2 minutes of cooking for runny yolks. For medium cooked jammy yolks you need to cook them for 2 ½ to 3 minutes.
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Now one egg is cooked you can cook 1 more egg in the same skillet without adding extra oil.
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For more than two eggs you need to drizzle a little more oil and you can repeat the process likewise.
Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 6gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 208mgPotassium: 61mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 238IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg