Published 8/7/2023 We’ve done the dirty work for you to figure out how to fry an egg perfectly every time, whether it’s over-easy, over-medium, or over-hard. We tested different fat sources, different pans, and different cook times to make sure you get that perfect egg. PS: in case you’re wondering, I take my eggs over-medium 😀
What You Need for Fried Eggs
Pan: A non-stick skillet is ideal. However, we tested this recipe with cast iron and stainless steel and those can work with the correct technique. Fat: Choose between butter for a rich, nutty flavor or oil (like avocado or olive) for crispy edges. Eggs: Fresh is best! Check the date for peak freshness. Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
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.
Variations of Fried Eggs
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.
Over-easy eggs (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. 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). 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.
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.
Storage
Let your fried eggs cool completely. Then, transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Egg Tutorials
Perfect Hard Boiled EggsOver-Medium EggsSoft Boiled EggsPoached EggsOver Easy EggsOver Hard EggsBaked EggsScrambled EggsSunny Side Up EggsFried EggsAir Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
To reheat: Reheat eggs on low in the microwave to be sure you don’t over cook them.
Serving Suggestions
There is nothing better than a fried egg topped with a little hot sauce served next to toast and bacon. If you’re feeling fancy, serve your fried eggs next to a garden breakfast hash, breakfast sausage, or French toast.
