How to Fry an Egg Perfectly, Every Time – Sunny-Side Up, Over-Easy, Over-Medium, and Over-Hard

Fried eggs are a certified breakfast classic. They’re versatile enough to pair with almost anything, from Smashed Avocado to French Toast, or any other of the countless Brunch mainstays. At first, frying an egg may seem simple, but achieving that perfect fried egg every time may take a bit of practice and know-how. Whether you prefer sunny-side up egg with a runny yolk, or a crispy fried egg with a firm yolk, mastering the fried egg can level up so many different recipes.

The Importance of The Fried Egg

Fried eggs are so much more than meets the eye. The fried egg is a culinary staple that has helped shape many of the world’s most beloved dishes, transcending cultures, classes, and ages. Just take the classic English Breakfast that found its popularity among the Victorian era’s working class, or the “Brik”, a Tunisian speciality featuring a fried egg wrapped in pastry, or perhaps a “Gyeran Bap”, a Korean household staple where a fried egg is served over seasoned and garnished steamed rice.

What is the “Perfect” Fried Egg

While the concept of the “perfect” fried egg certainly varies from person to person, there are a few key characteristics that most would tend to agree define the ideal fried egg. At its core, the perfect friend egg has a fully set white, that is tender yet not overcooked, with a runny or thorough cooked yolk. In fact, the perfect fried egg is so preference dependent, that there are different names for a fried egg depending on its levels of “doneness”.

The Egg-Doneness Scale – Sunny-Side Up, Over-Easy, Over-Medium, and Over-Hard

The Egg-Doneness Scale is a way to categorise eggs based on how cooked or runny their yolks and whites are. It is an excellent key to discern which form of fried egg you prefer, helping you to follow specific recipes for your desired result.

• Sunny-Side Up: The egg is fried only on one side. The whites are set, but the yolk remains runny. The top of the egg is still shiny and soft.
• Over-Easy: The egg is flipped, but the yolk remains runny. The whites are fully cooked, but the yolk is still soft and a bit liquid.
• Over-Medium: After flipping, the yolk is partially set, yet still a little creamy in the middle. The whites are fully cooked.
• Over-Hard: The egg is flipped and cooked until the yolk is fully cooked through, firm, and not runny at all. The whites may be crispy around the edges.

What You Need to Make the Perfect Fried Egg

When it comes to it, perfecting the fried egg is all about preference, and the technique that allows you to cook your egg to the desired level of doneness. Besides this, there are some ingredients you can use to enhance the flavour of your fried egg.

Ingredients

• Fresh Eggs: It can be almost any egg depending on preference, from chicken to duck, small to extra-large. The fresher egg the better, and eggs should not be stored for too long to ensure freshness. For the best results, get your eggs to room temperature before cooking.
• Butter, Oil, or Fat: Your choice of these entirely depends on your preference on flavour and crispiness. Butter will typically get you a softer egg, while oils or oil sprays will give you a crispier egg. Fat will offer the most flavour, and a soft texture, but is of course the least healthy option.
• Salt & Pepper: As always, Salt & Pepper are your friends. Use them to taste!

Frying Pan – Which is best for Fried Eggs?

A non-stick skillet is always an easy, reliable choice. It allows you to use less fat or oil, making it not only quicker and easier to clean up, but technically cheaper.  A non-stick skillet will work best for softer, fluffier eggs. If you’re after a crispier fried egg, a cast-iron or carbon skillet is your best bet.

It is best to avoid using a stainless-steel skillet, as they are likely to cause your egg to stick, potentially ruining your perfect fried egg. However, it is totally fine if you have no other options, but you may need to shallow fry the egg to ensure that it does not stick.

How to Fry an Egg Sunny-Side Up

1. (Optional) Brings your eggs to room temperature for optimal results.
2. Heat the Pan: Bring your skillet to a medium-low heat.
3. Add your Butter, Oil, or Fat:
4. Crack Your Egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl or container before transferring it to the pan and check for any pieces of eggshell. Once you’ve checked it over, smoothly transfer it to your skillet.
5. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for anything between two or three minutes, ideally until the egg white is fully set, but the egg is runny. Adjust cooking time to preference.
6. Add seasoning: Season the egg with salt and/or pepper. You may also add a sprinkle of cheese or herbs, if you’re looking for a specific flavour.
7. Serve: You’re almost ready to eat! Use a soft, flexible spatula to gently slide the egg out of the pan and onto your plate.

How to Fry an Egg Over-Easy

1. (Optional) Brings your eggs to room temperature for optimal results.
2. Heat the Pan: Bring your skillet to a medium-low heat.
3. Add your Butter, Oil, or Fat:
4. Crack Your Egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl or container before transferring it to the pan and check for any pieces of eggshell. Once you’ve checked it over, smoothly transfer it to your skillet.
5. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook until it reaches the sunny-side up stage, around two or three minutes.
6. Flip the Egg: Once the egg resembles that of a sunny-side up fried egg, flip it over and let it cook for around 20 seconds more. Take care not to cook too long, as not to burn the yolk.
7. Add seasoning: Season the egg with salt and/or pepper. You may also add a sprinkle of cheese or herbs, if you’re looking for a specific flavour.
8. Serve: You’re almost ready to eat! Use a soft, flexible spatula to gently slide the egg out of the pan and onto your plate.

How to Fry an Egg Over-Medium

1. (Optional) Brings your eggs to room temperature for optimal results.
2. Heat the Pan: Bring your skillet to a medium-low heat.
3. Add your Butter, Oil, or Fat
4. Crack Your Egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl or container before transferring it to the pan and check for any pieces of eggshell. Once you’ve checked it over, smoothly transfer it to your skillet.
5. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook until it reaches the sunny-side up stage, around two or three minutes.
6. Flip the Egg: Once the egg resembles that of a sunny-side up fried egg, flip it over and let it cook for around 35 seconds more. Take care not to cook too long, as not to burn the yolk.
7. Add seasoning: Season the egg with salt and/or pepper. You may also add a sprinkle of cheese or herbs, if you’re looking for a specific flavour.
8. Serve: You’re almost ready to eat! Use a soft, flexible spatula to gently slide the egg out of the pan and onto your plate.

How to Fry an Egg Over-Hard

1. (Optional) Brings your eggs to room temperature for optimal results.
2. Heat the Pan: Bring your skillet to a medium-low heat.
3. Add your Butter, Oil, or Fat:
4. Crack Your Egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl or container before transferring it to the pan and check for any pieces of eggshell. Once you’ve checked it over, smoothly transfer it to your skillet.
5. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook until it reaches the sunny-side up stage, around two or three minutes.
6. Flip the Egg: Once the egg resembles that of a sunny-side up fried egg, flip it over and let it cook for around one to two minutes more, ensuring the yolk is firm, and cook thoroughly.
7. Add seasoning: Season the egg with salt and/or pepper. You may also add a sprinkle of cheese or herbs, if you’re looking for a specific flavour.
8. Serve: You’re almost ready to eat! Use a soft, flexible spatula to gently slide the egg out of the pan and onto your plate.

Bonus: How to Cook Crispy Fried Eggs

Crispy fried eggs are a dear favourite of ours. They’re also known as Kai Dao (Thai Cuisine) or Huevos Fritos Con Puntilla (Spanish Cuisine), and are an excellent form of fried egg, making the perfect addition for many ramen and noodle dishes. Crispy fried eggs do typically require more oil, making for a more calorie dense meal.

1. (Optional) Brings your eggs to room temperature for optimal results.
2. Heat the Pan: Bring your skillet to a medium-low heat.
3. Add your oil: Add enough oil to just about shallow fry the egg and then heat until shimmering.
4. Crack Your Egg: Crack the egg into a separate bowl or container before transferring it to the pan and check for any pieces of eggshell. Once you’ve checked it over, smoothly transfer it to your skillet.
5. Fry: Fry your egg until the edges of the white becomes crispy, which should show as a slightly golden colouring. While frying, add oil to cook the egg white.
6. Add seasoning: Season the egg with salt and/or pepper.
7. Serve: You’re almost ready to eat! Use a soft, flexible spatula to gently slide the egg out of the pan and onto your plate.

FAQ

What is the best pan for frying eggs?

A non-stick skillet is typically best for frying eggs, as it prevents sticking and makes flipping easier. If you do not have a non-stick skillet, a cast-iron or carbon skillet may also work, but will require more oil, butter, or fat.

What type of oil should I use to fry eggs?

Butter, vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point work great. Butter adds richness, while oil gives a more neutral flavour. Butter is typically better for softer, fluffier eggs, and oil for crispier eggs.

How can I tell when the egg is cooked perfectly for each style (sunny-side up, over-easy, over-medium, over-hard)?

• Sunny-side up: The whites should be fully set with a slightly runny yolk. The top of the egg should not be flipped.
• Over-easy: Flip the egg once the whites are set. Cook for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to set the whites without cooking the yolk completely.
• Over-medium: Flip the egg and cook for about 30 seconds to 50 seconds, allowing the yolk to set but remain slightly runny.
• Over-hard: Flip and cook for 2 minutes or more until the yolk is fully cooked and firm.

How do I avoid breaking the yolk while frying?

Crack the egg into a small bowl first to make sure the yolk stays intact, then gently slide it into the pan. If you're flipping the egg, use a wide spatula and be gentle when turning.