PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Flipping your fried eggs is one of the most intimidating acts of any beginner breakfast chef. The goal of a lightly crispy, well-cooked white and a runny yolk is not difficult to get, however, with a little practice. There's nothing as splendid as a perfectly fried egg, which can go with just about any meal you can imagine.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Frying the Perfect Egg

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1/2 a tablespoon or so should be enough per egg. As it heats up, swirl it to coat the entire bottom of the pan in your oil. Monitor the burner temperature to avoid browning the oil or butter.
    • Use a pan with enough space to allow for some running between eggs. An 8-inch pan is perfect for one egg, while you'll need a 12" or bigger for 2-3 eggs at once.[1]
    • Using too big of a pan can result in sticking, since your oil is spread too thinly to cook just one egg on its own. Add a little more oil if this is the case.
    • For incredibly rich eggs, use a small pat of bacon grease.
    • Cooking sprays are a quick and easy ways to ensure your entire pan is coated.
  2. A lower temperature is better; too high and you'll burn the oil and eggs quickly. You want the oil to just start shimmering or the butter to just start bubbling. When you add the egg the whites should sizzle just a little bit.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    You want to be gentle cracking so you don't break the yolk. Cracking the egg into a bowl first can help you get out any shells before cooking. As you drop the egg in, you should hear a slight sizzle, but there shouldn't be popping or violent splattering.
  4. Once you can't see the bottom of the pan, since the whites have cooked closest to the surface, you're ready to go on to the next step. Do not try and move the eggs now, as they are gelatinous and will likely fall right back into place.
    • This usually takes 1-3 minutes.[2]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    Put a lid on the pan. This will trap some steam in the pan, cooking the tops of the eggs and helping the whites set. This is the best way to keep the yolk runny, as too much direct heat can cook the yolk from underneath before the white has totally cooked.
  6. When there are no more jelly-like, clear bits of uncooked egg on the whites, your egg is ready. You can keep cooking for harder eggs, or flip it off and serve immediately.
    • For your average, runny egg this process takes roughly 5 minutes from the second the egg hits the pan until it's done.[3]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    You want to move quickly lifting and removing the egg to avoid breaking it. Serve it and enjoy.
    • Top with salt and pepper to taste while the egg is still hot.[4]
  8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Serving Fried Eggs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    To do so, heat up 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of olive oil instead of 1 or 1/2. When you crack the egg in, turn the pan so that the hot oil and egg slid to the edge of the pan, which is still over the heat. As it cooks, use a spoon to bathe the top of the egg in hot olive oil. Once the outsides are brown and crispy, remove the egg, garnish with salt and pepper, and serve.
    • Be careful -- the oil will splatter and sizzle.
    • This can cook an egg in just 30-60 seconds.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    Instead of putting a lid on the pan, simply flip the egg over after the whites have set to cook the tops of the yolks quickly and crisply. Be sure you use plenty of oil, and maneuver the spatula with a quick, even motions to flip it without ripping it.
  3. The classic fried egg is with toast, often paired with fruit or meat as well, is a staple of breakfasts the world over. For a simple, filling breakfast you can add:
    • Spinach or arugula.
    • Tomatoes and/or avocados
    • Bacon, sausage, or ham.
    • Cheese.
    • Fried rice.
  4. Stir fried vegetables, lentils, rice, and even pasta get a boost of rich, warm flavor with a fried egg and some dripping yolk. If you need to quickly spice up/augment a leftover dish, look no further than the humble fried egg.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Fry an Egg
    They make great sandwich on their own as well, stuffed into baguettes or on a bun with some cheese, avocado, and tomato. On top of a burger, an egg and the runny yolk can elevate the meat to new heights. [5]
  6. This easy breakfast dish is a bit like an open burrito. To make it, top 2-3 corn tortillas with black beans, avocado, tomato, cheese, and salsa, plus any other taco ingredients you enjoy. Top each tortilla creation with a fried egg and enjoy.
    • Fried eggs also go well on potato or sweet potato hashes, so try potatoes for base instead of tortillas.
  7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I tell if the egg is cooked?
    Qamar
    Qamar
    Top Answerer
    The edges will usually be brown and the egg might bubble slightly.
  • Question
    How can I flip an egg without ruining it?
    Allison Schick
    Allison Schick
    Top Answerer
    Flip the egg once the yolk has formed a cooked skin on top to minimize the chance of breaking the yolk.
  • Question
    What if the butter burns but not the egg?
    Y Y
    Y Y
    Community Answer
    Put butter on a hot pan just before pouring the egg in. Or, cook the egg with vegetable oil and add butter at the last 20 seconds. Both approaches will avoid burning the butter.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Show More Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Warnings

  • A frying pan that is not level will cause problems. The pan will not be oiled evenly and the eggs will slide to the low side.
Advertisement

About This Article

Ashley Crawford
Reviewed by:
Private Chef
This article was reviewed by Ashley Crawford. Chef Ashley Crawford is a Private Chef and the Founder of A Taste of Chef Ash. Chef Ashley started in the culinary industry when she was 14. She specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine but has experience in all culinary topics. She has been featured in ESPN and Sports Illustrated for her culinary work with athletes. This article has been viewed 663,224 times.
5 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 43
Updated: July 5, 2024
Views: 663,224
Categories: Egg Basics
Article SummaryX

To fry the perfect egg, heat half a tablespoon of oil or butter in a small pan on medium-low heat. When the oil or butter is hot but not browned, carefully crack an egg into the pan. Let the egg cook for 1-3 minutes until you can’t see the bottom of the pan through the white. Place the lid on the pan and lower the heat. For a runny yolk, let it cook for about 5 more minutes, until you can poke the yolk without any uncooked egg coming away. For a harder egg, let it cook for 1-2 minutes more. Lift the egg out with a spatula and enjoy! If you want to learn how to make over-easy fried eggs, keep reading the article!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 663,224 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Renee VanDeventer

    Renee VanDeventer

    Jan 29, 2017

    "Using a lid was something I didn't know or think about. Was really excited to read that step. Was kinda..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement