How to Fry an Egg the Right Way
There are few things as beautiful as a dish topped with a perfectly fried egg. Learning how to fry an egg like a restaurant pro can elevate your meals, transforming everything from avocado toast to burgers and rice bowls. While frying eggs may seem trickier than scrambling them, the technique is simple, and with a little practice, you’ll be flipping eggs like a pro!
Here’s How to Fry an Egg, from Runny to Firm
The technique for frying eggs is similar regardless of the desired doneness: Grab a small, nonstick pan and heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, reduce the heat to low and crack two eggs into the pan. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat to cook the eggs faster; higher temperatures can cause the eggs to stick.
When the whites are completely set, swirl the eggs in the pan to ensure they release easily. If they don’t, gently run a rubber spatula along the bottom of the eggs until they release. After that, flip the eggs (except for sunny-side-up eggs) and continue cooking until they reach your desired doneness. Once you get the hang of it, flipping eggs with a flick of your wrist will become second nature. If you’re not confident flipping without breaking the yolk, start by frying one egg at a time, or use a wide spatula to turn them.
How to Fry an Egg Sunny-Side Up
Sunny-side-up eggs don’t need to be flipped. Once the whites are set and the eggs swirl freely in the pan, cover the pan with a lid. Continue cooking until the yolks thicken but remain runny. The whites should be fully cooked, while the yolks will be bright yellow and runny when pierced with a fork.
