Breakfast & Brunch > Eggs > Classic Egg Preparations > Fried Eggs Recipe (Sunny-Side Up, Over Easy, Over Medium, Over Hard)

Mastering Fried Eggs: A Guide to Sunny-Side Up, Over Easy, Over Medium, and Over Hard

Learn to fry eggs to your exact preference with this comprehensive guide. From runny yolks in sunny-side up to fully cooked yolks in over hard, we'll cover every technique and achieve perfectly fried eggs every time for your breakfast & brunch.

Prep Time
1 minute
Cook Time
2-5 minutes
Servings
1
Ingredients
  • 2 per serving Large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Butter or Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Preparation

Prepare your skillet by placing it over medium-low heat. Add butter or oil to the pan and let it melt completely (if using butter) or heat up slightly (if using oil). The pan should be hot enough to sizzle gently when you add the egg.

Cracking the Egg

Crack the egg on a flat surface (like a countertop) rather than the edge of the pan to avoid shell fragments. Gently open the egg and carefully slip it into the heated skillet.

Sunny-Side Up (Runny Yolk, Uncooked Top)

Cook the egg for 2-3 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Do not flip the egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently slide the egg onto your plate. The yolk should jiggle when moved.

Over Easy (Runny Yolk, Cooked Top)

Cook the egg for 2 minutes. Once the whites are mostly set, gently flip the egg using a spatula. Cook for 30-60 seconds more to lightly set the yolk (it should still be runny). Season with salt and pepper. Slide onto a plate, yolk side up.

Over Medium (Slightly Runny Yolk)

Cook the egg for 2 minutes. Flip the egg gently with a spatula once the whites are mostly set. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, pressing lightly on the yolk to ensure it's cooking through but still a bit runny. Season and serve.

Over Hard (Fully Cooked Yolk)

Cook the egg for 2 minutes. Flip the egg and cook for another 2-3 minutes, pressing down on the yolk with a spatula to break it and ensure it cooks completely. The yolk should be firm. Season and serve.

Tips for Success

For the best results, use fresh eggs. Lower heat prevents the whites from becoming rubbery. A non-stick pan makes it easier to flip the eggs without breaking them.

← Mastering Boiled Eggs: Soft, Medium, and Hard Mastering the Omelette Fold: A Step-by-Step Guide →

FAQ

  • How can I prevent the egg white from spreading too much?

    Use fresh, cold eggs. Also, make sure your pan isn't too hot. Cooking at a lower temperature will help the whites stay more contained.
  • What's the best type of fat to use for frying eggs?

    Butter adds a rich flavor, while oil (like olive oil or avocado oil) can withstand higher heat and is a good option if you prefer a neutral taste. You can also use a combination of both.
  • How do I flip an egg without breaking the yolk?

    Use a thin, flexible spatula. Gently slide the spatula under the egg, making sure to support the entire egg. Flip with a smooth, confident motion.