How to Fry an Egg the Right Way

Learn the simple technique for frying perfect eggs every time with this step-by-step family guide.

1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need fresh eggs, a non-stick or well-seasoned pan, a spatula, cooking oil or butter, and salt and pepper for seasoning. Choose a pan that's the right size for the number of eggs you're cooking – too big and the eggs will spread out too thin, too small and they'll crowd together.
2. Heat Your Pan Properly. Place your pan over medium-low heat and let it warm up for about a minute. Add a small amount of oil or butter – just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. The fat should sizzle gently but not smoke or bubble aggressively. If it's too hot, your eggs will cook too fast and get rubbery.
3. Crack and Add Your Eggs. Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then gently pour it into the pan. This prevents broken yolks and gives you more control. The egg white should sizzle softly when it hits the pan. If it splatters violently, turn down the heat. Cook without moving the eggs for 2-3 minutes until the whites start to set around the edges.
4. Finish Cooking to Your Preference. For sunny-side up eggs, keep cooking until the whites are completely set but the yolk is still runny, about 4-5 minutes total. For over-easy, carefully flip the egg with your spatula and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. For over-medium or over-hard, cook a bit longer after flipping. Season with salt and pepper to taste.