How to fry an egg perfectly every time

The perfect fried egg – ruffled, crispy edges, tender whites and a rich yolk – starts with the right pan. We like a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron or non-stick skillet – something roomy enough to accommodate 2 eggs because hunger loves company. Cast iron also has a non-stick patina that develops over time, so the eggs will slide right off when done. Don’t be shy with the oil, though – You‘ll need at least 2 (if not 3) tablespoons of your chosen oil for 2 eggs. That‘s enough to fry and baste the egg whites, speed up the cooking and achieve that covetable crispy edge.

Perfect Fried Eggs

Our guide to achieving a flawless fried egg with ruffled, crispy edges, tender whites and a rich yolk.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Servings 2 eggs

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 tbsp vegetable, olive or extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 eggs
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Begin by heating oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Break eggs into the pan, 1 at a time, aiming just above the oil to prevent splattering. (Hot tip: Crack eggs on a flat surface for a clean break – using a pan‘s edge will result in shell shards in the egg.)
• Cook until edges are brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Tilt the pan and spoon the fat over the whites until no longer translucent. Make sure to avoid the yolks – you want to keep them runny, and they‘ll continue to cook as is.
• Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and enjoy.

Recipes featuring fried eggs

Ultimate Brunch Sheetpan

Every brunch item you or your guests could want, served on a striking and space-conscious sheetpan.

Get the recipe

Egg and Halloumi Breakfast Plate

Vanessa Perrone's Mediterranean Diet breakfast plate features za'atar-seasoned eggs fried on top of halloumi slices and served with tomatoes and spinach.

Get the recipe

Cheesy Egg Toasts

Chetna Makan's recipe for cheesy egg toast with coriander-yogurt chutney, inspired by the Mumbai dish known as kejriwal.

Get the recipe

Old-School Pad Gaprao

A traditional recipe for a beloved Thai street food dish.

Get the recipe

Nasi Goreng

Jon Kung's old-school recipe for a classic Indonesian chicken-and-rice dish.

Get the recipe