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In this blog post you’re going to learn my infallible method on how to make Sunny Side Up Eggs, perfect every time. Whether for breakfast, in bowls or in a sandwich, an egg fried sunny side up goes well with any dish.
Eggs are probably one of the best foods on earth. Whether on toast, in deviled egg potato salad, or simply boiled with salt and olive oil on top, the ways how to eat eggs are endless. Plus, they’re healthy and oh so delicious. Here at home we often have them for breakfast, with fresh sourdough bread and creamy avocado. We love perfectly set whites any runny yolks, so sunny side up eggs are the solution!
After struggling with both overcooked (almost burnt) and undercooked eggs raw on top, we’ve finally came to master the art of making the absolute perfect sunny side eggs. It’s a very simple recipe, but you gotta make sure to follow all the steps very carefully. Cooking temperatures, equipment and timings all come into play.
Recipe ingredients
- Eggs. Choose fresh large eggs, I recommend grade AA eggs from grass fed chickens. They are tastier and richer in flavor.
- Butter or olive oil. An egg fried sunny side up in butter has a much better taste, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil or any neutral oil of your choice. If you follow a dairy-free diet, regular butter may be replaced with dairy-free butter.
- Salt and pepper. Sprinkle sunny side eggs with as much salt and pepper as you like. Feel free to add extra herbs and seasonings, such as chili flakes or onion powder.
How to make sunny side up eggs
- Heat skillet. Place a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil until it is warm.
- Cook eggs covered. Lower the heat to low, then carefully crack in the eggs, one at the time, without breaking the yolks. Cover the skillet with a heavy lid and let the eggs cook for about 2 minutes over low heat, covered. Only after 2 minutes, remove the lid to check for doneness. If it is necessary, cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Sunny side up eggs are ready when the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
- Season and serve. Carefully slide out the eggs on a plate, one at the time. Then serve with salt and pepper to your likings.
Tips for perfect sunny side up eggs
- Use the correct equipment. The first tip on how to cook sunny side up eggs is to use the right equipment. You’ll want to use either a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan greased with butter or olive oil. These are the best skillets because they ensure that the eggs do not stick and nicely slide out once cooked.
- Cook over low heat. The right cooking temperature is crucial. It is what determines success, every single time. You should fry eggs sunny side up on low heat for about 2 minutes. Avoid high temperatures, as they will lead to over crispy edges and burnt bottoms.
- Cover the skillet with lid. One of the secrets behind the best way to make sunny side up eggs is to fry them covered, with a lid. This ensures they cook evenly, producing firm whites and runny yolks. Not uncooked, not overcooked, but simply perfect sunny side up eggs.
- Store leftovers properly. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely first. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight food container and refrigerate for a maximum of 3 days. Again, if not served immediately, an egg fried sunny side up must be kept in the fridge. Before eating, reheat in a skillet or in the microwave until warm.
Serving ideas
Once you learn how to make a fried egg sunny side up, you’ll have the perfect food for healthy breakfasts, tasty lunches and filling dinners. There are so many ways to eat eggs, I love them over my high protein savory oatmeal or on top of avocado toast. And if you still need inspiration, here are some serving ideas.
- On top of freshly baked protein bagels or sourdough bread, with mashed avocado and tomato slices.
- Over a soft slice of homemade oat bread, with some butter or olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
- In English breakfast plates, with bacon, fire roasted tomatoes and homemade baked beans.
- For breakfast or dinner, in nourishing bowls, with a microwave sweet potato or tasty potato fritters.
- In a sandwich or in a tortilla wrap, for on-the-go lunches or as a protein packed snack.
One large egg fried sunny side up in butter provides approximately 80 calories, 5.6 g protein, 6.2 g fat, and 0.3 g carbohydrates. For two eggs, the nutritional values will be 160 calories, 11.2 g protein, 12.4 g fat and 0.6 g carbohydrates. Precise nutrition fact may vary, depending on egg sizes and cooking fats used.
Yes, you can also make sunny side up eggs in a microwave. Lightly grease a microwave-safe dish, crack in an egg, and pierce the yolk. Cover with lid and microwave on medium power for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Please note that the precise cooking time will vary based on the power of your microwave oven.
Yes, you can. Start by preheating the air fryer to 275°F (135°C). Lightly grease an air fryer-safe bowl, crack an egg into it, and place in the air fryer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny.
You should cook the eggs in a cast iron skillet over low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure to cover the pan with lid to ensure even cooking. In the first 2 minutes, do not remove the lid. Remove it only to check for doneness after the two minutes have passed, and if it is necessary cook more.
More ways to cook eggs
Sunny Side Up Eggs
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter, or olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil until warm.
- Lower heat to low, then carefully crack in the eggs, one at the time, without breaking the yolks. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 2 minutes over low heat, covered.Only after 2 minutes, remove the lid to check for doneness. If necessary, cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Sunny side up eggs are ready when the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
- Carefully slide out the eggs on a plate, then serve with salt and pepper to your likings.
This egg looks yummy and perfect!
Hey dear Liza!
Oh yes, you can’t really go wrong with sunny side up eggs. Great for any occasion 😉
Have an amazing day,
Matteo