Learn how to make perfect sunny side up fried eggs with fully set whites and beautifully runny yolks every time.
The golden yolk.
The delicate whites.
Those slightly crispy edges that give just the right texture.
Sunny side fried eggs might look simple, but getting them just right? That’s an art. And this is how you exactly how I make mine so they turn out perfect every single time, and how yours can too.
Whether you’re serving them over toast, rice, grits, avocado, or alongside breakfast potatoes — this is one of those basic kitchen skills that truly elevates your cooking.
Let’s get into it.
🍳 What Is a Sunny Side Up Egg?
A sunny side up egg is a fried egg that is cooked on only one side. The yolk stays bright yellow and runny — like the sun — and the whites are fully set but not flipped.
No turning.
No breaking that yolk.
Just gentle heat and patience.
🥚 Ingredients You’ll Need & Why They Work
You only need a few ingredients for this sunny side up fried eggs — but each one plays an important role.
🥚 Eggs: The star of the show. Fresh fried eggs make all the difference here. Fresher eggs have tighter whites, which means they don’t spread too thin in the pan. That’s how you get a neat, compact shape with a beautiful golden yolk sitting right in the center. The natural proteins in the egg whites firm up gently as they heat, while the yolk stays rich and creamy when cooked low and slow.
🧈 Butter or Oil: Fat is essential. It prevents sticking, yes — but it also affects flavor and texture.
- Butter gives you richness and a slightly softer edge.
- Oil (like avocado or vegetable oil) helps create those lightly crispy, golden edges many people love.
Fat also helps distribute heat evenly across the bottom of the egg, so the whites cook properly without burning.
🧂 Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavor of the egg. Eggs are mild on their own, and just a small pinch of salt wakes everything up. It balances richness and makes the yolk taste even more buttery.
🌶 Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds just enough warmth and contrast to cut through the richness of the yolk. It’s subtle — but it makes a difference.
That’s it.
Fresh eggs make a difference here. The whites stay tighter and don’t spread too thin in the pan.
🍽 What to Serve with Sunny Side Up Eggs
Sunny side up eggs are incredibly versatile. I love serving them with:
- Toast or sourdough bread
- Grits
- White rice
- Fried plantains
- Breakfast potatoes
- Avocado toast
- Burgers (yes!)
They also turn simple leftovers into something special.
🧠 Tips for the Best Sunny Side Fried Eggs
✔ Use Low Heat: High heat causes rubbery whites and overcooked bottoms.
✔ Use Fresh Eggs: Fresher eggs hold their shape better in the pan.
✔ Don’t Rush It: Low and slow cooking gives you silky whites and a soft yolk.
✔ Add a Lid if Needed: If the whites aren’t fully cooked but the bottom is done, cover briefly to finish.
🔥 How to Make Perfect Sunny Side Up Fried Eggs
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most powerful. Learning how to cook a perfect sunny side up fried egg is one of those foundational skills that makes you feel confident in the kitchen.
It’s quick.
It’s comforting.
And it never goes out of style and it goes well with this air fryer chocolate chip banana bread.
How to Make Perfect Sunny Side Up Fried Eggs
Equipment
- Nonstick Frying Pan
- Whisk
Materials
- Large fresh egg
- Butter or oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Pan Gently: Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet. Set it over low to medium-low heat.This is important. Too hot, and the bottoms will brown before the whites cook through.Add about 1 teaspoon of butter or oil and let it melt slowly.Crack the Egg Carefully: Crack the egg into a small bowl first (trust me on this).Then gently slide it into the pan.This keeps the yolk intact and prevents shell surprises.
- Cook Low and Slow: Let the egg cook undisturbed.You’ll see:The whites start turning opaque.The edges gently firm up.The yolk remain bright and glossy.This usually takes about 2–4 minutes depending on heat.If the whites need help setting, you can:Cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds. This traps steam and cooks the top without flipping
Notes
❓ FAQ About Sunny Side Up Eggs
As long as you’re using fresh eggs and proper storage, they are generally safe. The yolk will remain runny, so if you prefer fully cooked yolks, you may want to cook longer or flip.
Your heat may be too low or the egg needs a little more time. Covering the pan briefly helps finish the top.
Use slightly higher heat for the first 30 seconds, then lower it. Cooking in oil (instead of butter) can also help crisp the edges.
Technically, once flipped it becomes “over easy.” Sunny side up means it’s cooked on one side only.