Sunny side up eggs are a breakfast classic with bright golden runny yolks and tender egg whites cooked gently without flipping.
Sunny side up eggs are fried eggs cooked on one side only with runny yolks, soft whites, and a delicate texture. Using a nonstick skillet, medium-low heat, and a glass lid helps create perfect sunny-side-up eggs every time.
Sunny-side-up eggs are one of the simplest ways to make a fried egg, but they also happen to be one of the prettiest types of eggs you can serve at the breakfast table. The bright yellow egg yolk sits proudly on top of the egg like a little morning sun, which is exactly where sunny-side-up eggs get their name.
Unlike over-easy eggs or over-hard eggs, sunny-side-up eggs are cooked on one side only. The egg whites slowly cook while the yolk stays soft and runny. With a little patience, a gentle touch, and the right pan, you can make perfect sunny-side-up eggs every time.
This easy recipe is one of my favorite ways to make breakfast food because it works with so many meals. Serve a sunny-side-up egg over avocado toast, rice bowls, home fries, crispy bacon, breakfast bowls, burgers, or even on top of a grilled steak for an easy meal that feels restaurant-quality.
Sunny-side-up eggs are also one of the best egg recipes for busy mornings because they cook quickly with simple steps and basic ingredients.
Why Are They Called Sunny Side Up Eggs?
The name comes from the appearance of the egg yolk. Since the egg is never flipped during cooking eggs, the yolk stays visible on the top of the egg and resembles a bright sun.
The true method for making sunny-side-up eggs is cooking the eggs slowly until the whites are set while the yolk remains runny. The tops of the whites should look just set while the yolk stays glossy and soft.
This cooking style is known for:
- Runny yolks
- Soft whites
- Tender egg whites
- No flipping
- Bright golden centers
- Delicate texture
- Crispy edges when cooked in enough olive oil or bacon grease
Different Fried Egg Styles
There are several main types of fried egg styles, and the cooking time changes the texture of the yolk.
Sunny Side Up
Cooked on one side only with runny yolks and soft whites.
Over-Easy Eggs
Flipped briefly while keeping the center runny.
Over Medium
The egg yolk becomes slightly jammy and less runny.
Over-Hard Eggs
Cooked until the yolk is fully firm with no soft center.
Best Pans For Sunny Side Up Eggs
Nonstick Skillet
A nonstick skillet or non-stick frying pan is the easiest option for beginners. A quality nonstick pan helps prevent sticking and keeps the egg whites intact.
Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet, or one of your favorite iron skillets, can create crispy whites and crispy edges while still giving you a perfect sunny side egg.
Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans can work, but they require careful temperature control and enough avocado oil, melted butter, or bacon grease to keep the eggs from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
No matter which pan you use, a smooth cooking surface makes a huge difference when cooking sunny side up eggs.
The Secret To Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs
The key to perfect sunny-side-up eggs is medium-low heat.
Many people try to cook eggs over medium-high heat, but that often creates overcooked yolks and rubbery egg whites before the tops of the whites fully cook.
Cooking slowly gives the uncooked white enough time to set gently while keeping the yolk soft. If the egg sizzles aggressively when it hits the pan, the heat is probably too high.
One easy way to finish the eggs is placing a glass lid over the skillet for the last 30-60 seconds. The steam helps cook the top of the egg without flipping it.
Some cooks also add a tiny bit of water to the side of the pan before covering it. The steam helps create just-set whites while keeping the yolk runny.
Tips For The Best Sunny Side Up Eggs
These simple tips help take your sunny side eggs to the next level:
- Use fresh eggs for the best shape and appearance
- Older eggs spread more because the whites become thinner
- Crack eggs into a small bowl before adding them to the pan
- Use medium-low heat instead of medium heat or medium-high heat
- A little avocado oil or melted butter prevents sticking
- Bacon grease adds incredible flavor and crispy edges
- Covering with a glass lid helps cook the tops of the whites
- Use a slotted spatula for easy removal
- Let the eggs cook undisturbed for the best egg texture
- Drain excess oil on a paper towel if needed
Common Mistakes When Cooking Eggs
Heat Too High
Cooking over medium-high heat can burn the bottom of the pan and leave uncooked white around the yolk.
Overcooked Yolks
Sunny-side-up eggs should have runny yolks. Cooking too long creates firm yolk centers instead.
Not Enough Fat
Without enough olive oil, avocado oil, butter, or bacon grease, the eggs may stick.
Using Damaged Nonstick Cookware
Scratched nonstick pans can tear delicate egg whites.
Moving The Eggs Too Soon
Sunny-side-up eggs need a gentle touch. Moving them before the whites set can break the yolk.
Serving Suggestions
Sunny-side-up eggs are delicious with almost any breakfast or brunch spread.
Try serving them with:
- Avocado toast
- Rice bowls
- Crispy bacon
- Home fries
- Breakfast bowls
- Toast
- Grits
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Burgers
- Top of a grilled steak
- Healthy breakfast plates with fruit
They’re also one of the easiest cooked eggs to add to leftovers for a quick meal.
Are Sunny Side Up Eggs Safe To Eat?
Because sunny-side-up eggs contain runny yolks, some people prefer using pasteurized eggs, especially for young children, older adults, or anyone with weakened immune systems.
The egg whites should always be fully cooked even if the yolk stays runny.
Can You Make Sunny Side Up Eggs In The Air Fryer?
Yes! An air fryer can cook sunny-side-up eggs, although the texture is slightly different from stovetop eggs. The whites cook quickly, but you may lose some of the soft whites and crispy edges that come from pan-frying.
For the best egg texture, I still prefer the classic nonstick skillet method.
Sunny-Side-Up Eggs Step by Step
Ingredients
- 2-3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, avocado oil, or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Heat a nonstick skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add melted butter or avocado oil.
Crack the eggs into a small bowl first, then gently slide them into the skillet.
Cook slowly for 3-4 minutes until the egg whites are mostly set. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover the skillet with a glass lid for 30-60 seconds to gently cook the tops of the whites.
Carefully remove the sunny-side-up egg with a slotted spatula and serve warm.
Sunny-Side-Up Egg Leftovers
Storage: Sunny-side-up eggs do not store and reheat well. I highly suggest only making what you know you’ll eat rather than trying to save any extras.
Recipe
Originally Published On: September 14, 2026
Sunny Side Up Eggs
Ingredients
- 2 eggs (large)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (or avocado oil, or olive oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat
- Add melted butter or avocado oil
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl first, then gently slide them into the skillet
- Cook slowly for 3-4 minutes until the egg whites are mostly set
- Cover the skillet with a glass lid for 30-60 seconds to gently cook the tops of the whites
- Carefully remove the sunny-side-up egg with a slotted spatula
- Season with salt and black pepper before serving warm
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Egg Breakfast Recipes
- Healthy Breakfast Hash
- Ham and Cheese Omelet
- Baked Skillet Ham and Eggs
- Super Easy Classic Deviled Eggs
- Sunny-Side-Up Eggs
- Eggs Over Easy
- Baked Ham, Egg, and Cheese Quiches
- Breakfast Bagels
- Breakfast in a Bag Camping Meal
- Fluffy and Yummy Scrambled Eggs
- Sausage and Vegetable Frittatas
- Fried Eggs Over-Hard Recipe
- Avocado Toast with Fried Egg
Sunny side up eggs are one of my favourite ways to eat eggs, but I always fumble at preparing them, so end up settling for over-easy. This is a great how-to — I’ve got to give this a try at home again!
There is no tastier or cozier breakfast than sunny-side-up eggs! I loved this with some bacon and toast.
I make these eggs for breakfast and dinner sometimes. They are just so tasty and easy to make!
Oh yes, I could eat sunny side up eggs all day! They look so good, especially with that perfectly runny yolk. Simple, delicious, and always a favorite!
Love this! As a non-meat eater, THIS is the kind of breakfast article I can get behind! Please keep the bacon over there minding its own business. But give me those sunny side up eggs with that spinach, avocado toast, home fries, and some sautéed veggies. The yolk is defintely doing the work to make this plate delicious!
Lovely reminder about sunnyside up eggs. the photos are so yummy looking. but i like all the add-ons that make it even healthier.
This is my favorite way to enjoy eggs. Your recipe made them so easy for me to make at home. Thank you for the tips and recipe variations!
I do love sunny side up eggs. It’s the main way that I’ll eat eggs. They’re so quick and easy to make and can be served with a wide range of accompaniments making them idea for breakfast especially x
I made these for breakfast and loved how perfectly the eggs turned out. The whites were set while the yolks stayed beautifully runny!
I almost always scramble my eggs, but i might hve to try this tomorrow! THese look delcious
Sunny side up eggs are my favorite, and now your post has me craving them! Thanks for the tip on how to get them just right. I’ve never tried covering the pan with a lid for a few seconds, so I’m definitely going to try that next time.
Eggs are definitely not my forte – my son is always giving me instructions. Your post is very helpful when it comes to making just the right sunny side up eggs.
Sunny-side-up eggs are one of those simple breakfasts I never get tired of. That golden yolk is my favorite part, especially with toast ready for dipping.
I love eggs in all their permutations and could eat them for days. Sunny side up is one of my favorites, although scrambled eggs holds top tier, too. Did I say I love eggs? Yes!
I eat eggs every morning. I think I’ll try this one out tomorrow.