How to Fry Eggs (and Scramble) in EVOO

You may know how to fry eggs in butter. But cooking eggs in olive oil gives better results! The fried eggs have perfectly crisp edges, and scrambled eggs have a silky smooth texture. Plus, you’ll also get the health benefits of olive oil. So, it’s a win-win for your taste buds, and the rest of your body too!

You know what I love the most about olive oil right now? Is that it’s shelf stable! And.. a little goes a long way. Can I get a HALLELUJAH for olive oil?!  Oh wait, there’s more.

You see, when Colavita came to the Cotter Crunch studio, Elana (the Colavita Creative Director) taught us how to properly fry an egg in extra virgin olive oil. Let me tell you, we were instantly hooked! I also took a few tips from Bon Appetit.

The results are amazing! Crispy fried eggs and soft “buttery” scrambled eggs.

Now, let me show you how to use extra virgin olive oil to make scrambled eggs, and how to fry eggs with it too.

Let’s do this!

Cooking with olive oil

A few months ago, in my post olive oil 101, we mentioned health benefits of olive oil. Be sure to check out those facts, because there are plenty of reasons for you to want to use oil instead of butter!

Anyway, I think it’s important to dispel a myth. Many people believe that olive oil isn’t great for high heat cooking. That, my friends, is simply not true.

The fact is, olive oil has a very high smoke point!

WHAT IS SMOKE POINT??

The temperature of cooking fat (butter, oil, lard, etc.) when it begins to smoke is known as the “smoke point”.

The higher the smoke point, the better that fat is for frying. Plus, higher smoke point oils are lower in saturated fat than lower smoke point oils. As a result, they are healthier for your heart!

EVOO is a very high smoke point oil, making it perfect to use for pan frying. When it is at its most refined, you can even use it for deep frying!

For inquiring minds, here’s a handy chart on the smoke point of cooking oils.

How to fry eggs in olive oil (VIDEO)

When you fry eggs, it’s important to use a large pan, with a flat bottom and flat sides. Also, be sure it has a lid; you’ll need it to prevent oil splatter. I use a 12-inch skillet.

Not only will this give the eggs room to move around in, but it also allows you to cook more than one or two eggs at a time.

1. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. After a minute or two, add the olive oil to the pan.
2. Crack one egg into a ramekin or small bowl. When the oil begins to shimmer, it’s time to add the egg.  Slip it in from the side of the pan and then cover the pan to prevent the oil from splattering.
3. Fry the egg for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, remove the cover and use a slotted spoon to remove the egg from the pan.

NOTE: If you want to cook more than one egg at a time, use additional ramekins, cracking one egg into each. Or, after you slip in the first egg, quickly crack another into the ramekin and then add it to the pan. Repeat until all eggs are in the pan.

How to make scrambled eggs in EVOO

1. Place skillet over medium heat. After 1-2 minutes, add olive oil and continue heating until oil begins to smoke.
2. Meanwhile, use a fork to scramble eggs in small bowl with salt.

3. Pour eggs into the pan with oil.
4. Using a non-stick spatula, push the eggs from the middle to the sides, cooking for a total of
5. 1 minute. Then, remove pan from heat and place scrambled eggs on a warm plate to keep cooking.

Tips for cooking eggs

I have two helpful tips to help you make the perfect, fluffy scrambled eggs, as well as how to fry eggs in olive oil.

1. Be sure to preheat your pan AND the oil completely. Otherwise, the eggs will take too long to cook. As a result, the oil will soak into the eggs rather than cooking them. Be sure to wait until the oil is smoking before you add the eggs to the pan.
2. Don’t over cook the eggs. Although the cooking time may be short, if the oil is smoking, it is definitely hot enough to cook the eggs quickly. Leaving them in longer will either make them greasy, and/or they will burn.

How to Fry Eggs and Make Scrambled Eggs in Olive Oil

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★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

• Author: Lindsay Cotter
• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 5
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 -3 servings

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Description

Learn how to fry eggs and make perfect scrambled eggs by cooking them in extra virgin olive oil. Perfectly cooked eggs with heart healthy benefits!

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Ingredients

For Fried Eggs

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 –5 large eggs
• Fine grain kosher or sea salt

Olive Oil Scrambled Eggs

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 tsp fine grain kosher or sea salt

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Instructions

Olive Oil Fried Eggs

1. Place large skillet over medium heat. After 1-2 minutes, add olive oil and continue heating until oil begins to slightly smoke.
2. Meanwhile, crack an egg into a small bowl. When oil begins to smoke, slip egg into pan from the side; cover pan to prevent oil from splattering.
3. Cook for 30-60 seconds then use a slotted spoon to remove egg onto a plate a or serving dish rest. Season to taste.

Olive Oil Scrambled Eggs 

1. Place skillet over medium heat. After 1-2 minutes, add olive oil and continue heating until oil begins to smoke.
2. Meanwhile, use a fork to scramble eggs in small bowl with salt.
3. Pour eggs into the pan with oil.
4. Using a non-stick spatula, push the eggs from the middle to the sides of the pan then back again. Cook for a total of 1 to 2 minutes, depending on a how soft you like your scrambled eggs. Remove pan from heat and place scrambled eggs on a warm plate or bowl.

• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stove
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: how to fry eggs, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, cooking with olive oil

Have you ever tried cooking/frying eggs in olive oil? It’s truly life changing! Let me know if you do!

Cheers,

LC