Deep-Fried Egg Yolks: the quick, easy bite-sized appetizer recipe

Want to enjoy an upscale breakfast or brunch? Or perhaps you simply want to wow your guests with a meal that looks amazing, but is actually super cheap to make! These deep-fried egg yolks are not only an affordable option, but it’s also easy to make and tastes delicious. They are crispy on the outside, with a melting, runny yolk in the center.

To make them, the yolks are covered with breadcrumbs, then refrigerated. Cooling the yolks makes them more malleable and easier to work with. They’re also less likely to break when you fry them. To make them, you only need egg yolks and breadcrumbs.

Serve with your favorite morning toast or as an appetizer—cooked to creamy perfection, these egg yolks are lightly breaded and deep-fried to achieve a crunchy, golden outer shell.

Can You Make Fried Egg Yolks Ahead Of Time?

If you want o make this recipe ahead of time, cover the egg yolks with breadcrumbs and keep them in the fridge or freezer. Fry just before serving.

Tips

Serve the fried egg yolks on top of avocado toast, or finish off with a drizzle of Hollandaise or Beurre Blanc sauce. There are, of course, many other ways to enjoy deep-fried egg yolks. Place them on top of a salad, or burgers.

Use a neutral oil that won’t leave an aftertaste on the eggs. The oil should be suitable for frying at higher temperatures (like canola, peanut, sunflower, or corn oil).

Don’t make the oil too hot, otherwise, the breadcrumbs on the eggs will burn before the yolks are cooked properly. Use a thermometer to heat the oil to about 350°F.

Don’t skip the freezing step! It allows the breadcrumbs to thicken and create a protective layer around the yolk. This will prevent the yolk from breaking when you fry it.

You can also precook the eggs in the sous vide machine. Cook whole eggs for 1 hour at 64°C (147.2°F). Transfer them to chilled water for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the egg yolk from the white. Cover with breadcrumbs, then refrigerate for 15 minutes before frying in hot oil.

How To Store Deep-Fried Egg Yolks

These eggs are best served immediately. However, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.

How To Make Deep-Fried Egg Yolks

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs into a large plate. Use the back of a spoon to create six small wells in the breadcrumbs.

Carefully place an egg yolk into the well you created. Repeat with the rest of the egg yolks.

Cover with more breadcrumbs. Freeze the coated egg yolks for 8 hours.

Fry the egg yolks in hot oil for 1 minute.

The egg yolks will be ready when golden brown.

To serve, spread mashed avocado on fresh bread slices and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place the fried egg yolks on top.

Notes

What to do with leftover egg whites? Freeze the egg whites putting them in small Ziploc bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge and use them to make meringues.