How Many Calories Are in 1 Large Fried Egg?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, one large fried egg, cooked in a standard amount of fat, typically contains around 90 calories. However, the total calorie count can be significantly influenced by the type and quantity of cooking fat used. This makes the question of how many calories are in 1 large fried egg a bit more complex than it first appears.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a large fried egg depends heavily on the amount of oil or butter used for cooking. An egg fried with minimal or no added fat is lower in calories than one fried in oil. Making simple adjustments to your cooking method can reduce the overall calorie content, which is useful for dietary planning.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A large fried egg has approximately 90 calories, but this can range from 85 to over 120 depending on the amount of added fat.
Mindful Cooking: Use a non-stick pan with minimal cooking spray or baste with water to significantly lower the added calories and fat.
Lower-Calorie Alternatives: Poached and hard-boiled eggs are the lowest-calorie methods, using no added fats during cooking.
Nutrient-Dense Food: Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins (D, A, B12), and minerals like selenium and choline, regardless of preparation.
Blotting Reduces Calories: Excess fat can be absorbed by blotting the cooked egg with a paper towel, helping to reduce the overall calorie content.

Understanding the Calorie Count of a Fried Egg

The most straightforward answer to the question of how many calories are in 1 large fried egg is approximately 90 calories, based on standard nutritional data. This calculation assumes the egg was fried using some amount of oil or butter. The key factor is the preparation method, which can cause the calorie count to fluctuate from around 85 calories with a small amount of cooking spray to as much as 120 calories or more if fried in a generous amount of oil. While the egg itself provides a consistent number of calories, the fat added during frying is what causes the variation.

Factors That Influence Calorie Content

Type of Cooking Fat: Using a spray oil or a non-stick pan with no oil will result in the lowest calorie count. Healthier oils like olive or rapeseed oil add fewer calories than butter, but the amount still matters. The oil contributes the majority of extra calories and fats to the final dish.
Amount of Cooking Fat: Even a small change in the amount of oil used can impact the calorie count. For example, frying an egg in a couple of tablespoons of oil without draining it could add an extra 30 calories or more compared to using a minimal amount.
Draining Excess Fat: Blotting your fried egg on a paper towel before serving can help absorb some of the excess oil and reduce the final calorie count.

Nutritional Breakdown of One Large Fried Egg

Besides calories, a large fried egg offers a robust nutritional profile. It is a complete protein source and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Protein: Around 6.3 grams of high-quality protein, which helps with satiety.
Fat: Approximately 6.8 grams of total fat, with about 2 grams being saturated fat. A large portion of these fats come from the added cooking oil.
Vitamins and Minerals: A fried egg contains significant amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin A, B vitamins like B12, choline for brain health, and minerals such as selenium and iron.

Healthier Ways to Cook a Fried Egg

For those watching their calorie or fat intake, there are simple methods to enjoy a delicious fried egg without the extra calories from excessive oil. Here are some techniques:

Use a high-quality non-stick pan. This reduces the need for large amounts of added fat.
Opt for a cooking spray. A quick spritz of oil spray adds negligible calories while preventing sticking.
Basted eggs. This method involves adding a tablespoon of water to the pan and covering it with a lid to steam the top of the egg, resulting in a fluffy, non-greasy finish.
Drain excess oil. After cooking, use a spatula to transfer the egg and briefly blot it with a paper towel to remove any remaining oil.
Consider baking. Baked eggs in muffin tins or ramekins don't require any oil at all and are a great low-calorie alternative.

Fried vs. Other Egg Preparations: A Calorie Comparison


Preparation Method	Calories (per large egg)	Notes
Fried	~90-120	Varies significantly based on the amount and type of cooking oil used.
Hard-Boiled	~78	One of the lowest-calorie options, as no added fats are required.
Poached	~71-80	Similar to hard-boiled, relying on water for cooking.
Scrambled	~80-120+	Calories increase with the addition of milk, butter, or cheese. A plain, water-scrambled egg is much lower.
Omelette	~93+	Calories are influenced by added ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and cooking fat.

The Takeaway for Your Diet

Ultimately, a fried egg is a nutritious food that can fit into a balanced diet. Its calorie density is not inherently high, especially when cooked mindfully. The decision to include fried eggs, or any food, in your diet should be based on your overall caloric and nutritional needs. Paying attention to your cooking method can help control the calorie count without sacrificing flavor or nutritional benefits. For more information on the health benefits of eggs, you can consult reliable sources like Healthline on egg nutrition.

Conclusion

In summary, one large fried egg, prepared with a modest amount of cooking fat, typically contains around 90 calories. This can increase depending on how much and what type of oil or butter is used. To keep the calorie count low, consider using a non-stick pan with a cooking spray, basting with water, or blotting any excess oil. While fried eggs are nutritious, preparing them with less fat can help make them a healthier option for those managing their weight or calorie intake. Comparing it to other cooking methods reveals that poached and boiled eggs are the lowest-calorie alternatives, but mindful frying can still be a part of a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The calorie content for both fried and scrambled eggs depends on the amount of fat (oil, butter) or milk added during cooking. A plain fried egg with minimal oil can be lower in calories than scrambled eggs made with lots of butter or milk.

The lowest calorie way to cook an egg is by boiling or poaching, as these methods do not require any added fat. A poached egg has approximately 71-80 calories, and a hard-boiled egg has around 78 calories.

The egg yolk is significantly higher in calories because it contains most of the egg's fat. The egg white is mostly water and protein, making it much lower in calories than the yolk.

Yes, a fried egg can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of protein and nutrients. For the healthiest option, fry it with minimal, heart-healthy oil like olive oil and avoid excessive fat.

Yes, you can fry an egg without oil by using a high-quality non-stick pan over medium heat. You can also cover the pan with a lid to trap steam, which helps cook the egg thoroughly.

To reduce calories, use a non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter. You can also drain excess fat with a spatula after cooking or blot the egg with a paper towel.

A large fried egg contains around 6.3 grams of high-quality protein.