Cooking eggs in a cast iron skillet without oil can be a bit challenging, as cast iron tends to be sticky, and eggs are prone to sticking to the surface. However, it is possible to do so by following these steps:
Preheat the skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the stove over low to medium heat and let it warm up slowly. Heating the skillet gradually helps to reduce the risk of sticking.
Use a seasoned skillet: Make sure your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned. Seasoning creates a non-stick surface on the skillet, which makes it easier to cook eggs without oil. If your skillet is not adequately seasoned, you might want to consider using a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Ensure the skillet is clean and dry: Before adding the eggs, make sure the skillet is clean and completely dry. Any residual moisture or food particles can cause sticking.
Use low to medium heat: Eggs cook quickly, so use low to medium heat to avoid burning or sticking. Cast iron retains heat well, so even low heat should be sufficient.
Add the eggs carefully: Crack the eggs into a bowl first to ensure no shell fragments are present. Gently slide the eggs onto the skillet to prevent any sudden sticking.
Use a non-stick utensil: To avoid scratching the seasoned surface, use a non-stick spatula or a utensil with a smooth edge to flip or remove the eggs.
Monitor the cooking process: Keep a close eye on the eggs as they cook. Once the whites are set and the yolks are done to your liking, carefully remove them from the skillet.
It's essential to note that cooking eggs without oil in a cast iron skillet might not be as foolproof as using a non-stick pan or adding a little oil. Some sticking may still occur, especially if the skillet is not well-seasoned or if the eggs are cooked at too high of a heat. If you encounter sticking, you might need to use a small amount of oil or butter, which will also add flavor to the eggs.