Air-Fryer Poached Eggs: Is It Possible?

Poached eggs are a breakfast staple, but they can be tricky to get right. Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and they can be used to make poached eggs without the hassle of boiling water and swirling pots. Air fryer poached eggs are quick and easy to make, and you can cook multiple eggs at once. All you need is an air fryer, eggs, water, and a ramekin or two.

How long to cook poached eggs in an air fryer

Poaching eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a perfect poached egg. The cooking time will depend on how runny you like your yolks, but it should take between 4 and 7 minutes.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204 °C) and grease your ramekins with cooking oil or olive oil. You can also add a little water to the ramekins to help prevent the egg whites from getting crispy.

Next, crack an egg into each ramekin and place them into the air fryer basket. Turn the temperature down to 360°F (182 °C) and set the timer. Depending on your air fryer and how runny you like your yolks, the eggs should take between 4 and 7 minutes to cook. The whites should be set, and the yolks should be runny.

Once the eggs are done, use a small silicone spatula to gently lift them out of the ramekins. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

You can also experiment with adding different seasonings to the eggs, such as herbs, spices, or cheese. Just be sure to add these after the eggs are cooked, as adding them beforehand could affect the cooking time.

What containers to use

To make poached eggs in an air fryer, you will need to use a heat-resistant container that fits easily into the air fryer basket. Here are some options for containers that you can use:

Ramekins

Ramekins are the most commonly recommended container for making poached eggs in an air fryer. Look for small, heat-resistant ramekins, such as those made of ceramic or glass. The ideal size is around 3-4 ounces or 3 inches in diameter. This size will allow the eggs to stay contained in a small space so they don't spread out too thin and overcook. You can find these ramekins at most kitchen supply stores or online.

Silicone Molds/Cups

Some people also use silicone molds or cups to make poached eggs in an air fryer. These are flexible, reusable cups that are safe to use in high temperatures. Look for heat-resistant silicone molds that are specifically designed for baking or cooking. You can find them at kitchen supply stores or online.

Small Ceramic or Glass Baking Dishes

Small ceramic or glass baking dishes can also be used for making individual servings of poached eggs in an air fryer. These dishes should be oven-safe up to temperatures of around 450 °F (230 °C).

Muffin Tins or Reusable Silicone Baking Cups

If you don't have any small dishes on hand, you can use muffin tins or reusable silicone baking cups. These are perfect for making poached eggs, as well as small-sized portions of other recipes.

Silicone Egg Poachers

While some people use silicone egg poachers in their air fryers, it is not recommended as they don't transfer heat in the same way that ceramic or metal does, which can affect the cooking time and results.

Other Tips

• Grease your chosen container with cooking spray, olive oil, avocado oil, or another type of cooking oil to prevent the eggs from sticking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the eggs to ensure even cooking.
• Use room temperature or hot water in the containers, adding enough to completely submerge the eggs. This helps the egg whites hold together and cook more evenly.
• Depending on your air fryer and desired doneness, the cooking time for poached eggs will vary between 4 to 8 minutes at temperatures between 350 °F to 400 °F.

How to serve poached eggs

Poached eggs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, from breakfast to supper. Here are some ideas on how to serve poached eggs:

Classic Combinations

Poached eggs are commonly served on toast, crumpets, or potato waffles. The contrast between the runny yolk and the crunchy toast makes for a delightful texture combination. However, it is important to note that poached eggs should be served by toast, near toast, or toast-adjacent, as placing them directly on the toast can create an unpleasantly damp ring.

Savory Delights

For a savory breakfast or brunch option, serve poached eggs on avocado toast with a hint of chilli, or alongside bacon and spinach. You can also create an indulgent breakfast by pairing poached eggs with avocado and feta toast, or smoked salmon and dill hollandaise. For a heartier meal, poached eggs go well with cheesy grits and spring vegetables, or mashed white beans with kale and parmesan.

International Flavors

Poached eggs are a great way to add protein to international dishes. Try them on a bed of Turkish poached eggs, or with Indian chickpeas, spiced aubergine pilaf, or New Orleans-style Eggs Sardou (poached eggs with artichoke hearts, spinach, and hollandaise). For a Mexican twist, serve poached eggs on sweetcorn and courgette fritters with a drizzle of chilli dressing, or on black bean, avocado, and egg tostadas.

Creative Combinations

Get creative with your poached eggs by pairing them with unique ingredients. Try poached eggs with broccoli, tomatoes, and wholemeal flatbread, or with purple sprouting broccoli, hollandaise sauce, and sourdough. For a unique twist on a classic, replace the spinach in eggs Florentine with purple sprouting broccoli.

Hearty Meals

Poached eggs can also be a part of a more substantial meal. Try them with confit chicken legs, potato hash, and bacon, or with parsnip latkes, smoked haddock, and avocado. For a vegetarian option, poached eggs go well with wholewheat flatbreads and beans.

Salads and Bowls

Add a poached egg to a salad or bowl for a protein boost. Try a poached egg salad with garlic croutons, or an asparagus salad with a runny poached egg. For a heartier option, top a grain bowl or a warm bowl of rice and beans with a poached egg.

Final Thoughts

The possibilities for serving poached eggs are endless, and they can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy them as a classic breakfast dish or get creative with international flavors and unique combinations, poached eggs are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

How to store poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or are preparing them ahead of time, there are a few ways to store them. Firstly, place the cooked eggs in an ice bath to stop them from overcooking. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, covered in water, for up to 2 or 3 days. To reheat, put them into boiling water or microwave them until warm.

If you are preparing poached eggs in advance for a group, you can poach them as normal but undercook them slightly. Strain the eggs and put them into a refrigerator container filled with cold water. When you are ready to serve, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and give the eggs their final minute of poaching. This method is much less stressful than poaching all the eggs at the last minute!

How to reheat poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, return the eggs to the air fryer and air fry for two to three minutes, checking after each minute to ensure they don't overcook. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

• Set the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and preheat for three minutes.
• Place the poached eggs in their ramekins back into the air fryer basket. If you are reheating more than two eggs, place the ramekins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry for two to three minutes. Keep a close eye on the eggs and check their progress after each minute to prevent overcooking. The total cooking time will depend on the number of eggs you are reheating and your desired level of doneness.
• Once the eggs are warmed through, remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as the ramekins will be hot.
• Serve the reheated poached eggs immediately. You can season them with salt and pepper, or your desired herbs and spices, if needed.

Frequently asked questions