Air Fryer Poached Eggs: A Quick Breakfast Hack

Poached eggs are a breakfast staple, but the traditional stovetop method can be tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple solution to achieving the perfect poached egg, without the fuss. With this method, you can make multiple cafe-style poached eggs at once, with no need to babysit the stove or deal with a giant pot of water. The result? A beautifully round, protein-rich egg with a firm white and creamy yolk, perfect for avocado toast or a classic eggs benedict.

How to make poached eggs in an air fryer

Poached eggs in an air fryer are a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the hassle of boiling a pot of water or babysitting the stove. Plus, there's no messy water to clean up afterward! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make perfect poached eggs using your air fryer:

What You'll Need:

• Air fryer
• Ramekins (ceramic, glass, or stoneware) or oven-safe dishes
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Hot water (boiling is preferred)
• Fresh eggs
• Salt and pepper (optional) for seasoning
• Rubber or silicone spatula
• Oven mitt or potholder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Lightly grease or spray the inside of each ramekin with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the eggs from sticking to the ramekins.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 350°F (177°C) and 400°F (200°C).
• Add hot water to each ramekin. The amount of water may vary depending on the size of your ramekins, but aim for the water to reach about halfway up the sides.
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin.
• Place the filled ramekins into the air fryer basket. If you are cooking multiple ramekins, ensure they have some space between them.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes for a runny yolk. Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired doneness. For a firmer yolk, cook for an additional minute or two.
• Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or potholders as they will be very hot.
• Use a rubber or silicone spatula to carefully slide the eggs out of the ramekins and onto a plate or toast.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh eggs for the best results.
• Be careful when removing the ramekins from the air fryer, as the water can be very hot.
• The eggs will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so it's best to remove them when they are slightly underdone to achieve your desired doneness.
• You can add seasonings to the water or sprinkle them directly onto the eggs before or after cooking.
• If you don't have ramekins, you can use silicone muffin cups or small, oven-safe bowls. Ensure they are heat-resistant and fit easily in the air fryer basket.

The benefits of poaching eggs in an air fryer

Poaching eggs in an air fryer has many benefits. Here are some of the advantages of using this method:

Quick and Easy

Air fryer poached eggs are a convenient and quick way to cook eggs without the hassle of babysitting the stove or dealing with a large pot of boiling water. The eggs are ready in just a few minutes, making it a fast and simple breakfast option.

No Messy Cleanup

With the air fryer method, there is no messy water to clean up afterward. The eggs are cooked in individual ramekins, which helps contain the mess and makes for an easy and straightforward cleanup process.

Consistent Results

Achieving the perfect poached egg with a runny yolk and cooked whites can be challenging using traditional stovetop methods. However, with an air fryer, you can get consistent results every time. The eggs turn out fluffy, and the whites are cooked just right while the yolks remain nice and runny.

Healthier Option

Air fryer poached eggs are a healthier alternative to traditional fried eggs as they are cooked in water without the need for added fats or oils. This makes them a great option for those on a weight loss journey or looking for lower-fat egg options.

Batch Cooking

The air fryer allows you to cook multiple eggs at once, making it ideal for feeding a large family or group of friends. You can cook at least four eggs simultaneously, saving time and effort compared to cooking them one by one on the stovetop.

Customizable

You have control over the doneness of your eggs with the air fryer method. Depending on your preference, you can easily adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired yolk consistency, from runny to jammy to fully cooked.

How many eggs can you cook at once?

The number of eggs you can cook at once depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of the ramekins you use. A 6-quart air fryer can typically fit 4 ramekins, but some larger models may fit up to 6. It's important to test how many ramekins can fit in your specific air fryer by placing them in the basket while the air fryer is cool.

When cooking, it's best to leave some space between the ramekins to allow for proper air circulation. Therefore, it's generally recommended to cook 4 eggs at a time in a standard 6-quart air fryer. However, if you have a larger model, you may be able to cook more.

What type of water should you use?

When poaching eggs in an air fryer, it is important to use hot water rather than cold water. This is because hot water reduces the cooking time and helps the egg whites hold together better as they cook. Using hot water ensures that the egg whites start to cook before the egg yolks, creating the perfect poached egg with a runny centre.

If you use cold water, the water will heat up at the same time as the rest of the egg, and you won't get the desired effect of cooking the egg whites faster than the yolks.

Some recipes suggest using room temperature water, which can be added to the ramekins while preheating the air fryer, but this is not necessary. Pre-boiling water adds more time with little difference in cooking time or texture.

How to remove the eggs from the air fryer

To remove the eggs from the air fryer, first make sure you have oven mitts or potholders at hand to protect your hands from the hot ramekins. You can also use tongs if the ramekins are too hot to touch. Place the ramekins on a heat-safe surface.

Next, use a butter knife to gently slide around the outside of the ramekin to loosen the egg. Then, use a slotted spoon or spatula to carefully lift the egg out of the ramekin. If the egg is stuck, try running a knife around the edge of the ramekin to loosen it.

Finally, transfer the egg to a plate or toast, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions