Air-Frying Poached Eggs: A Quick Breakfast Hack

Poached eggs are a delicious and healthy breakfast option, but cooking them on a stovetop can be a meticulous task. The air fryer provides a simple, efficient, and mess-free alternative to the traditional method. It is possible to cook multiple eggs in an air fryer at the same time, making it a quick and easy way to feed a large family or group of friends. The air fryer also maintains a stable temperature, ensuring your eggs cook evenly every time. This method of poaching eggs lets you step away while your eggs cook, and you can cook them to your preferred level of doneness.

Air fryer poached eggs are quick and easy to make

Air fryer poached eggs are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be made in just a few simple steps. The air fryer makes it easy to cook perfect poached eggs without the need for boiling, swirling, or vinegar, and you can cook multiple eggs at once, making it a great option for feeding a large family or group of friends.

To make air fryer poached eggs, you'll need an air fryer, oven-safe ramekins or silicone molds, and cooking spray or oil. Fresh eggs are also essential, as they hold their shape better than older eggs and result in more visually appealing and delicious poached eggs.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making air fryer poached eggs:

First, spray or drizzle the ramekins with a little oil, then fill each one with 3-4 tablespoons of water. The oil will prevent the eggs from sticking to the edges of the ramekins during cooking. If you don't have ramekins, you can use silicone muffin cups or small, oven-safe bowls that fit easily in the air fryer basket.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) with the cups of water inside for about 5 minutes. Carefully open the air fryer and check if the water is steaming. If not, heat for another 2 minutes.

Once the water is steaming, it's time to cook the eggs. Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin. Lower the temperature of the air fryer to 350°F-360°F (177°C)-182°C, depending on your air fryer model. Set the timer for 4 to 7 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using tongs or heat-resistant gloves. Let them sit for a minute, then gently run a butter knife or rubber spatula around the edges to loosen the eggs. Invert the ramekin over a plate, and your beautifully poached egg is ready to be served!

You can serve air fryer poached eggs on their own or as a topping for avocado toast, breakfast bowls, salads, or English muffins with Canadian bacon and hollandaise sauce for a classic brunch dish.

They're a healthy breakfast option

Poached eggs are a healthy breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer offers a convenient and quick way to prepare this dish. Air fryers are known for their ability to cook food with minimal added oil, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals.

Eggs themselves are a nutrient-rich food, providing a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The poaching method further enhances the health benefits as it doesn't require oil or butter for cooking, resulting in a low-calorie, low-fat meal option.

When preparing poached eggs in an air fryer, you can control the exact amount of oil or cooking spray used, ensuring a minimal amount is added while still achieving a delicious, crispy texture on the outside of the egg. This makes air-fried poached eggs a great option for those watching their calorie or fat intake without sacrificing taste and texture.

Additionally, air fryers offer a convenient way to cook multiple eggs at once, making them perfect for meal prep or feeding a larger group. You can easily adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired doneness, whether you prefer runny yolks or a more well-done consistency.

Overall, cooking poached eggs in an air fryer is a healthy, tasty, and efficient way to prepare a nutritious breakfast. With minimal added oil and the convenience of quick cooking, air-fried poached eggs are a great option for those seeking a balanced and tasty start to their day. Simply set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and time, and enjoy a healthy, delicious breakfast in minutes. It's a convenient, modern twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

You can cook multiple eggs at once

Yes, you can cook multiple eggs at once in an air fryer! This is one of the benefits of using an air fryer, as it can handle two to four fried eggs at a time, and even up to six eggs at once, depending on the size of the air fryer and the egg dish.

To cook multiple eggs in an air fryer, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 370 °F (187 °C) for about three minutes. Place the ramekins inside the air fryer while it preheats. You can use 4-oz ramekins or oven-safe ramekins that are approximately 3.5-4 inches wide and 6-8 oz. Spray the ramekins with oil spray or grease the sides with a little oil.

Once preheated, carefully crack the eggs into the hot ramekins. Depending on the number of eggs, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Set the timer and check on your eggs after three minutes. If they are not done to your liking, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until they reach your desired level of doneness.

The total cook time for poached eggs in an air fryer is typically around 5-6 minutes. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the eggs, and the temperature of the eggs. It's always a good idea to monitor the cooking process and adjust as needed.

When the eggs are done, remove the ramekins from the air fryer basket using kitchen tongs or oven mitts. Carefully slide the poached eggs into a strainer to drain the water, and then plate and season with salt and pepper before serving.

No need for boiling water or vinegar

Poaching eggs is traditionally done by submerging them in simmering water, resulting in soft and moist eggs with a silky, runny yolk. However, this method can be intimidating and often takes a few attempts to get right. Some people add vinegar or swirl the water to keep the egg together, but these methods are not foolproof.

When poaching eggs in an air fryer, you don't need to use boiling water or vinegar. The air fryer simplifies the process by eliminating the need for these extra steps and ingredients. The ramekins used in the air fryer keep the eggs contained, so there's no need for vinegar to hold them together. Additionally, the air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the eggs evenly without the need for boiling water.

To poach eggs in an air fryer, you'll need an air fryer, oven-safe ramekins, and cooking spray or oil. First, spray or drizzle the ramekins with oil to prevent the eggs from sticking. Then, add a small amount of water to each ramekin—about 2 to 4 tablespoons. The water should be heated before adding the eggs, so set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to heat the water.

Once the water is steaming, carefully crack an egg into each ramekin. Lower the temperature of the air fryer to 350°F to 360°F (177°C to 182°C) and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on your preferred doneness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 7 minutes for a runny yolk. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook in the hot water even after you remove them from the air fryer, so remove them slightly earlier than you think to avoid overcooking.

You can add herbs, spices, and other ingredients to the egg mixture

Poached eggs are a great source of protein and can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. The air fryer makes it easy to cook your favourite breakfast foods, and you can even add herbs, spices, and other ingredients to the egg mixture for extra flavour.

To start, you'll need to gather your ingredients and kitchenware. You will need an air fryer, of course, as well as oven-safe ramekins or custard cups that are approximately 3.5-4 inches wide and hold 6-8 oz. of water. Fresh eggs are key for the best results, and you can also use your favourite herbs and spices to add some extra flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start preparing. First, spray or drizzle the ramekins with a little oil to prevent the eggs from sticking to the sides. You can also add a small amount of hot water to the ramekins. Then, crack an egg into each ramekin and add your desired herbs, spices, and other ingredients to the raw egg and water mixture. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite flavour.

After you've added your desired ingredients to the egg mixture, it's time to cook the eggs. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and timer according to your desired yolk consistency. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the size and temperature of the eggs, so it's important to monitor the cooking process and adjust as needed. For a runny yolk, cook the eggs for around 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a harder yolk, you may need to cook the eggs for up to 8-10 minutes.

Finally, once the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer and slide the poached eggs into a strainer to drain the water. Plate the eggs and season with salt and pepper, or your favourite herbs and spices, before serving. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful air-fried poached eggs!

Frequently asked questions