Air-Fried Poached Eggs: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Option

Poached eggs are a breakfast classic, but they can be tricky to get right on the stove. The air fryer is a great alternative, allowing you to make perfectly poached eggs without the need for boiling water, swirling techniques, or vinegar. You can also cook multiple eggs at once, making it a quick and easy option for a larger group. All you need is an air fryer, some ramekins or silicone cups, and of course, eggs!

How to poach eggs in an air fryer

Poached eggs in an air fryer are a quick and easy way to cook this breakfast classic without the need for boiling a pot of water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to poach eggs in an air fryer.

What You'll Need:

• Air fryer-safe dish/ramekins
• Oil/cooking spray
• Hot water
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Method:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (177-204°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Next, grease your air fryer-safe dish or ramekins with oil or cooking spray. You can also add some oil to a clean paper towel and rub it along the bottom and sides of the dish/ramekins.

Now, add hot water to your dish/ramekins. The amount of water will depend on the size of your dish/ramekin, but it should be enough to fully submerge the egg.

Then, carefully crack an egg into each dish/ramekin.

Place the dishes/ramekins into the air fryer basket and cook for around 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a runny yolk, cook for a shorter amount of time, and for a firmer yolk, cook for a little longer.

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully remove the dishes/ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as they will be very hot.

Finally, use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently remove the eggs from the dishes/ramekins and serve immediately. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use fresh eggs for the best results.
• You can add herbs, spices, or other seasonings to the eggs before or after cooking for extra flavour.
• Be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
• If you want to cook multiple eggs at once, most standard 6-qt air fryers can fit 4 ramekins, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• For easier removal of the eggs, use a teaspoon or spatula to gently release the egg from the sides of the ramekin halfway through cooking.
• If you are making the eggs in advance, place them in an ice bath after cooking to stop them from overcooking, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What to serve with air fryer poached eggs

Air fryer poached eggs are a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast or brunch. They can be served with a variety of dishes, including:

• Avocado toast
• Bacon
• Breakfast bowls
• Roasted potatoes
• Air fryer peppers and mushrooms
• Spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes
• Air fryer asparagus
• Smoked salmon
• Hollandaise sauce
• Hash browns
• Sweet potato hash
• Avocado toast with hollandaise sauce
• Crispy vegetables
• English muffins
• Black bean, avocado, and egg tostadas
• Chorizo and halloumi pancakes
• Kale, parmesan, and fried egg tartine
• Congee
• Furikake
• Kimchi
• Shakshuka
• Goat cheese
• Tomato fried in olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Cheese on bread
• Croissants
• Hot bowl of ramen noodles
• Butternut squash curry
• Oven fries
• Soup
• Leftover fried rice
• Savory oatmeal with cream, salt, and pesto
• Green salad
• Bibimbap
• Bacon lardons
• Homemade vinaigrette
• French-style scrambled eggs
• French omelettes
• Baked potato
• Spaghetti
• Bacon lardons
• Garlic butter
• Grated cheese
• Chili crisp
• Cabbage
• Pork belly
• Pickled vegetables
• Pesto toast
• Flatbread
• Feta cheese
• Chilli dressing
• Smoked haddock
• Croutons
• Turkish poached eggs
• Indian chickpeas
• Smoked fish cakes
• Sweetcorn and courgette fritters
• Parsnip latkes
• Poached egg salad
• Asparagus salad
• Spiced rice
• Kippers
• Spiced aubergine pilaf
• Wholewheat flatbreads
• Beans
• Horseradish latkes
• Gravadlax
• Confit chicken legs
• Purple sprouting broccoli
• Chorizo
• Watercress salad
• Spiced rice
• Poached eggs Florentine
• Ratatouille
• Harissa yoghurt

Tips for making air fryer poached eggs

Air fryer poached eggs are a convenient and tasty way to cook poached eggs without the hassle of boiling water or babysitting the stove. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect air fryer poached eggs:

Use the Right Equipment:

Use oven-safe ramekins or ceramic dishes to cook your eggs in. You can also use silicone cups or molds, but avoid using silicone alone as it doesn't transfer heat in the same way as ceramic or glass. Make sure your ramekins are small, around 4 oz. or 250 ml in size, to ensure the eggs don't spread out too thin and overcook.

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F, and preheat for at least 3-4 minutes. This will help the air fryer reach the desired temperature and cook the eggs evenly.

Prepare the Ramekins:

Lightly grease your ramekins with cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil. You can also use butter or ghee. Adding a small amount of hot water to the ramekins before cracking in the eggs is recommended by some sources, as it helps cook the whites more quickly and results in softer yolks. However, others suggest that this step is unnecessary and can be skipped without affecting the final result.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your desired doneness of the yolk and the model of your air fryer. As a general guide, cook the eggs at a temperature between 360°F and 400°F for 5-8 minutes. For a runny yolk, aim for 5-6 minutes, and for a firmer but still soft yolk, go for 7-8 minutes. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so it's better to take them out a little earlier than you think.

Use Fresh Eggs:

Using fresh eggs will give you better results. Check the expiration dates, and if possible, crack an egg into a bowl to ensure the white holds together well, indicating freshness. If you only have less-fresh eggs, crack them into a small sieve to separate the watery part before adding them to the ramekins.

Removing the Eggs from the Ramekins:

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as they will be very hot. Allow the ramekins to cool for about a minute before attempting to remove the eggs. Use a rubber or silicone spatula, a wooden spoon, or a large dessert spoon to gently lift the eggs out of the ramekins and drain any excess water on a paper towel.

Seasoning and Serving:

Season your poached eggs with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, herbs, or cheese. Serve your air fryer poached eggs on buttered toast, avocado toast, or as part of an eggs benedict breakfast.

How to store air fryer poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, or you want to prepare them in advance, there are a few ways to store them.

Firstly, you should let the poached eggs cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container and cover them with water. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat the eggs, return them to the air fryer and air fry for 2-3 minutes. Check them after each minute to ensure they don't overcook, as this will affect the texture and taste.

Alternatively, you can place the poached eggs in an ice bath to stop them from overcooking. Then, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you want to serve them, bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer and reheat the eggs for 30-60 seconds, or until they are hot throughout.

How to prevent air fryer poached eggs from sticking to the ramekin

To prevent air fryer poached eggs from sticking to the ramekin, you can try the following:

• Use a non-stick cooking spray or oil to grease the ramekins before adding the eggs.
• Use a rubber or silicone spatula, or a wooden spoon, to gently remove the eggs from the ramekins after cooking. Metal spatulas can break the yolk.
• If the eggs are stuck, try running a knife around the edge of the ramekin to loosen them before transferring to a plate.
• Make sure the eggs are fully submerged in water to prevent the egg whites from getting crispy.
• Do not overcook the eggs, as this can cause them to stick to the ramekin. Remove the eggs from the air fryer slightly earlier than you think they are done, as they will continue to cook in the hot water.
• Use fresh eggs, as their egg whites hold together better than older eggs.
• Use a kitchen towel or tongs to remove the hot ramekins from the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions