Baked Eggs In Ramekins: Air Fryer Magic

Baked eggs are a tasty and time-saving breakfast option. They are also known as shirred eggs and are traditionally baked in a wide, shallow dish. The advantage of using an air fryer is that it saves time and energy. Ramekins are a great option for baking eggs in an air fryer as they are small enough to hold just one or two eggs and heat evenly. You can also use silicone cupcake liners, though they may need a little extra time in the air fryer.

How to make baked eggs in an air fryer

Baked eggs, also known as shirred eggs, are a great breakfast or brunch option. They are similar to poached eggs but with more surface area, making them perfect for sprinkling with fresh herbs, cheese, or breadcrumbs.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Milk or cream (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Cheese (optional)
• Diced vegetables (optional)
• Cooked meat (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Ramekins or silicone muffin cups
• Tongs
• Non-stick spray
• Bowl (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (187°C).
• Grease your ramekins or muffin cups with non-stick spray or a dab of olive oil.
• Crack an egg into each ramekin or muffin cup.
• If desired, add a splash of milk or cream to each egg and gently swirl it into the egg white.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the ramekins or muffin cups into the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are at your desired level of runniness.
• Use tongs to carefully remove the ramekins or muffin cups from the air fryer, as they will be very hot.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra ingredients like cheese, diced vegetables, or cooked meat, simply mix them into the eggs before cooking.
• If you don't have ramekins, you can use silicone muffin cups or liners.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your ramekins or muffin cups, so keep an eye on your eggs to avoid overcooking.

Best containers for making baked eggs

When it comes to making baked eggs, there are several container options to choose from. Here is a list of the best containers to use:

Ramekins

Ramekins are a popular choice for making baked eggs, especially in an air fryer. They are small ceramic or glass dishes that are perfect for holding just one or two eggs. They heat evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked eggs. However, they can get very hot, so it is important to use tongs when handling them.

Silicone Muffin Cups

Silicone muffin cups are another great option for making baked eggs, especially if you are making single servings. They are easy to use and, with some olive oil spray, the eggs won't stick. Silicone cups come in various sizes, including standard, jumbo, and mini, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs. They are also easy to clean and can be found with handles for easier holding.

Nonstick Muffin Tin

If you want to bake multiple eggs at once, a nonstick muffin tin is a great option. Make sure to spray the tin with a nonstick cooking spray or use muffin liners to ensure the eggs don't stick. This method is perfect for meal prep, as you can bake several eggs at once and store them in the fridge for up to five days.

Pizza Pan

If you're looking to cook up to four large eggs at once, a pizza pan is a great option. The low pan allows the eggs to cook quicker. This is a good choice if you're feeding a larger crowd and want to cook multiple eggs efficiently.

Oven-Safe Skillet

For a rustic and charming presentation, you can use a small oven-safe skillet to make your baked eggs. Simply grease the skillet, crack in your desired number of eggs, and bake until the whites are set. This method is perfect for a cosy breakfast for two or a charming brunch presentation.

Pros of making baked eggs in an air fryer

Baked eggs in an air fryer are a great option for a quick, tasty, and nutritious breakfast. Here are some pros of making baked eggs in an air fryer:

Time-saving and convenient

Air fryer baked eggs are a convenient option for a quick breakfast. They take about 10 minutes to cook, which is less time than it takes for a traditional oven to heat up. This makes them a great choice if you're short on time or energy in the mornings.

Easy to prepare and clean up

The preparation process is simple: you just need to grease the ramekins or silicone molds, add the eggs and desired ingredients, and place them in the air fryer. The cleanup is also easy since most air fryer accessories are dishwasher-safe.

Versatile and customizable

Baked eggs in an air fryer can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can add vegetables, cheeses, meats, or herbs to create a personalized and delicious breakfast. They are also a perfect option for a low-carb and keto-friendly meal.

Efficient and energy-saving

The air fryer's small-batch cooking is more energy-efficient than a conventional oven, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. It also doesn't heat up the entire kitchen, making it a cooler option during warmer months.

Consistent and mess-free cooking

The air fryer delivers consistently perfect baked eggs with minimal effort and supervision. The eggs are cooked evenly, and there is no need to flip them during the cooking process. Splatters and messes are contained within the air fryer basket, making it a mess-free option.

Customising your baked eggs

Baked eggs in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients to suit any taste. Here are some ideas for customising your baked eggs:

Cheese

A sprinkle of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan or feta, adds a gooey texture and a salty, savoury flavour to your baked eggs.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley or basil can be sprinkled on top of your baked eggs to add freshness and colour. You can add herbs before or after cooking.

Meat

Incorporate cooked meats such as bacon, ham or sausage to your baked eggs for an extra protein boost and a smoky, hearty flavour.

Vegetables

Add colour and nutrition to your baked eggs with your favourite vegetables. Try bell peppers, onions, spinach or peas.

Milk or Cream

Stirring a splash of milk or cream into the egg whites can help keep them tender and prevent them from getting rubbery if they overcook.

Seasoning

Don't forget to season your baked eggs with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavour of the eggs.

Reheating baked eggs

Preparing the Air Fryer and Ramekins:

Before reheating your baked eggs, ensure that your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your ramekins. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle the ramekins, as they can get very hot.

Reheating the Baked Eggs:

Place the ramekins with the baked eggs in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even heating. Reheat the baked eggs for 1-3 minutes, depending on their size. For runny yolks, reheat for a shorter duration. Keep an eye on the eggs and adjust the timing as needed.

Serving the Reheated Baked Eggs:

Once the eggs are heated to your desired level, remove them from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Season the eggs with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra flavour. Serve the reheated baked eggs immediately while they are still hot and enjoy!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even heating.
• Use oven mitts or tongs when handling the ramekins to prevent burns, as they can get very hot.
• Keep an eye on the eggs during the reheating process to avoid overcooking or drying them out.
• For runny yolks, reheat for a shorter duration, checking the eggs after 5 minutes to achieve your desired texture.
• If the reheated eggs look dry, spray a bit of air-fryer-safe oil on them before serving.

Frequently asked questions