Air-Frying Poached Eggs: A Quick Breakfast Hack

Poached eggs are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect runny yolk can be challenging. The air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of dishes, but can it be used to make poached eggs? The answer is yes! Air fryer poached eggs are a convenient and tasty alternative to the traditional stovetop method. This method is easier and yields consistent results with runny yolks and perfectly cooked egg whites.

Air fryer poached eggs: a new and easy way

Poached eggs are a delicious breakfast option, but the traditional stovetop method can be tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, air fryers offer a new and easy way to achieve perfectly poached eggs. Here's a step-by-step guide to making air fryer poached eggs:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Eggs
• Ramekins (4-6 oz)
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Hot water
• Air fryer
• Rubber spatula or spoon

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (177-200°C).
• Grease your ramekins with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Add hot water to each ramekin (3-4 tablespoons per egg).
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin.
• Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired yolk doneness. For a runny yolk, aim for 5-6 minutes.
• Once cooked, remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs.
• Use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently remove the eggs from the ramekins and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can cook multiple eggs at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• The hot water helps to cook the egg whites faster and prevents rubbery edges.
• You can add vinegar to the water if desired, but it's not necessary.
• For easier removal, run a knife around the edge of the ramekin before lifting out the egg.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy your perfectly poached eggs!

How to make poached eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Ramekins
• Water
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 °F (177-200 °C).
• Grease your ramekins with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Add hot water to each ramekin. Most sources recommend 2-3 tablespoons of water per egg, but one source suggests adding enough water to cover the eggs.
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin.
• Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350-360 °F (180 °C).
• Set the timer for 5-7 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks. Check the eggs at the 5-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.
• Once the eggs are done to your liking, remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs.
• Use a rubber spatula or a spoon to gently lift the eggs out of the ramekins and onto your plate or toast.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Tips

• If you don't have ramekins, you can use muffin tins, silicone muffin containers, or glass or ceramic oven-safe dishes.
• You can also add seasonings or salsa to your eggs before serving.
• For best results, use fresh eggs and remove the eggs from the ramekins immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking.

The best air fryer poached egg method

Poached eggs are a great source of protein and a delicious breakfast option. Making poached eggs in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to cook them without the need for a stovetop or a large pot of water. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect air fryer poached eggs:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Fresh eggs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Ramekins or custard cups (ceramic, glass, or stoneware)
• Air fryer
• Pliable spatula or rubber/silicone spatula
• Potholder or oven mitt

Step-by-Step Method:

• Lightly grease or spray each ramekin with olive oil or cooking spray. You can also use ghee butter or bacon grease for extra flavour.
• Add hot water to each ramekin. The amount of water may vary depending on the size of your ramekins, but generally, 2-3 tablespoons of water per egg is recommended.
• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400 °F (177-200 °C). Place the ramekins with water into the air fryer during preheating if possible.
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin. The hot water will start to cook the egg whites, and the yolks will remain runny.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350-360 °F (177-180 °C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your preferred doneness of the yolk. For a runnier yolk, reduce the cooking time, and for a firmer yolk, cook for a few minutes longer.
• Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or potholders. Be cautious as the ramekins will be hot.
• Gently slide a spatula or butter knife around the edge of the egg to loosen it from the ramekin. Then, use a spoon or spatula to lift the egg out of the ramekin and onto your plate or toast.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your perfectly poached egg!

Tips for Success:

• Always use fresh eggs for the best results.
• The number of eggs you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer. Larger models may fit 4-6 ramekins, while smaller ones may only fit 2.
• It is important to remove the eggs from the ramekins immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking.
• You can add seasonings like Italian or Mexican spices, salsa, or avocado to your poached eggs for extra flavour.
• If you don't have ramekins, you can use muffin tins, silicone muffin containers, or glass or ceramic oven-safe dishes.

Air fryer poached eggs: tips for the best results

Poached eggs are a great source of protein and are perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast. Achieving the perfect poached egg can be challenging, but using an air fryer is a fantastic alternative that yields tasty results. Here are some tips for getting the best results when making poached eggs in an air fryer:

Use the Right Equipment

Firstly, you'll need an air fryer and some ramekins. Most recipes recommend using 4-6 ounce ramekins, but you can also use muffin tins, silicone muffin cups, or glass ramekins. Just make sure they are oven-safe and fit easily in your air fryer basket. You'll also need a rubber or silicone spatula for removing the eggs from the ramekins.

Prepare the Ramekins

Lightly grease or spray each ramekin with oil or butter. This will prevent the eggs from sticking to the ramekins and make them easier to remove once cooked.

Add Hot Water

Add hot water to each ramekin before cracking the eggs. This is an important step as it helps to cook the egg whites before the yolks, creating the perfect poached egg with a runny center. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of hot water per egg.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (177-200°C). The exact temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and your preferred doneness of the yolk.

Cook the Eggs

Crack an egg into each ramekin and place the filled ramekins into the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the eggs don't overcook. The eggs are done when the egg whites appear set and can withstand a gentle poke.

Remove the Eggs from the Ramekins

Once the eggs are done, use a rubber or silicone spatula to gently lift them out of the ramekins. Be careful not to break the yolks. Serve the eggs immediately, as they will continue to cook in the hot water if left in the ramekins.

Season and Serve

Place the poached eggs on your dish of choice and season with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Poached eggs go well with avocado toast, smoked salmon, rice, or a bed of lettuce. You can also add them to burgers, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for a boost of protein.

Air fryer poached eggs: what you'll need

Making poached eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this breakfast staple without the need for a stovetop or a large pot of water. The air fryer's consistent temperature and even cooking mean you can achieve perfectly poached eggs with runny yolks and no messy water to clean up afterwards. Here's what you'll need to get started:

Ingredients:

• Eggs: Use fresh, large chicken eggs for the best results. You can make as many poached eggs as your air fryer can accommodate, but most recipes suggest cooking between one and four eggs at a time.
• Water: Use hot or boiling water to help cook the egg whites faster and achieve a softer yolk. You'll need about 2-3 tablespoons of water per egg.
• Oil or Cooking Spray: Use olive oil, ghee butter, or a non-stick cooking spray to grease the ramekins and prevent the eggs from sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste after cooking.

Equipment:

• Air Fryer: Any air fryer will work, but the size of your air fryer will determine how many eggs you can cook at once. A larger 5.8-quart air fryer, for example, can cook up to four eggs simultaneously.
• Ramekins: Use 4-6 ounce ramekins or custard cups, preferably made of glass, ceramic, or stoneware. Avoid using silicone ramekins or cups, as they don't conduct heat well and may affect the cooking process.
• Spatula: A small, pliable spatula will help you gently lift the cooked eggs out of the ramekins without breaking the yolks.
• Potholder or Oven Mitt: To protect your hands when removing the hot ramekins from the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions