Air Fryer Sunny Side Up Eggs: Quick And Easy?

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including fried eggs. Making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers delicious results. With a few simple steps and adjustments, you can achieve the perfect runny yolk and tender egg whites without the hassle of pan-frying. This guide will cover the necessary ingredients, tools, and cooking instructions to help you master the art of making sunny side up eggs in your air fryer.

Sunny side up eggs in an air fryer: the ingredients and equipment you'll need

Making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and pieces of equipment. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• Eggs: The main ingredient is, of course, eggs. You can adjust the number of eggs depending on the serving size, but most recipes suggest cracking 2 eggs for a single serving.
• Oil: A small amount of neutral cooking oil is needed to grease the pan or mould before adding the eggs. You can also use non-stick spray instead of oil.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings used to add flavour to the eggs. You can also add a pinch of paprika for an extra burst of flavour.

Equipment:

• Air Fryer: You'll need an air fryer to cook the eggs. Make sure your air fryer has enough space to accommodate the pan or mould you'll be using.
• Pan or Mould: It's important to use a suitable vessel for cooking the eggs, such as a small cake pan, a ramekin, or silicone cake moulds. Avoid using parchment paper or an air fryer liner, as these can disrupt heat distribution.
• Spatula: You'll need a spatula to remove the cooked eggs from the pan or mould and transfer them to a plate.
• Small Bowl (Optional): Using a small dipping sauce bowl to crack the eggs into before transferring them to the pan can help prevent mess.

With these ingredients and equipment, you'll be well on your way to making delicious sunny side up eggs in your air fryer.

Step-by-step instructions for making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Cooking oil spray (or butter/oil)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Small, round, air fryer-safe pan (e.g. mini cake pan, small ramekin, round glass bowl, disposable aluminium pan)
• Kitchen tongs or oven mitts
• Small rubber spatula or spoon
• Butter knife
• Large spoon

Method:

• Grease your egg mold or pan with cooking spray, butter, or oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (177-190°C) along with the egg mold, if desired. Preheating is not essential, but it may help prevent the eggs from sticking.
• Crack the eggs into the mold or pan and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Place the mold or pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350-375°F (177-190°C).
• Cook the eggs for 3-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a runny yolk and mostly cooked whites, cook for 3-5 minutes. For a slightly gooey yolk and fully cooked whites, cook for 6-7 minutes. For a firm yolk and whites, cook for 8-10 minutes.
• Once the eggs are done to your liking, remove the basket and then the pan. Use a spatula to transfer the cooked eggs to a plate.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• If using a metal mold, add at least 1 teaspoon of neutral cooking oil to prevent the eggs from sticking.
• To prevent the eggs from continuing to cook after removal, transfer them to a plate or toast as soon as they are done.
• For easy cleanup, use an air fryer liner or parchment paper, especially when cooking more than four eggs.

Tips for making the perfect sunny side up eggs in an air fryer

Making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect result:

Choose the right vessel

Use a suitable vessel for cooking the eggs, such as a small cake pan, a ramekin, or silicone cake molds. Avoid using parchment paper or a fitted air fryer liner, as these can disrupt heat distribution and may fly off during cooking. Egg rings are also not recommended, as they may melt.

Prepare the vessel

Grease your chosen vessel with cooking oil or butter. If using butter, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 1 minute to melt the butter before adding the eggs. You can also season your vessel with oil by preheating it in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, then brushing it with oil and baking again for 5 minutes.

Prepare the eggs

Crack the eggs into a small bowl before transferring them to the vessel to reduce the chance of breaking the yolk. Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on your desired level of doneness for the yolks. For a runny yolk and cooked whites, cook the eggs at 370°F (187-190°C) for 3-5 minutes. For a firmer yolk, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Check the eggs regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

Serving suggestions

Sunny side up eggs are a delicious and versatile breakfast option. Serve them with toast, sausage, bacon, hash browns, or breakfast potatoes. You can also add them to a burger, sandwich, ramen, or breakfast pizza. For a healthier option, pair them with fresh fruit like grapefruit, oranges, cantaloupe, or berries.

Serving suggestions for sunny side up eggs made in an air fryer

Air fryer sunny side up eggs are a versatile breakfast option that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Breakfast Combination

Serve your sunny side up eggs with crispy bacon or ham, sausage patties, and diced potatoes or hash browns on the side. Don't forget the toast to dip into that delicious runny yolk!

Breakfast Sandwich

Place the sunny side up egg on a toasted English muffin or crusty bread, along with your choice of breakfast meat and vegetables. This creates a hearty and mouthwatering breakfast sandwich.

Egg on Avocado Toast

Spread some avocado on a slice of toast, then top it with your air fryer egg. Add a drizzle of McDonald's Breakfast Sauce for an extra flavour boost.

Egg on a Bed of Rice or Quinoa

Serve your egg on a bed of seasoned rice or quinoa, with a side of sautéed vegetables. The runny yolk will act as a rich and flavourful sauce, coating each grain and vegetable for a delightful fusion of tastes and textures.

Burger Topping

Take your burger to the next level by adding a sunny side up egg on top. The runny yolk will mix with the burger's juices to create a mouthwatering explosion of flavours.

Ramen Upgrade

Give your ramen an extra boost of protein and flavour by adding a sunny side up egg on top. The egg will blend beautifully with the broth and noodles, creating a heartier and more satisfying meal.

Breakfast Pizza

Why not put an egg on your pizza? Place your sunny side up egg on a breakfast pizza, along with other toppings of your choice. The egg will add a creamy and savoury element to the pizza, making it a unique and indulgent treat.

Salad Addition

Don't forget that eggs aren't just for breakfast! Add a sunny side up egg to your favourite green salad for a boost of protein and healthy fats. The yolk can even act as a natural salad dressing when mixed with some vinegar or lemon juice.

Fruit Plate

For a unique and colourful breakfast plate, serve your sunny side up egg with a side of fresh fruit. Grapefruit, oranges, cantaloupe, or berries will provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury egg.

Remember, the key to a great sunny side up egg in the air fryer is to use the right vessel (such as a ramekin or small cake pan) and adjust the cooking time to your desired doneness. Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions and creating your own delicious combinations!

How does making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer differ from poaching them?

Making sunny side up eggs in an air fryer is a straightforward process. All you need to do is grease a pan, crack the eggs, season, and place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 375°F and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. You can serve the eggs with a range of breakfast foods, such as sausage, potatoes, and toast.

On the other hand, poaching eggs in an air fryer requires a slightly different approach. Instead of cracking the eggs directly into a pan, you'll need to crack them into ramekins or small custard cups filled with a few tablespoons of water. The water helps to cook the egg whites more quickly and prevents them from spreading. You'll then place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 360°F and 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

The main difference between making sunny side up eggs and poaching eggs in an air fryer lies in the cooking vessel and the addition of water. Sunny side up eggs are cooked directly in a greased pan, while poaching requires the use of ramekins or custard cups with water. Additionally, the cooking temperatures and times may vary slightly between the two methods.

Both methods offer convenient ways to prepare eggs in an air fryer, but the choice between sunny side up and poached depends on your preference for egg preparation and the final texture you desire.

Frequently asked questions