Poaching Eggs In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Poached eggs are a breakfast classic, but the traditional stovetop method can be a little tricky to master. Luckily, air fryers provide a foolproof alternative. You can achieve perfectly poached eggs in your air fryer in just a few simple steps.

How to poach eggs in an air fryer

Poaching eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the need to constantly stir or monitor a stovetop. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly poached eggs using your air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment and ingredients. For this method, you will need an air fryer, some ramekins (one per egg), cooking spray or oil, hot water, and eggs.

To prepare the ramekins, spray them with cooking spray or lightly coat them with oil. You can use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. Then, add hot water to each ramekin. The amount of water will depend on the size of your ramekins, but it should be enough to fully submerge the egg; approximately 3-4 tablespoons per ramekin.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Now, carefully crack an egg into each ramekin. Take care not to break the yolks.

Step 3: Air Fry the Eggs

Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket. The number of eggs you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer, but most standard 6-quart air fryers can fit 4 ramekins.

Close the air fryer and set the temperature and timer. The ideal temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, set the temperature to between 350-400°F (177-204°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes for a runny yolk and soft or cooked whites. For a harder yolk, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Step 4: Remove the Eggs

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or a tea towel, as they will be very hot. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently lift the eggs out of the ramekins and transfer them to a plate.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the poached eggs with salt and pepper, to taste. You can also add other seasonings such as cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, or dried chives. Serve the poached eggs on their own or as part of a larger dish, such as avocado toast, eggs benedict, or a breakfast bowl.

What temperature to set the air fryer at

The temperature settings for your air fryer will depend on the type of egg you want.

For a runny yolk and soft but cooked egg whites, you should cook your eggs at 350 °F (177 °C) for 5 minutes. If you want a medium-runny yolk with nicely cooked whites, increase the cooking time to 6-7 minutes.

For a firmer but still soft yolk, you should cook your eggs for 7-8 minutes. If you want a fully cooked egg with hard yolks and whites, increase the temperature to 360 °F (182 °C) and cook for 8-10 minutes.

You can also poach eggs in an air fryer without pre-boiling the water. Simply preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and set the timer for 5 minutes to heat the water. Carefully open the air fryer and, if the water is not yet steaming, heat for another 2 minutes. Once the water is steaming, crack an egg into each ramekin, lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 6-7 minutes.

How long to cook the eggs for

The cooking time for poached eggs in an air fryer depends on the consistency you want to achieve. For runny yolks, you should cook the eggs for 5-6 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C). If you prefer your yolks to be medium-runny with nicely cooked whites, you should cook them for 6-7 minutes. For firmer but still soft yolks, 7-8 minutes is sufficient. To achieve hard yolks and fully cooked whites, you'll need to cook the eggs for 8-10 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the eggs. Therefore, it's recommended to experiment with different timings to find what works best for your specific air fryer. Additionally, the ramekins you use can also affect the cooking time, so it's crucial to use the right size and ensure they are oven-safe.

When checking if your eggs are done, be careful not to overcook them. You can always leave them in for a little longer, but if they get overcooked, you'll have to start the process again.

What to serve poached eggs with

Poached eggs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and can be eaten at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for what to serve with poached eggs:

Breakfast and Brunch Options:

• Avocado Toast: This is a classic combination, where the creamy avocado and runny egg yolk create a delicious and filling dish. You can also add salty feta cheese and a hint of chilli to elevate the flavours.
• Breakfast Bowls: Poached eggs can be a great addition to breakfast bowls, providing protein and flavour.
• Sweet Potato Toast: A healthy and tasty alternative to regular avocado toast, sweet potato toast is easy to make and pairs well with avocado and poached eggs.
• Oatmeal: For a savoury option, top your oatmeal with pecorino cheese and a poached egg. This combination of sharp, salty cheese and fluffy egg is sure to be a hit.
• Pancakes: Try spinach pancakes with harissa yoghurt and poached eggs for a flavourful and nutritious brunch option.
• Turkish Eggs: A quick and easy dish that can be made in just 20 minutes. It's a vegetarian option that's perfect for a warming and comforting meal.
• Paratha or Flatbread: Poached eggs go well with wholemeal or multigrain flatbread. You can also add smashed avocado, tomatoes, or other vegetables of your choice.
• Salads: Create a simple and nutritious salad by pairing poached eggs with asparagus, smoked haddock, or a combination of greens and croutons.
• Eggs Benedict: The classic brunch dish, where poached eggs are served on English muffins with ham and hollandaise sauce. You can also get creative and try variations like Marmite benedict or smoked salmon benedict with dill hollandaise.
• Indian Chickpeas: A quick, fibre-rich, and vegetarian supper that is both filling and healthy. Chickpeas are a great source of manganese, essential for healthy bone structure.

Lunch and Dinner Options:

• Pasta: Try easy carbonara pasta with a poached egg, or torn pasta sheets with brown butter, herbs, and poached eggs. The runny egg yolk adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• Rice Bowls: Poached eggs can be a great addition to rice bowls, such as kedgeree (a curried fish and rice dish) or spiced rice with kippers.
• Quinoa Cakes: Impress your dinner guests with this healthy, beautiful, and comforting dish. The familiar flavours of quinoa and runny egg yolks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Farro Salad: Make your salad more filling and nutritious by adding farro, cabbage, mushrooms, and a poached egg.
• Vegetable Fritters: Try sweetcorn and courgette fritters or parsnip latkes, and top them with a poached egg and a drizzle of chilli dressing.
• Poached Egg Salad: Combine poached eggs with garlic croutons, or go for a smoked haddock salad with pooked eggs and croutons.
• Ratatouille: This summer comfort food pairs well with poached eggs, especially when served with crusty bread.
• Soups: Try a Portuguese garlic and cilantro bread soup (Açorda à Alentejana) or a simple egg drop soup.
• Burgers: Take your burger to the next level by topping it with a poached egg.
• Fish: Serve poached eggs with smoked fish cakes or confit chicken legs with potato hash.
• Meat: For a hearty meal, try bourbon-glazed pork chops with fried eggs or harissa chickpeas with fried eggs.

How to store leftover poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are ways to store them.

Firstly, place your poached eggs in cold water and refrigerate them. The water will keep them moist. To reheat, simply transfer them to some warm water for a few minutes.

You can also store poached eggs in an airtight container, covered in water, in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, put them into boiling water or microwave them until warm.

If you want to make poached eggs ahead of time, you can put them in an ice bath after removing them from the fryer to stop them from overcooking. Then, when they have cooled, you can remove any wisps of egg white with a paring knife. After that, return the poached egg to the ice bath and put it in the fridge. The egg will be OK to use for up to two days in the fridge, but it is best to use it overnight. When you're ready to eat the egg, put it back into a simmering pot of water for about a minute.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that poached eggs can be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions