Air-Frying The Perfect Sunny-Side Egg

Cooking eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast. You can make sunny side up eggs in an air fryer by cracking eggs into a greased pan and then placing the pan in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, but typically it takes around 3-8 minutes to cook sunny side up eggs in an air fryer.

Cooking spray and temperature

When cooking sunny-side-up eggs in an air fryer, it is important to consider the type of cooking spray and temperature used.

Firstly, it is recommended to avoid using cooking sprays such as PAM, as these can damage the non-stick surface of your air fryer. Cooking sprays often contain lecithin, an emulsifier that has a low smoke point and can build up and create sticky spots on your air fryer basket or rack. Instead, opt for high smoke point oils such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. You can apply these oils sparingly to your air fryer basket using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.

When cooking sunny-side-up eggs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) to 370°F (187°C) for about three minutes. You can then crack your eggs into a small dish, such as a ramekin, cake pan, or cast iron skillet, and place them inside the air fryer. Cook the eggs for 3-5 minutes for a runny yolk and soft whites, or up to 7-8 minutes for a well-done hard yolk and extra-firm whites.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your eggs. Be sure to keep a close eye on your eggs to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Ramekins and other cookware

Ramekins are a great way to cook eggs in an air fryer, and there are several types available on the market. The most common materials for ramekins are silicone, porcelain, ceramic, and steel.

Silicone ramekins are flexible, non-stick, and easy to remove eggs from. They are also easy to clean and come in a variety of colours. Silicone is safe to use in the air fryer, oven, and microwave, and is usually dishwasher-safe.

Porcelain and ceramic ramekins are also oven-safe and can be used in the air fryer. They are more fragile than silicone, but are often stackable, making them convenient for storage.

Steel ramekins are another option, though less common. They are durable and stable, but may not be as easy to remove eggs from as the other options.

When using a ramekin in an air fryer, it is important to grease the ramekin well to prevent sticking. You may also need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes compared to other cookware.

Ramekins come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to choose one that fits your air fryer, and be mindful of how many you can fit in at once. For example, a 6-quart air fryer can fit up to 2 large eggs in a tray or pan, or 2-4 ramekins.

In addition to ramekins, there are other types of cookware that can be used in an air fryer for cooking eggs. These include shallow, non-stick baking trays, mini cast-iron skillets, mini pie/cake/pizza pans, and disposable foil pans.

Cooking time

The cooking time for sunny side up eggs in an air fryer depends on the type of air fryer you have, the number of eggs you are cooking, the type of cookware you are using, and your desired level of doneness.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer for 2-5 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to 400°F (204°C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, set the temperature and let it run for 2-5 minutes without food inside. Place your cookware inside the air fryer during preheating to prevent the eggs from sticking.

Cooking

Air fry your eggs for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to 375°F (190°C). The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness:

• For a runny yolk, cook for 3-4 minutes.
• For a medium yolk, cook for 4-5 minutes.
• For a firm yolk, cook for 5-7 minutes.
• For a hard yolk, cook for 7-8 minutes.

Tips

• Use a shallow, non-stick, oven-safe pan or tray to allow the hot air to circulate efficiently.
• If using a ramekin, increase the total cook time by 1-2 minutes.
• If you are cooking more than one egg, use a larger pan or multiple small pans. A 6-quart air fryer can typically fit 2-4 eggs.
• Always keep a close eye on your eggs while they are cooking, as air fryers can differ in terms of power and airflow.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer sunny side up eggs. Here are some suggestions:

On Toast or Bread

Place your fried egg on a slice of toasted English muffin, crusty bread, or sourdough bread. You can also dip your toast into the runny yolk.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

Create a classic breakfast sandwich by pairing your fried egg with toasted English muffin or crusty bread, along with crispy bacon, ham, or sausage.

With Rice or Quinoa

Serve your fried egg on a bed of seasoned rice or quinoa, accompanied by sautéed vegetables. The runny yolk will act as a rich and flavorful sauce, enhancing the taste and texture of the dish.

With Other Breakfast Foods

Air fryer sunny side up eggs go well with a variety of breakfast items such as sausage, potatoes, and toast. You can also make a full breakfast by adding sausage patties and diced potatoes.

With Seasonings

Sprinkle your fried egg with salt and pepper, or other seasonings like paprika, to enhance the flavor.

With Other Dishes

Air fryer sunny side up eggs can be a versatile addition to various dishes. Try them with hash browns, Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms, Air-fried Avocado Slices, a crisp green salad, or even a side of pasta with marinara sauce for an unexpected flavor combination.

Tips and tricks

• Use a suitable vessel for cooking the eggs, such as a ramekin, small cake pan, or silicone cake molds.
• Avoid using parchment paper or a fitted air fryer liner unless you are cooking six or more eggs, as these materials can disrupt heat distribution and may fly off during cooking.
• Do not use egg rings, as they may melt.
• Grease your egg mold with a neutral cooking oil to prevent the eggs from sticking.
• Preheat your air fryer along with the egg mold to prevent the eggs from sticking.
• Use a small dipping sauce bowl to carefully transfer each egg into the mold, as cracking them directly can be messy.
• The cooking time will vary depending on the desired doneness of the yolk. For a runny yolk, cook for 4-5 minutes; for a slightly runny yolk, cook for 6-7 minutes; for a hard yolk, cook for 8-10 minutes.
• Check your eggs regularly during cooking to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness.
• Serve your air-fried eggs with bacon, sausage, hash browns, or toast for a delicious breakfast.

Frequently asked questions