Frying Eggs In An Air Fryer: Quick And Easy Breakfast

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried eggs without the need for a lot of oil or grease. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model and your preferred level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 3-8 minutes to fry an egg in an air fryer.

How to get the perfect fried egg in an air fryer

Frying eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the mess and hassle of using a stove. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect fried egg:

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Pan

First, you will need to find a suitable pan that fits inside your air fryer. If you have a basket air fryer, you will need a pan. If you have an air fryer oven, you can cook the egg directly on the tray. Make sure to measure your air fryer basket or tray before purchasing a pan to ensure it fits.

Once you have the right pan, spray it with a safe-for-air-fryer oil like olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. If using foil, shape it into a small "pan" that will fit inside your air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 350-370°F (187-190°C) and preheat for about 2-3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on with empty dishes inside for the same duration.

Step 3: Crack the Eggs

After preheating, carefully crack your desired number of eggs into the pan(s) or directly onto the tray. Most air fryers can handle 2-4 eggs at a time, depending on their size and the size of your pan or tray.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

Close your air fryer and cook the eggs for 3-5 minutes at 370-390°F (187-190°C). The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the model of your air fryer. For a runny yolk and crispy whites, aim for 3-5 minutes. For a firmer yolk, increase the cooking time to 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust

After the initial cooking time, open your air fryer and check if the eggs are cooked to your liking. If you prefer a harder yolk, simply air fry for an additional minute or two.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Once your eggs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and seasonings like oregano, basil, thyme, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while still hot, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Fried Egg:

• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best results.
• Don't crowd the pan; cook 1-2 eggs at a time to ensure even cooking.
• Cast iron pans work best as they retain heat well and create amazing crispy edges.
• Experiment with cooking times as different air fryer models may vary.
• For easy cleanup, use aluminum foil or parchment paper, or cook the eggs directly on the tray if using an air fryer oven.
• If using a pan, spray it with oil before cracking the eggs to prevent sticking.

Now you're ready to master the art of frying eggs in your air fryer! Enjoy your perfectly cooked eggs with crispy edges and creamy yolks, any time of the day.

How to fry an egg in an air fryer oven

Frying an egg in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the mess and hassle of using a stove. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect fried egg in your air fryer oven.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Eggs
• Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Air fryer oven
• Small oven-safe dish (3-4 inch cake pan, pie pan, or ramekin)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Oven and Egg Dish

Spray the inside of the small cake or pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the dish inside the air fryer oven. If you are using an air fryer with a basket, ensure you have a pan that fits. Alternatively, you can cook the egg directly on the tray of an air fryer oven.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer Oven

Preheat your air fryer oven to 350-370°F (187-190°C) for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps the eggs cook through without overcooking.

Step 3: Crack the Egg into the Dish

Once the air fryer oven is preheated, gently crack an egg into the prepared dish. If you are worried about the yolk breaking, crack the egg into a small bowl first and then carefully pour it into the dish.

Step 4: Cook the Egg

Cook the egg at 350-370°F (187-190°C) for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a runny yolk and soft-cooked whites, aim for 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a firmer white and a medium-runny yolk, cook for 5-6 minutes. For a firmer yolk and white, increase the cooking time to 6-7 minutes. If you like your eggs well-done with a hard yolk and extra-firm whites, cook for 7-8 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Cooking Time

Keep an eye on your egg during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time. After the initial 3 minutes, check on your egg and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 6: Remove the Egg from the Air Fryer Oven

Once the egg is cooked to your liking, remove the dish from the air fryer oven using kitchen tongs or oven mitts. Place the dish on a heatproof board or surface.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Gently remove the egg from the dish using a rubber spatula or spoon. If the egg sticks to the dish, carefully run a butter knife around the edges to loosen it. Transfer the egg to a plate or toast, season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your perfectly fried egg!

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer oven and place the egg dish inside before cracking the egg.
• Experiment with different types of eggs, such as farm-fresh or free-range organic, for the best flavour.
• If using a basket-style air fryer, leave space between each egg and don't crowd the pan. Cook 1-2 eggs at a time for even cooking.
• Cast iron pans work particularly well for frying eggs in an air fryer oven due to their excellent heat retention.
• Get creative with seasonings! Try herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme, or add a kick of spice with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

How to fry an egg in a basket air fryer

Frying an egg in a basket using an air fryer is a simple and quick way to make a delicious breakfast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Bread

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit. While some air fryers may not require preheating, doing so ensures even cooking. Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper or foil.

Take a slice of bread, preferably regular white sandwich bread, whole wheat, or sourdough. Using a large cookie cutter or the bottom of a glass, cut out a round indent or hole in the centre of the bread. This will create a basket-like shape to hold the egg.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg

Carefully crack an egg into the centre of the indent or hole in the bread. It is okay if some of the egg whites spill over, but try to keep most of the egg contained within the bread. You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper on top of the egg for seasoning.

Step 3: Air Frying

Place the bread with the egg in the preheated air fryer. Air fry at 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a runny yolk, cook for a shorter duration (around 5-7 minutes). If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook for a longer duration (around 8-9 minutes).

Step 4: Serving

Once the egg is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using a spatula. You can add some shredded cheese or sliced avocado on top for extra flavour. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating

Freshly cooked eggs in a basket are recommended, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, place the leftovers in the air fryer and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

How to get the right temperature for your fried egg

Frying eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the mess and hassle of traditional frying. The key to getting perfect fried eggs in your air fryer is finding the right temperature and cook time for your desired level of doneness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get the perfect fried egg every time.

Choosing the Right Temperature

The ideal temperature for frying eggs in an air fryer depends on the type of egg you want. Here are some guidelines for different styles of fried eggs:

• Over-Easy Eggs: For runny yolks and crispy whites, cook at 370°F (187-190°C) for 3 minutes.
• Over-Medium Eggs: For a gooey yolk with no liquid whites, aim for 350°F (177°C). Start with 3 minutes at this temperature, then lower the heat to 300°F (149°C) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Over-Hard Eggs: For a fully cooked yolk, you can either extend the cooking time at 350°F (177°C) to 5-7 minutes or increase the temperature to 370°F (187-190°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes.

Tips for Temperature Control

• Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply run it empty for the specified time.
• Wattage: Higher wattage air fryers will cook your eggs faster, so you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Cookware: Use a cast iron pan if possible, as it retains heat well and cooks eggs evenly. If using a basket air fryer, ensure you have the right-sized pan that fits securely in the basket.
• Cooking Spray: Use a safe cooking spray like olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking and add a crispy texture to your eggs. Avoid aerosol sprays as they can damage your air fryer.
• Trial and Error: Every air fryer is different, so don't be afraid to experiment with cook times and temperatures until you find the perfect setting for your desired level of doneness.

By following these guidelines and tips, you'll be able to master the art of frying eggs in your air fryer and enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked eggs every time!

How to fry an egg without using a pan

Frying an egg without a pan is easy and quick to do with an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry an egg in an air fryer.

What You Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following:

• An air fryer
• A small oven-safe dish, such as a cake pan, pie pan, cast iron skillet, or ramekin
• Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and the Dish

Spray the inside of your chosen small dish with cooking oil spray. Place the dish inside the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for around 2-3 minutes at 350-370°F (187°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run empty for the same duration.

Step 3: Crack the Egg

Once the air fryer and dish are preheated, gently crack an egg into the dish.

Step 4: Cook the Egg

Cook the egg for 3-5 minutes at 350-375°F (187-190°C). The cooking time will depend on your preferred doneness:

• Runny yolk with soft-cooked whites: 3-5 minutes
• Medium-runny yolk with firmer whites: 5-6 minutes
• Firmer but still soft yolk: 6-7 minutes
• Well-done hard yolk with extra-firm whites: 7-8 minutes

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Once the egg is cooked to your liking, remove the dish from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Gently separate the egg from the dish using a rubber spatula or spoon. If the egg sticks, run a butter knife around the edge of the dish to loosen it.

Transfer the egg to a plate or toast, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Eggs

• Preheat your air fryer with the dish inside to ensure even cooking.
• If you're concerned about the yolk breaking, crack the egg into a small bowl first, then carefully pour it into the dish.
• Make sure to spray the dish with oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cooked egg.
• Always keep a close eye on your egg as air fryers can vary in cooking time.
• If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to find a pan that fits inside. Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper to create a small "pan" for the egg.

Now you know how to fry an egg without a pan! Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried eggs.

Frequently asked questions