Perfect Air-Fried Poached Eggs: Timing For Perfection

Poached eggs are a breakfast staple, but the traditional stovetop method can be intimidating and messy. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple solution to achieving the perfect poached egg. With a few simple steps and about 10 minutes, you can make evenly cooked, runny poached eggs without the stress of boiling water or swirling techniques.

How to prepare the air fryer and ramekins

To prepare your air fryer and ramekins for poaching eggs, you'll need to take the following steps:

Firstly, gather your equipment. You will need an air fryer, of course, as well as some oven-safe ramekins. The ramekins should be around 3.5-4 inches wide and have a capacity of 4-8 oz. You will also need some oil to grease the ramekins. Olive oil or avocado oil are popular choices, and you can use a spray or drizzle the oil. You will also need a small teaspoon or spatula to help release the eggs from the ramekins after cooking.

Before you begin, test how many ramekins fit in your air fryer basket. Most standard 6-quart air fryers can fit 4 ramekins, but this may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer.

Once you have your equipment ready, it's time to start preparing the air fryer and ramekins for cooking. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204 °C). This step is important as it helps to heat up the water you will be using and ensures more even cooking. While the air fryer is preheating, you can grease your ramekins with oil. Be sure to coat the bottom and sides of the ramekins to prevent the eggs from sticking.

Now, fill each ramekin with water. You can use room temperature or hot water, but it's important to make sure the water is steaming before adding the eggs. This will help ensure the eggs cook properly. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water to each ramekin, depending on their size. Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and close it. Set the timer for 5 minutes to heat the water.

Once the water is steaming, carefully crack an egg into each ramekin. Be careful not to break the yolks. At this point, you can also add any desired seasonings to the eggs or the water. Lower the temperature of the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and set the timer for 4-7 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks.

And that's it! Your air fryer and ramekins are now prepared and ready for poaching your eggs. Simply follow the cooking instructions, and you'll have perfectly poached eggs in no time!

How to cook the eggs

Ingredients and Equipment

You will need:

• An air fryer
• Ramekins (one per egg)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204 °C) for 5 minutes.
• Grease your ramekins with oil.
• Add water to the ramekins. Most sources recommend 3-4 tablespoons of water, but some suggest adding enough water to fully submerge the egg.
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin.
• Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F (182 °C).
• Set the timer for 4-7 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks. The whites should be set, and the yolks should be runny.
• Use a slotted spoon or spatula to gently remove the eggs from the ramekins, letting any excess water drip off.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Tips

• You can use room temperature or hot water, but don't use boiling water as this can overcook the eggs.
• You can add vinegar to the water to help the eggs hold together, but this isn't necessary when using ramekins.
• You can cook multiple eggs at once, as long as your air fryer has enough space.
• If you want to make your poached eggs in advance, transfer them to an ice bath as soon as they're cooked to stop the cooking process. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the eggs in simmering water for 1-2 minutes.

How to remove the eggs from the ramekins

Once your eggs are cooked, it's time to remove them from the ramekins. Here's how to do it:

First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a small silicone or rubber spatula to help you lift and remove the eggs. You may also want to use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hands from the hot ramekins.

Now, use the spatula to gently go around the edge of the ramekin and under the egg to release it. Be careful not to damage the egg as you do this. Once the egg is loose, lift it out of the ramekin gently and place it on a plate or your prepared toast.

If your eggs are stuck, you can try running a knife around the edge of the ramekin to loosen them before using the spatula.

It's important to work quickly as the eggs will continue to cook in the hot water even after you remove them from the air fryer.

And that's it! You now have perfectly poached eggs, ready to be seasoned and enjoyed.

How to store poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, there are ways to store them.

Storing Poached Eggs in the Fridge

If you want to store poached eggs in the fridge, it is recommended to place them in an ice bath immediately after removing them from the air fryer. This will stop them from overcooking. After the ice has melted, the cold water will be enough to keep them stored for up to three days.

Reheating Poached Eggs

When you are ready to reheat the poached eggs, you can place them in a pasta colander and lower it into a large pot of boiling water for no more than 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and give the eggs their final minute of poaching.

How to reheat poached eggs

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to make them ahead of time, there are a few ways to reheat them.

One method is to put the poached eggs into an ice bath after removing them from the air fryer to stop them from overcooking. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, transfer the cold eggs to a pot of simmering water for one to two minutes, just long enough to heat them through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and serve immediately.

You can also reheat poached eggs in the air fryer. Simply place the cold eggs back into the ramekins and put them in the air fryer for one to two minutes, or until they are heated through.

If you're short on time or don't have an air fryer, you can also microwave the poached eggs until they are warm. However, this method may not produce the same texture and flavour as the other reheating methods.

When reheating poached eggs, it's important to be gentle and not to overcook them. Poached eggs are delicate, so be careful when removing them from the ramekins.

Frequently asked questions