Air-Fryer Fried Egg: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to stovetop cooking. They can be used to make fried eggs with crispy edges and runny yolks, using a fraction of the oil required for traditional frying. The cooking time is short, and the cleanup is minimal.

Choosing the right pan

Pan Material

It is crucial to use a pan that is oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures. Suitable materials include metal, glass, ceramic, and silicone. Metal pans, such as cast iron skillets or lightweight aluminium pans, are good options. Silicone pans are also a popular choice for air fryers and can be washed and reused. Glass custard cups or ceramic ramekins are other alternatives that can be used in the air fryer.

Pan Shape and Size

When selecting a pan for your air fryer, it is important to ensure that it fits properly inside the appliance. The pan should be shallow to allow for proper air circulation, with low walls or a low-wall setting. If using a cake pan or pie pan, a small 3- to 4-inch pan is recommended. For aluminium pans, lightweight disposable ones are a good option as they can be bent to conform to the shape of your air fryer. If you're cooking multiple eggs, a 6-quart air fryer can typically fit up to two large eggs in the same pan.

Pan Preparation

Before cracking your eggs into the pan, it is essential to prepare it properly. Use non-stick cookware or spray the pan with cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the eggs don't stick. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even bacon grease. Make sure to spray the pan evenly. If using butter, add it to the pan and heat it in the air fryer to melt before adding the eggs.

Pan Alternatives

If you don't want to use a pan, you can also cook your eggs directly on foil or parchment paper placed in the air fryer basket. Form the foil into a small cup shape with relatively flat bottoms, ensuring the sides are high enough to prevent spilling. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer liner or parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Oil vs butter

When it comes to frying eggs, the type of fat you use can make a big difference to the taste and texture of the final dish. While some people swear by butter, others prefer oil, and some like to use a combination of the two. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of using oil versus butter when frying eggs in an air fryer.

Oil

Using oil to fry your eggs has several benefits. Firstly, it can help to prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan, especially if you are using a non-stick cooking spray. Oil also tends to have a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can be heated to higher temperatures without burning. This is particularly true of oils such as canola, vegetable, and avocado oil.

Another advantage of using oil is that it can be a healthier option than butter. Olive oil, for example, is a great source of fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory effects. Avocado oil is also a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

In terms of taste, different oils can impart unique flavors to your eggs. Extra virgin olive oil has a slightly nutty taste, while other olive oils can have buttery, herbaceous, peppery, or fruity notes. Avocado oil has a nutty flavor and a smooth consistency. Corn oil has a neutral flavor and will make your egg edges nice and crisp.

Butter

Butter is a popular choice for frying eggs due to its high concentration of fat, which gives it a unique taste and creamy texture. It is great for high-heat pan-frying and can add a rich, smoky flavor to your eggs. Butter also works well if you want to complement the creaminess of liquid eggs, such as when making scrambled eggs.

Ghee, a type of clarified butter, is another option. It has a more concentrated flavor than regular butter and is high in butyric acid, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and benefit gut health.

Ultimately, the choice between oil and butter depends on your personal preferences for flavor, texture, and health considerations. Both options can work well for frying eggs in an air fryer, and you may even choose to use a combination of the two to get the best of both worlds.

Preheating the air fryer

Firstly, prepare your air fryer by placing the desired cookware inside. This could be a small, oven-safe dish, such as a cake pan, pie pan, cast iron skillet, or a ramekin. If using a cake or pie pan, you can spray it with non-stick cooking spray. For a ramekin, you can grease it lightly with oil or cooking spray. Make sure your cookware fits inside your air fryer with some space around it for the hot air to circulate.

Now, you're ready to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F (177-204°C). The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and your desired level of doneness for the egg yolks. As a guide, a temperature of 350°F for 2-5 minutes is suitable for sunny-side-up or over-easy eggs, while 400°F for 5 minutes is better for a medium yolk.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, simply turn it on with the empty cookware inside for the desired amount of time. This step ensures that your eggs cook evenly.

Once preheated, you can gently crack your eggs into the cookware and proceed to cook them according to your desired level of doneness.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for fried eggs in an air fryer will depend on your desired yolk consistency.

For a runny yolk, cook the eggs for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (177°C).

For a medium-runny yolk with firmer whites, cook for 5-6 minutes at the same temperature.

For a firmer but still soft yolk, increase the temperature to 370°F (187°C) and cook for 6-7 minutes.

If you prefer your eggs well-done with a hard yolk and extra-firm whites, keep the temperature at 370°F and cook for 7-8 minutes.

It's worth noting that different air fryers heat up differently, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timings accordingly. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the eggs during the cooking process and adjust as needed.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried eggs. Here are some suggestions:

On Toast

You can serve your air-fried eggs on toast—ideally, crispy and buttery.

With Sides

You can serve air-fried eggs with sides such as sautéed veggies, hash browns, leftover roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

As Part of a Bigger Breakfast

Air-fried eggs can be part of a bigger breakfast. For example, you can serve them with bacon, sausage, toast, hamburgers, or biscuits.

On Top of Other Foods

You can also place your air-fried egg on top of a burger or bowl of avocado slices.

Frequently asked questions