Air Fryer Eggs In A Basket: Quick, Easy Breakfast!

Air Fryer Eggs in a Basket is a simple, quick, and delicious breakfast recipe. It is also known as Egg in a Hole, Toad in a Hole, Bullseye Eggs, Eggs in a Frame, One-Eyed Jack, and Eggs in a Nest. This recipe is made by cooking an egg inside a hole cut into a slice of bread, creating a combination of crispy toast and a cooked egg. The egg whites can be cooked to be soft, runny, or firm, and the yolk can be cooked to be runny or fully cooked.

Choosing the right bread

Type of Bread

You can use a variety of bread options for making eggs in a basket. Here are some popular choices:

• White bread: White sandwich bread is a classic choice for this recipe. It provides a neutral flavour that pairs well with the egg.
• Whole wheat bread: If you prefer a nuttier taste and a denser texture, whole wheat bread is a great option.
• Sourdough bread: Sourdough adds a tangy flavour and a chewy texture to your eggs in a basket.
• Multigrain bread: For a heartier option, multigrain bread offers a blend of grains, adding texture and a slightly sweet flavour.
• Brown bread: Brown bread, such as Dave's Killer Bread, is also a good choice and readily available.

Bread Thickness

When choosing the bread, consider its thickness. You want to select a slice that is thick enough to hold the egg without falling apart but not too thick that it affects cooking. Look for bread slices that are around 3/4 to 1 inch thick.

Sturdiness

Go for a sturdy bread that can withstand the weight of the egg and maintain its shape during cooking. Avoid bread that is too soft or fluffy, as it may not hold up well.

Freshness

While you can use slightly stale bread for some recipes, it is best to choose fresh bread for eggs in a basket. Fresh bread will give you a better texture and taste, ensuring the bread doesn't become too dry or crumbly during the air-frying process.

Optional: Butter or Mayonnaise

You can optionally spread butter or mayonnaise on your bread before placing it in the air fryer. This adds flavour and helps the bread toast to a golden brown colour. If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip this step, but be sure to use a non-stick air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.

Experiment and Enjoy

Remember, you can always experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, so don't be afraid to try various options and see which one you like best. Happy cooking!

Preparing the bread

The first step in making eggs in a basket is to prepare the bread. You will need a few slices of bread, preferably sturdy slices such as white or whole wheat bread. You can also use other types of bread such as sourdough, multigrain, or whole-grain bread. Make sure the bread is fresh and at room temperature.

To create the "basket" for the egg, you can use either of these two methods:

• Method 1: Take a glass and press it into the centre of the bread slice to make an indentation. This will create a bowl for the egg to sit in. You can also use a cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass to cut a hole in the middle of the bread.
• Method 2: Take a slice of bread and use a glass to cut out a cavity in the centre. Save the cut-out bread to air fry and serve along with the eggs.

Once you have created the indentation or cut out the cavity, you can optionally spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the bread. This will give it a browner colour and a richer flavour. If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip this step.

Now you are ready to crack the egg into the basket!

Adding the egg

Firstly, prepare the toast by using a glass to press into the bread and create a round indentation. This indentation will serve as a bowl to hold the egg in the toast. You can also use a cookie cutter to cut out a hole from the centre of the bread. Ensure the hole is large enough to contain the egg without overflowing. If you prefer, you can also use the bottom of the glass to press down the centre of the bread to form a slight depression without cutting out a hole.

Next, place the bread with the indentation or hole in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to do this one slice at a time. Carefully crack an egg into the hole or indentation in the bread. It is okay if a little egg white spills beyond the hole.

At this point, you can season the egg with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like chilli flakes, Italian seasoning, or herbs for extra flavour. If desired, you can also add toppings like shredded cheese, diced vegetables, or cooked bacon bits.

Now, close the air fryer basket and set the temperature and cooking time. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness for the yolk. For a runny yolk, cook for 7-8 minutes. For a soft yolk, aim for 8-9 minutes. If you prefer a fully cooked, firm yolk, cook for 9-10 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the eggs to avoid overcooking.

Finally, once the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious eggs in a basket!

Seasoning

Salt and Pepper:

The most basic and essential seasonings for eggs in a basket are salt and pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top of the egg before serving. This classic combination adds savoury contrast to the dish. You can also add more salt and pepper to taste after removing the eggs from the air fryer.

Cheese:

Although optional, adding shredded cheese during the last minute of cooking can take your eggs in a basket to the next level. Cheese adds a creamy, salty flavour and texture to the dish. Simply sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the egg towards the end of the cooking process, and let it melt to perfection.

Chilli Flakes:

If you like a little kick in your breakfast, chilli flakes are a great option. Sprinkle some chilli flakes on top of the egg before serving. They will add a spicy and slightly smoky flavour to your eggs in a basket.

Red Pepper Flakes:

Another way to add some heat to your breakfast is by using red pepper flakes. These flakes bring a vibrant colour and a mild, fruity spiciness to the dish. Sprinkle them on top of the egg before serving for an extra punch of flavour.

White Pepper:

For a more subtle and delicate heat, you can use white pepper. It has a less pungent flavour compared to black pepper and adds a subtle spiciness to your eggs in a basket. Sprinkle a pinch of white pepper on top of the egg before serving for a subtle kick.

Other Seasonings:

You can also experiment with other seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or herbs. Get creative and add your favourite seasonings to the egg before cooking it in the air fryer. This is a great way to make the dish your own and customise it to your taste preferences.

Remember, the beauty of this dish is its simplicity, so you don't want to overwhelm it with too many strong flavours. Choose a combination of seasonings that complement each other and enhance the flavour of the eggs and toast. Happy cooking!

Cooking

Ingredients:

• Bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or multigrain)
• Eggs (large, preferably at room temperature)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter or cooking spray (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (cheese, bacon, avocado, etc.)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Parchment paper or foil
• Cookie cutter or glass

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place a piece of parchment paper or foil in the basket.
• Take a slice of bread and use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut a hole in the centre.
• You can butter the bread or coat it with cooking spray (optional).
• Carefully crack an egg into the hole in the bread.
• Season with salt and pepper, and add any other desired toppings.
• Place the bread in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-9 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve.

Notes:

• You can make a larger indent in the bread to allow the egg to spread out and cook more evenly.
• Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preference, so adjust as needed.
• This recipe can easily be customised with various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.

Frequently asked questions