Air Fryer Starbucks Egg Bites: Quick, Easy, Delicious

If you're a fan of Starbucks' egg bites, you'll be pleased to know that you can make them at home in an air fryer. Not only is it cheaper, but it's also a quick and easy way to make a tasty, protein-packed breakfast or snack. The secret to getting that classic Starbucks texture is to use cottage cheese—who knew? You can also customise your egg bites with your favourite veggies and meat.

Ingredients and measurements

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Cottage Cheese
• Cheese (feta, shredded cheddar, or dairy-free cheese)
• Spinach
• Onion (white or yellow)
• Turkey bacon or regular bacon (optional)
• Milk (of your choice)
• Chopped fajita veggies (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions:

• You can use ricotta cheese or plain Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
• You can use green onion/scallions (the white parts) or red onion instead of white or yellow onion.
• You can use mixed greens, arugula, kale, butterhead lettuce, or Swiss chard instead of spinach.

Ingredient Measurements:

• 2-3 eggs
• 1/3 cup of cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup of feta cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons of white or yellow onion, minced
• 1-2 slices of turkey bacon or regular bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of milk of your choice
• 1/2 cup of chopped fajita veggies (optional)

Blending the mixture

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need for blending include eggs, cottage cheese, milk (optional), salt, and pepper. You can also add crumbled cheese such as feta or shredded cheddar, depending on your preference. These ingredients will create a creamy base for your egg bites.

Blending Process

Start by cracking the eggs into your blender. Add the cottage cheese, milk (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients together on high speed for 20 to 30 seconds until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. Avoid over-blending, as this can affect the fluffiness of your egg bites. The goal is to blend just enough to incorporate the cottage cheese smoothly into the mixture.

Consistency

The consistency of the blended mixture should be smooth and homogeneous. The cottage cheese should be fully incorporated, with no lumps remaining. A smooth blend ensures that your egg bites will have a consistent texture throughout.

Secret Ingredient

Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that sets these Starbucks egg bites apart. It adds moisture and creates a fluffy texture. You can use low-fat, 2%, or non-fat cottage cheese, depending on your preference. The blending process ensures that the cottage cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, resulting in a creamy and airy texture in the cooked egg bites.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to customize your egg bites. You can substitute feta cheese with shredded cheddar or use a combination of both. You can also add mix-ins such as chopped vegetables, meats, or herbs to create variety. Just be mindful not to overload the mixture with too many add-ins, as this can cause the egg bites to fall apart after cooking.

Storage

If you want to prepare the mixture ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. However, it is generally best to use the mixture fresh for optimal results.

Preparing the moulds

To prepare the moulds for your Starbucks egg bites, you will need to use silicone muffin cups or a silicone muffin pan. The number of cups or cavities in the pan should be either six or eight, depending on how many egg bites you want to make.

Lightly spray the moulds with a non-stick cooking spray. If you don't have cooking spray, you can use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of oil or melted butter in each cup or cavity. Make sure to coat the sides of the moulds evenly.

Next, divide your choice of fillings between the moulds. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, spinach, onion, bacon, sausage, ham, or vegetables. Be careful not to overload the moulds, as the egg bites might fall apart after cooking.

Once you have added your fillings, you can then pour the egg mixture into each mould, filling each one about three-quarters of the way full. Use your finger or a spoon to mix the fillings and egg mixture together in each mould.

Now your moulds are ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making Starbucks egg bites in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe used and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times and temperatures mentioned in different sources:

Cooking Temperature:

• One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 340°F before adding the egg mixture to the molds.
• Another source suggests a temperature of 350°F for cooking the egg bites for 12 minutes.
• A third source recommends cooking the egg bites at 290°F for a slower cooking process, which helps retain moisture in the bites.
• A fourth source mentions cooking the bites at 400°F for 8 minutes or at 360°F for 6-8 minutes.

Cooking Time:

• One source suggests cooking the egg bites for a total of 13 minutes, including an initial cook of 5 minutes, followed by stirring, and then cooking for another 8 minutes.
• Another source recommends cooking the bites for 12 to 15 minutes at 290°F or until the eggs are puffed up and cooked.
• A third source mentions cooking the bites for 12 minutes at 350°F, allowing them to sit in the mold for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
• A fourth source recommends cooking the bites for 6-8 minutes at 360°F or 8 minutes at 400°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer being used. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the egg bites during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or drying them out.

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your egg bites, simply reheat them in the microwave. For refrigerated bites, 20-30 seconds in the microwave should be enough to warm them up. Frozen egg bites may need a little longer, around 60-90 seconds on high or until warm.

It's worth noting that some people recommend against microwaving egg bites as it can affect their texture and flavour. Alternative methods for reheating include using a 140ºF/60ºC water bath for 15 minutes, an air fryer, a toaster oven, or a broiler.

Frequently asked questions