Air Fryer Poached Eggs
(Quick & Effortless Breakfast or Brunch)
Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 2–3 eggs
- Cooking spray (or a brush of oil)
- Ramekins, oven-proof bowls, or silicone cups
- 2 tbsp water (per egg)
🔪 Instructions
1st Method – Using Ramekins or Oven-Proof Bowls:
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare the ramekins: Lightly spray your ramekins or silicone cups with cooking spray to prevent the eggs from sticking. If you don’t have spray, you can use a brush to spread a little oil in each cup.
- Crack the eggs: Crack one egg into each ramekin or oven-safe bowl.
- Add water: Add 2 tablespoons of water to each bowl, around the egg (this will help create the poached effect).
- Cook: Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket. Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
- Remove and serve: Once done, carefully lift the eggs out using a spoon or small spatula. Drain any remaining water from the eggs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
2nd Method – Using Boiling Water:
- Preheat your air fryer: Again, preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
- Add water to the bowl: Pour boiling water into an oven-proof bowl, enough to cover about ¼ of the bowl.
- Crack the egg: Crack an egg into the bowl, ensuring the water surrounds it (but doesn’t overflow).
- Cook: Place the bowl in the air fryer and cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 7 minutes.
- Remove and serve: After cooking, use a spoon or spatula to remove the egg, draining out excess water. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve!
✅ Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs:
- Preheat the air fryer: Don’t skip this step—it helps cook the eggs more evenly and reduces overall cooking time.
- Oil the ramekins well: Ensure enough oil or spray is used to keep the eggs from sticking.
- Keep the temperature low: Cooking at a lower temperature (160°C or 320°F) prevents the eggs from getting rubbery.
- Perfecting the second method: The second method may not give a picture-perfect look, but it still yields perfectly cooked eggs. If you’re a first-timer, the first method is your best bet for neat poached eggs.
❓ Q&A for Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Q: Can I make multiple eggs at once?
A: Yes! You can cook 2 or 3 eggs at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Just be sure the ramekins are not overcrowded.
Q: What if I don’t have ramekins?
A: You can use any small, oven-safe bowl or silicone cup. Just make sure it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket.
Q: Can I cook soft or hard poached eggs in the air fryer?
A: The method above results in soft poached eggs, but if you prefer them firmer, increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Q: Can I add seasonings or other flavors?
A: Absolutely! You can add herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or even a dash of hot sauce before cooking for extra flavor.
Q: How do I make sure the eggs don’t stick?
A: Be generous with the cooking spray or oil to ensure the eggs easily come out after cooking.
Q: Can I make poached eggs ahead of time?
A: Poached eggs are best eaten immediately, but you can make them ahead and refrigerate them. To reheat, dip them briefly in hot water to bring them back to life.
Q: Can I make these eggs keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Air fryer poached eggs are naturally low-carb and perfect for a keto diet.