Forget Boiling Water, Embrace Air Fryer Poached Eggs: A New Dawn for Brunch!
Poached eggs – those delicate, runny wonders that elevate any dish from avocado toast to ramen. But have you ever questioned the traditional “boiling water” method? What if we told you there’s a faster, easier, and possibly even fluffier way to achieve poached egg perfection? Enter the air fryer, your new best friend for effortless poached eggs!
Gone are the days of simmering water and swirling motions. The air fryer’s precise heat control and circulating air create a gentle cooking environment, guaranteeing perfectly poached eggs every single time. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup for maximum enjoyment.
So, whether you’re a seasoned poached egg pro or a brunch newbie, this Air Fryer Poached Eggs recipe is for you. It’s simple to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and promises flawless, runny yolks nestled in soft, perfectly set whites. Get ready to rewrite your brunch expectations and experience the magic of air-fried poached eggs!
P.S. Stay tuned, because we’ll also explore creative ways to elevate your poached eggs with different toppings, sauces, and serving suggestions. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together and unleash the full potential of your air fryer!
We have split the recipe into three main parts to make it much easier to navigate. The first part is an introduction to the recipe with some answers to common questions. The second and third parts are specialized for ingredients and instructions with all details that you will need. You will find a printable recipe at the end of the three sections.
About Timing
- Prep Time 3 mins
- Cook Time 5 mins
- Total Time 8 mins
A few popular questions that everyone asks about Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Cooking:
- What temperature and time should I use? Most recipes recommend 400°F (200°C) for 4-6 minutes, depending on desired yolk doneness (runnier versus firmer). Always experiment and adjust based on your specific air fryer and preference.
- Do I need to add water? Yes, a small amount of water (around 1/4 cup) is key to create steam and cook the eggs evenly.
- What type of dish should I use? Choose an oven-safe ramekin or small ceramic dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Avoid plastic or metal containers as they may heat unevenly or melt.
- Can I use vinegar in the water? Traditionally, vinegar helps the whites coagulate, but it’s not necessary in the air fryer method. It might impart a slightly acidic flavor, so decide based on your preference.
- How do I know when they’re done? Gently poke the yolk with a spoon. Runny, but not completely liquid, indicates medium doneness. For firmer yolks, cook for a few minutes longer.
Preparation & Troubleshooting:
- Do I need fresh eggs? Yes, fresh eggs with intact yolks poach best. Older eggs might spread more.
- What if my eggs break? It happens! Be gentle when cracking the egg into the ramekin. If it breaks, start over or try again with a smaller dish.
- My eggs aren’t runny enough! Cook for a shorter time next time. Remember, eggs continue to cook slightly after removing from the air fryer.
- My eggs are overcooked! Reduce cooking time or decrease the temperature slightly.
- Can I cook multiple eggs at once? If your air fryer has enough space and you use multiple ramekins, yes! Adjust cooking time slightly if cooking more than two eggs.
Bonus Tips:
- Preheat your air fryer for optimal results.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water, allowing excess water to drain.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different toppings like avocado, smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce, or fresh herbs.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. Enjoy the process and experiment, and soon you’ll be a master of air fryer poached eggs!
The full recipe for Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Some Ingredients that you will need
- 2 large eggs
- Oil spray. I use Ghee Butter.
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 Tablespoons hot water
- Toast (optional)
Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!
To make air fryer poached eggs, simply crack an egg in an air fryer-safe dish, greased with oil, and filled with hot water. (Pictures 2,3 and 4). I’m using ramekins. And cook it at 350 °F (177 °C) for 5 to 7 minutes. The timing will depend on the preferred doneness of the yolk. Please see the poached egg cooking times below.
Once cooked, remove the ramekins from the air fryer. Then, using a rubber spatula or spoon, gently pry the eggs out of the ramekins (Image 5). If the eggs are stuck, you can try running a knife around the edge of the ramekins. Once the eggs are loose, transfer them gently to a plate or to a prepared toast. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and enjoy!
The result is a perfectly round and gorgeous poached egg. It has a firm white and a creamy yolk, with a light and fluffy texture. I love that is protein-rich and free of unhealthy fats.
Tips for making poached eggs in the air fryer
- Air Fryer Poached Eggs Cooking Times
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F (177 °C).
- Runny yolk: Soft but cooked whites 5 minutes
- Medium-runny yolk, nicely cooked whites: 6-7 minutes
- Firmer but still soft yolk: 7-8 minutes
- Hard yolk and fully cooked whites: 8-10 minutes
- Remember, all air fryers may cook differently. Please don’t give up on the first try, experiment and see what works best for you. I used my Cuisinart Air Fryer oven and Ninja XL Air fryer grill and they both cooked poached eggs in 5 minutes to my liking of medium-runny yolk. Other air fryers like Fabuletta may take 8-10 minutes. But it does produce gorgeous, not cloudy yellow yolks though.
Best Air Fryer Poached Eggs 5 Mins
Air fryer poached eggs are a new amazing way to cook poached eggs without babysitting the stove. They are quick and easy to make and are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried eggs. Plus, there’s no messy water to clean up afterward.
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Cuisine: American, British
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- Oil spray. I use Ghee Butter.
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 Tablespoons hot water
- Toast optional
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F (177 °C) for 3 minutes (air fry/air crisp setting)
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When the “ready” timer beeps, spritz some oil into each ramekin and rub the oil with your finger around the edges. You can use the food brush instead.
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Pour 3-4 tablespoons of hot water
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Gently crack an egg into each ramekin
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Place ramekins directly in the air fryer basket/tray.
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Cook for 5-7 minutes. The timing will depend on the preferred doneness of the yolk. Please refer to the poached eggs cooking chart below.
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Once cooked, remove the ramekins from the air fryer.
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Then, using a rubber spatula, gently pry the eggs out of the ramekins.
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If the eggs are stuck, you can try running a knife around the edge of the ramekins.
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Once the eggs are loose, transfer them gently to a plate, or put them on prepared toast. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and enjoy!
Notes
Air Fryer Poached Eggs Cooking Times Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F (177 °C). Runny yolk: Soft but cooked whites 5 minutes Medium-runny yolk, nicely cooked whites: 6-7 minutes Firmer but still soft yolk: 7-8 minutes Hard yolk and fully cooked whites: 8-10 minutes Remember, all air fryers may cook differently. Please don’t give up on the first try, experiment and see what works best for you. I used my Cuisinart Air Fryer oven and Ninja XL Air fryer grill and they both cooked poached eggs in 5 minutes to my liking of medium-runny yolk. Other air fryers like Fabuletta may take 8-10 minutes. But it does produce gorgeous, not cloudy yellow yolks though.
NUTRITION
Serving: 1serving Calories: 63kcal Carbohydrates: 0.3g Protein: 6g Fat: 4g Saturated Fat: 1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 164mg Sodium: 62mg Potassium: 61mg Sugar: 0.2g Vitamin A: 238IU Calcium: 25mg Iron: 1mg
Keywords: Air fryer Roached Eggs, Roached Eggs