Air fryer poached eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before starting, it’s helpful to preheat your air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This ensures the air fryer is ready to cook the eggs evenly from the start.

2. Prepare the Ramekins

Lightly grease your ramekin (or any small, oven-safe dish) with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or a light drizzle of oil to ensure the eggs don’t stick. You can also line the ramekin with parchment paper if you prefer.

3. Crack the Eggs

Carefully crack each egg into its own ramekin. If you want to poach multiple eggs, use separate ramekins to avoid them sticking together during cooking. Make sure the eggs are in a single layer, and the yolks are intact.

4. Place the Ramekins in the Air Fryer Basket

Carefully place the ramekin(s) into the preheated air fryer basket. If you’re cooking more than one egg, make sure there is enough space between each ramekin to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggs in batches.

5. Air Fry the Eggs

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the eggs for 8 to 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on your preferred level of doneness:

• For runny yolks: Cook for 8 minutes.
• For slightly set yolks: Cook for 9 minutes.
• For firm yolks: Cook for 10 minutes.

Because air fryers can vary in temperature, it’s always a good idea to check the eggs after the first batch and adjust the time if needed.

6. Check for Doneness

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ramekin(s) from the air fryer using tongs or an oven mitt. Gently tap the egg whites to check if they are set. If the whites are firm and the yolk still wobbles when gently touched, your eggs are ready.

If you prefer the yolk more cooked, you can always pop them back in for another minute or two. However, keep an eye on them, as the air fryer can cook eggs quickly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the poached eggs from the ramekin and serve them on a plate. You can top them with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings, or serve them over avocado toast, a green salad, or on top of a breakfast bowl.

For a special touch, drizzle some hollandaise sauce over the eggs, or serve them with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs

1. Use the Right Ramekin: Choose a ramekin that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without overcrowding. This ensures proper air circulation, which is key for evenly cooked eggs.
2. Experiment with Cooking Time: Since every air fryer is different, you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your preferences. If you’re new to making air fryer poached eggs, start with 8 minutes for a runny yolk and adjust from there.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you’re making multiple poached eggs, ensure there’s enough room between each ramekin so the hot air can circulate around them. Too many eggs at once can lead to uneven cooking.
4. Adjust for Different Altitudes: If you live at a higher altitude, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time due to lower air pressure. Keep an eye on the eggs to avoid overcooking.
5. Experiment with Flavors: While traditional poached eggs are delicious on their own, you can elevate the flavor by adding a little cheese, herbs, or garlic butter to the ramekin before cracking the eggs. The air fryer will infuse these flavors into the eggs as they cook.
6. Avoid Overcooking: If you cook the eggs for too long, the yolk will become hard, and the whites may become rubbery. Always check your eggs a minute before the timer is up to prevent overcooking.

Why Air Fryer Poached Eggs Are a Game-Changer

1. No Water, No Mess: Traditional poaching methods require a pot of simmering water, vinegar, and a careful technique. The air fryer eliminates this need, making the process simpler and less messy.
2. Less Supervision: With the air fryer, you don’t need to monitor the water temperature or worry about the eggs floating around. Once the eggs are in the air fryer, you can walk away and focus on other tasks.
3. Consistent Results: Unlike stovetop poaching, where the temperature can fluctuate and the eggs can stick to the pan, the air fryer gives you more consistent results with each batch.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Poached eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Air fryer poached eggs reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or adding to salads and bowls.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Once you’ve mastered the art of making poached eggs in the air fryer, the possibilities for serving them are endless:

• Classic Avocado Toast: Top whole-grain toast with smashed avocado, a poached egg, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
• Eggs Benedict: Air fryer poached eggs are perfect for creating this classic brunch dish. Add a buttery English muffin, Canadian bacon, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce.
• Salads: Add a poached egg to any salad for an extra boost of protein and a rich, creamy texture. It’s especially delicious on a bed of leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or quinoa.
• Breakfast Bowls: Top a grain bowl with roasted veggies, spinach, quinoa, or rice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A poached egg on top of a crispy grilled cheese sandwich adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Poach Eggs

Air fryer poached eggs are an easy, hands-off way to enjoy this classic breakfast or brunch dish without the hassle of stovetop poaching. The results are consistently perfect — soft whites with runny

or set yolks, and no mess to clean up. Whether you’re serving them on toast, in salads, or as part of a decadent brunch, air fryer poached eggs are sure to become your new favorite way to cook eggs.

So, if you’re ready to take your egg game to the next level, fire up your air fryer and enjoy perfectly poached eggs in just minutes. Happy cooking!