How to Make Perfect Poached Eggs in the Air Fryer
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Make Poached Eggs in Air Fryer for perfect results every single time!! No more worrying about keeping an eye on your stovetop and constant stirring… no siree, with the air fryer all you need to do is pop the eggs in a ramekin, wait, and enjoy! Air fryer poached eggs are SO easy!
Poached Eggs in Air Fryer
I love poached eggs, but even I have to admit that they’re a pain to make on the stovetop!
You need to make sure the water temperature is just right, you have to crack the eggs in a certain way, and not to mention… you basically need to stir the pot the entire time!
I don’t know about you guys but I don’t have time for all of that.
That’s where this recipe for poached eggs in air fryer comes in! All you need is your trusty air fryer, eggs, water, and a ramekin. That’s it, and zero stirring involved. Score!
The results? Tender and delicate egg whites surround a rich and creamy yolk to bring you perfectly poached eggs. This has got to be one of the fanciest ways to enjoy eggs!
Looking for more ways to make eggs in the air fryer? Don’t miss my recipe for air fryer hard boiled eggs too. It’s perfect for keeping some on hand for easy lunches!
And in the meantime, prepare to meet your new favorite way to make poached eggs.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Eggs – My poached eggs air fryer recipe is perfect for making 3 eggs at a time.
I don’t recommend adding any more — if you’re cooking for a crowd, batch cooking is best. You can use your preferred brand. - Hot Water – Use hot water rather than cold as it reduces the cooking time and helps the egg whites hold together as they air fry.
- Salt & Pepper – Just to taste! You can always add other favorites if you’d like. Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes add a kick, while some rosemary, thyme, and dried chives make herby eggs.
For a savory flavor explosion, try Parmigiano cheese, garlic powder, or onion powder … there are so many options. Get creative!
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs
- Fresh eggs are best.
This poached eggs air fryer recipe turns out best when you use the freshest eggs possible. So, make sure to pay attention to expiration dates before you get started!
You can determine the freshness of your eggs by cracking one in a bowl — if the white holds together well it’s fresh.
If there is some water on the edges of the white, it’s not fresh.
If less-fresh eggs are your only option, crack them in a small sieve to separate the watery part before you add them to your air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer.
Some air frying recipes don’t require preheating… this isn’t one of those recipes.
Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the correct temperature quickly and cooks the eggs evenly. For best results, let it preheat for at least 4 minutes.
You’ll actually cook the eggs at a slightly lower temperature than the one you preheat at — I like this preheating method as it pretty much guarantees the perfect temperature.
- One egg per ramekin.
You need to use a ramekin (that’s my go-to) or a silicone mold to make poached eggs in an air fryer.
Remember to crack each egg into a separate ramekin. This helps contain the whites and prevents the eggs from spreading too much.
Again, don’t be tempted to overload your air fryer. Cook in batches if needed!
Prep Ahead Tips
- Preheat that air fryer!
- Prep the ramekins with cooking spray
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Ramekins
Serving Suggestions
There are a ton of options for this poached eggs air fryer recipe!
Keep things classic and serve on an English muffins, with toast, or a healthy helping of bacon. You could also top your air fryer poached eggs with some freshly grated cheese and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning.
Don’t be afraid to have fun with this recipe! Make it totally kid-friendly by adding some cheese and increasing the cooking time for an extra 30 seconds to set the yolk.
You could also create the ultimate breakfast experience and serve it on top of avocado toast, or in an eggs Benedict sandwich!
Storing and Reheating
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh! Although, if you do have leftovers, be sure to place the cooked eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 2 days.
Reheat in 30-second bursts in the microwave until warmed though, or use your air fryer! Reheat at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.
Poached Eggs in Air Fryer FAQ
Nope! Vinegar is often used in traditional recipes to help the egg whites stick together as they cook in boiling water on the stove.
You don’t need it in the air fryer! The circulated hot air is enough to keep those whites where they should be.
Don’t overcook them! If overly hard yolks are a real concern, start with a shorter cooking time than recommended and then check in on the eggs as they cook.
Remember, you can always leave them in for longer, but if they’re overcooked, you’ll have to start the recipe all over again!
I typically add them after, but you can certainly add them before air frying if you’d like. Sprinkle your seasoning directly onto the eggs, or add it to the water. Both work!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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How to Make Perfect Poached Eggs in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 9 tablespoons hot water, divided
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 4 minutes.
- Prepare the Ramekins: Spray 3 ramekins with cooking spray (you can also use about 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil per ramekin; take a pastry brush and oil the whole ramekin). Add 3 tablespoons of warm water per ramekin.
- Poach the Eggs: Crack one egg into each ramekin. Place the ramekins in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Cook: Cook at 370 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes. At the 6-minute mark, it will have a very runny yolk. You can open the air fryer, take a spoon, and gently release the egg, then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Donna’s Notes
– Using hot water reduces cooking time and helps the egg whites hold together better than cold water. Use fresh eggs:
– Fresh eggs produce better results. Crack an egg in a bowl, and if you see the white holding together well, it’s fresh. If you see some water on the side, it’s not fresh. To improve less fresh eggs, crack them in a small sieve to separate the watery part, leaving you with a firmer white. Storage:
– Once the poached egg is cooked, place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published January 2024
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i’m a fan of quick recipes, and this did not disappoint! simple but delicious