Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon butter or cooking spray
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs, optional, for serving
Equipment
- Air fryer
- 2 small heatproof ramekins or silicone cups
- Small spoon
- Tongs or oven mitts
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Preheating helps the eggs begin cooking immediately and makes the cooking time more consistent.
2. Prepare the ramekins
Lightly grease two small heatproof ramekins with butter or cooking spray. This makes the eggs easier to remove after cooking.
Add about 1 teaspoon of water to each ramekin.
The water creates a moist environment while the eggs cook and helps prevent the bottoms from becoming too firm.
3. Add the eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each ramekin. Try not to break the yolk.
If you want especially neat eggs, crack each egg into a small bowl first and then gently slide it into the ramekin.
Season with a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
4. Air fry
Place the ramekins carefully into the air fryer basket.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5–7 minutes.
Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer, the size of the ramekins, and how well-done you like your eggs.
For a very runny yolk, start checking around 5 minutes.
For a slightly firmer yolk, cook for about 6–7 minutes.
The egg whites should look mostly set while the yolks remain soft and gently jiggle when the ramekin is moved.
5. Remove carefully
Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully remove the hot ramekins from the air fryer.
Allow the eggs to rest for about 30 seconds. The residual heat will continue cooking the whites slightly.
6. Serve
Run a small spoon around the edge of the egg and gently lift it from the ramekin.
Place the poached egg on buttered toast, avocado toast, an English muffin, or your favorite breakfast dish.
Season with freshly ground black pepper and a little salt.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped chives, parsley, paprika, or chili flakes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Use fresh eggs. Fresh eggs generally have thicker whites, which helps them hold together better during cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space around the ramekins for the hot air to circulate.
Check early. Air fryers vary considerably. Your eggs may cook faster or slower than the suggested time, so check them toward the lower end of the cooking range.
Use room-temperature eggs when possible. They tend to cook more evenly than eggs straight from a very cold refrigerator.
Keep the ramekins stable. Make sure they sit flat in the basket so the eggs don’t spill.
Easy Serving Ideas
Serve your poached eggs over toasted sourdough with mashed avocado and chili flakes for a simple breakfast.
For a classic breakfast, place one egg on a toasted English muffin with a little butter and black pepper.
You can also serve the eggs over sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, hash browns, or a fresh salad.
For a quick version of eggs Benedict, place the poached egg on a toasted English muffin with ham or cooked chicken and drizzle with hollandaise sauce.
Troubleshooting
The whites are still runny: Cook for another 30–60 seconds and check again.
The yolk is too firm: Reduce the cooking time by 30–60 seconds next time.
The egg sticks to the ramekin: Grease the ramekin more thoroughly before adding the egg.
The top cooks too quickly: Try lowering the temperature slightly or checking the egg earlier.
The eggs cook unevenly: Make sure both ramekins are the same size and are positioned similarly in the air fryer.
Storage
Poached eggs are best eaten immediately. If necessary, cooked eggs can be refrigerated in a covered container and used within about 1 day, but the texture of the yolk is best when freshly cooked.
Quick Cooking Guide
- 350°F / 175°C: Preheat for 3 minutes
- Very runny yolk: About 5 minutes
- Runny but slightly firmer yolk: About 6 minutes
- Mostly firm yolk: About 7 minutes
Because every air fryer is different, use these times as a starting point and adjust them to your preferred egg consistency.
With just eggs, a little water, and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can make tender poached eggs without standing over a pot of boiling water.
