I’ve always loved poached eggs for their delicate texture and perfectly runny yolk, but I’ll admit—making them on the stovetop used to intimidate me. Between swirling water, keeping the temperature steady, and hoping the egg whites held together, it often felt like more stress than it was worth first thing in the morning.
Then I discovered the magic of the air fryer. Suddenly, poached eggs weren’t just for brunch at a fancy café—they became a simple, everyday option in my own kitchen. With just a few minutes and basic pantry items, you can create tender poached eggs that slip easily out of the cup and look like they were made by a professional chef. Let’s dive in!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Eggs: The star of the recipe. Choose the freshest eggs you can find, because fresher whites hold together better during poaching, giving you that neat, pillowy look.
Water: This is the secret to creating steam inside your air fryer, which gently cooks the eggs without frying them. Just a little splash is all you need for that classic poached texture.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Lightly coating the ramekins or silicone cups prevents sticking and makes it easier to slide the eggs out once they’re done. Nobody wants to lose half their egg to the cup!
Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural flavor of the egg, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a little bite that balances the creaminess of the yolk.
Ingredients List
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooking spray or a few drops of oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
Lightly spray or brush your ramekins (or silicone muffin cups) with oil. This keeps the eggs from sticking and makes removal super easy.
Step 2: Add Water
Pour about 1 tablespoon of water into each ramekin. This little bit of water creates steam that gently cooks the egg.
Step 3: Crack the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each ramekin. Try to keep the yolk intact for that picture-perfect poached look.
Step 4: Air Fry
Place the ramekins in your air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 5–6 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolk.
Step 5: Remove and Season
Take the ramekins out carefully—they’ll be hot! Use a spoon to gently lift out the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy right away.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust the cooking time: If you prefer firmer yolks, add an extra minute to the cook time. For extra runny yolks, check them a little earlier.
- Use the right size ramekin: Smaller cups help the eggs hold their shape, while larger cups may spread the whites too thin.
- Don’t skip the water: It’s the key to steaming the eggs and achieving that soft poached texture.
- Experiment with seasoning: A pinch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even fresh herbs can take these eggs to the next level.
- Serve creatively: Layer them on avocado toast, add them to a grain bowl, or place on top of sautéed greens for a light, protein-packed meal.
FAQs
Can I make multiple poached eggs at once in the air fryer?
Yes! As long as your air fryer basket has space for multiple ramekins without overcrowding, you can poach two to four eggs at the same time.
Do I need to cover the ramekins with foil?
It’s not required, but covering can help keep the steam inside the ramekin and result in slightly softer whites.
What if I don’t have ramekins?
Silicone muffin cups work beautifully and make it easy to pop the eggs out. Just make sure they’re safe for high heat.
Can I store poached eggs for later?
Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them in cold water for up to a day. Reheat gently in warm water before serving.