These air fryer poached eggs are a simple, mess-free way to enjoy perfectly cooked eggs without standing over the stove. With tender whites and runny yolks, this method delivers consistent results in just minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or a quick protein-packed breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, clean, and beginner-friendly. There’s no swirling water, no vinegar, and no stress. The air fryer does most of the work, giving you beautifully poached eggs with minimal effort. It’s also easy to scale up or down depending on how many eggs you need.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 medium eggs, at room temperature
½ teaspoon olive oil, for brushing or spraying the ramekins
1 cup hot water, heated in the microwave
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for about 2 minutes until very hot. Set aside.
Lightly brush or spray the bottom of four oven-safe ramekins with olive oil.
Place the empty ramekins in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes.
Carefully crack one egg into each hot ramekin while they remain in the air fryer basket.
Gently pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the hot water over each egg.
Slide the basket back into the air fryer and cook at 180°C (360°F) for 4 to 5 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
For slightly firmer yolks, cook for an additional 1 minute.
Carefully remove the ramekins using oven gloves. Use a spatula to gently loosen the eggs if needed.
Transfer to a plate, season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
You can adjust the doneness by increasing or decreasing the cooking time slightly. For firmer yolks, add an extra minute of air frying. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chili flakes on top before serving. You can also serve these poached eggs over toast, sautéed vegetables, or grain bowls.
Storage/Reheating
These air fryer poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh and are not suitable for storage or reheating. Leaving them in the hot ramekins can cause overcooking, so remove them immediately after cooking and serve right away.
FAQs
Can I use eggs straight from the fridge?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 1 minute since colder eggs take longer to cook.
What type of ramekins work best?
Ceramic or oven-safe glass ramekins work best. Silicone molds are not recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the egg whites set quickly, but if you skip it, simply add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I cook more than four eggs at once?
You can cook as many eggs as your air fryer basket can safely hold, as long as there is space for airflow.
Why add hot water to the ramekins?
The hot water helps gently cook the egg whites and mimics the moist environment of traditional poaching.
How do I know when the eggs are done?
The whites should be fully set while the yolks remain soft. Start checking after 4 minutes.
Can I make these with large eggs?
Yes, but large eggs may need an extra minute of cooking time compared to medium eggs.
Are these eggs suitable for meal prep?
No, poached eggs do not store or reheat well and should be eaten immediately.
What can I serve with air fryer poached eggs?
They pair well with toast, avocado, sautéed greens, or breakfast bowls.
Why did my eggs overcook?
Overcooking can happen if the eggs are left in the hot ramekins too long after cooking or if the air fryer temperature runs high.
Conclusion
Air fryer poached eggs are an easy and reliable alternative to stovetop poaching. With minimal cleanup and consistent results, this method is perfect for anyone who wants a quick, healthy breakfast without the hassle. Once you try it, you’ll see how simple it is to make perfectly poached eggs every time.
These air fryer poached eggs are a quick and mess-free way to enjoy perfectly tender whites and runny yolks. Ideal for busy mornings, this method delivers consistent results with minimal effort—no swirling water or vinegar required.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:9 minutes
Total Time:14 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
4 medium eggs, at room temperature
½ teaspoon olive oil (for greasing ramekins)
1 cup hot water
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for about 2 minutes until very hot. Set aside.
Lightly brush or spray the bottom of four oven-safe ramekins with olive oil.
Place the empty ramekins in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes.
Carefully crack one egg into each hot ramekin while still in the air fryer basket.
Gently pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the hot water over each egg.
Cook in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 4 to 5 minutes, until the whites are set and yolks are runny.
For firmer yolks, cook for an additional 1 minute.
Use oven gloves to remove the ramekins. Loosen the eggs gently with a spatula if needed.
Transfer to a plate, season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use room-temperature eggs for the most consistent results.
Do not leave eggs in ramekins after cooking, as residual heat will overcook them.
Preheating the air fryer helps set the egg whites quickly.
