- Grease the Ramekins: Lightly grease the inside of each ramekin or silicone egg cup with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps prevent the eggs from sticking and ensures easy removal after cooking.
- Add Water: Pour about 1 tablespoon of water into each ramekin. This small amount of water helps create steam, which cooks the eggs gently and evenly, mimicking traditional poaching.
Step 2: Crack the Eggs
- Crack the Eggs: Crack one egg into each ramekin. Be careful not to break the yolk. If you’re worried about shells, you can crack the egg into a small bowl first and then pour it into the ramekin.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the eggs start cooking immediately and helps achieve the desired texture.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
- Place the Ramekins in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the ramekins into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the eggs in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on how runny or firm you like your yolks. For a runny yolk, aim for the shorter cooking time; for a firmer yolk, cook closer to 7 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After 5 minutes, check the eggs for doneness by gently shaking the ramekin. The whites should be set, and the yolk should still jiggle slightly. If needed, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve the Poached Eggs
- Remove the Eggs: Carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts or a towel, as they will be hot. Use a spoon to gently lift the poached eggs out of the ramekins.
- Season and Serve: Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, either on their own or as part of your favorite breakfast dish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your eggs. It’s a good idea to check the eggs a little earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs are ideal for poaching, as they hold their shape better and have a firmer white.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of herbs or a small amount of grated cheese over the eggs before cooking.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Avocado Toast with Poached Egg: Top a slice of toasted bread with mashed avocado, a poached egg, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning.
- Poached Egg Salad: Add a poached egg to a bed of mixed greens, along with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of vinaigrette.
- Eggs Benedict: Serve the poached eggs on an English muffin with Canadian bacon, and drizzle with hollandaise sauce for a classic breakfast treat.
Conclusion
Air fryer poached eggs are an easy and reliable way to enjoy this classic breakfast dish without the fuss of traditional poaching. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can achieve perfectly cooked eggs with a tender white and a beautifully runny yolk. Whether you’re making breakfast for yourself or serving up brunch for a crowd, these air fryer poached eggs are sure to impress. Enjoy them on toast, in salads, or however you like to start your day!