Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) using the air fry or air crisp setting. Allow it to preheat for approximately 3 minutes until the “ready” indicator signals.
While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray the inside of each ramekin with oil. Use your finger or a food brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the ramekins. This step is important to prevent the eggs from sticking.
Carefully pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot water into each ramekin. The hot water helps create steam inside the ramekin, which gently cooks the eggs and mimics traditional poaching.
Gently crack one egg into each prepared ramekin, taking care not to break the yolk.
Place the ramekins directly into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they sit flat and are stable.
Cook the eggs for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your preferred yolk doneness. Begin checking at the 5-minute mark, as air fryer models may vary slightly in cooking intensity.
Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer using oven mitts, as they will be hot.
Using a rubber spatula, gently loosen the edges of each egg and carefully lift it out of the ramekin. If the egg is sticking, run a small knife around the edge to release it.
Transfer the eggs to a plate or place them directly on prepared toast. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Poached Eggs Cooking Guide
Always preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) before cooking.
- Runny yolk with soft but fully cooked whites: 5 minutes
- Medium-runny yolk with nicely set whites: 6 to 7 minutes
- Firmer yet still soft yolk: 7 to 8 minutes
- Fully cooked yolk with firm whites: 8 to 10 minutes
Tips and Notes
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the eggs and the brand of air fryer used. For best results, use large eggs and identical ramekins to ensure even cooking.
These poached eggs are excellent served over buttered toast, avocado toast, or alongside roasted vegetables. They can also be used as a protein topping for salads or grain bowls.
This air fryer method offers a foolproof way to enjoy poached eggs with minimal effort and consistent results every time.
