Air Fryer Egg Bites
Air fryer egg bites come out soft, fluffy and custard-like in about 14 minutes, with no water bath or special pot. Blend the eggs with cottage cheese for a smooth texture, fill silicone cups and cook them at a gentle 300 °F. This recipe makes 12 bites for meal prep and covers frozen and store-bought egg bites too.
- Temperature
- 300°F150 °C
- Total time
- 40min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 160kcal
Why the air fryer works for egg bites
Egg bites are baked egg custard, and custard likes gentle, even heat. Restaurants use a steam oven or a water bath, which is hard to copy at home. A small air fryer is a good alternative, because the sealed, fast-moving air holds a steady temperature and the silicone cups protect the eggs from direct blasts of heat. At 300 °F, the egg mixture sets slowly, puffs and stays tender.
Blending the eggs with cottage cheese is what gives the smooth, creamy texture. The cheese adds protein and body, so the bites hold together when you lift them out of the cups. Because the air fryer is small, you cook the bites in two batches of six, which fits most 4–6 qt baskets.
How to make egg bites in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Blend the eggs Add the eggs, cottage cheese, salt and pepper to a blender and blend for 20 seconds until completely smooth. If you do not have a blender, whisk well; the bites will have a few small curds.
- Prepare the cups Spray 12 silicone muffin cups lightly with cooking spray. Divide the spinach, scallions and cheddar between the cups, filling each only one third full.
- Add the egg mixture Pour the egg mixture over the filling until each cup is about three quarters full. The eggs rise as they cook, so do not fill to the top.
- Cook Preheat the empty basket to 300 °F for , then place the cups in the basket and cook six cups at a time for . The bites are done when the centers are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Repeat with the second six cups.
- Rest and unmold Let the egg bites sit for . They will deflate slightly. Run a knife around the edge and lift them out.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Egg Bites | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone cups, homemadeSix cups per batch | 300 °F (150 °C) | 14 min |
| Metal ramekins | 300 °F (150 °C) | 16–18 min |
| Mini cups | 300 °F (150 °C) | 9–10 min |
| Frozen egg bitesNo thawing | 320 °F (160 °C) | 8–10 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Do not preheat the cups empty. Preheat the basket alone, then add the filled cups.
- Pre-cook wet fillings. Spinach, mushrooms and peppers should be chopped small, and watery vegetables should be sautéed first so they do not weep.
- Cook at 300 °F. A lower temperature keeps the bites tender. Higher heat makes them puff and turn rubbery.
What to serve with egg bites
Egg bites make an easy breakfast with fruit, toast or a spoonful of salsa. For a heartier plate, serve them with crispy bacon or sausage patties, or alongside a muffin for a grab-and-go meal. They also fit a brunch table next to an omelet or a quiche.
Storing and reheating
Cooled egg bites keep for 4 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated bites in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes, until they reach 165 °F in the center. Frozen bites take 8–10 minutes at 320 °F. They also hold well for meal prep: put a few in a container with fruit for the week.
Variations
- Bacon and Swiss: Add 2 tbsp of crumbled cooked bacon and Swiss cheese in place of the spinach and cheddar (not vegetarian).
- Veggie: Use diced bell pepper, mushrooms and onion, cooked first, in place of spinach.
- Egg white bites: Replace 4 of the eggs with ¾ cup of liquid egg whites, and cook for 12–13 minutes.
- Without cottage cheese: Use 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt or milk instead.
If it does not turn out right
- The egg bites are rubbery
- They cooked too hot or too long. Keep the temperature at 300 °F and check at 12 minutes, because carryover heat finishes them.
- The bites puff up and then collapse
- This is normal, since egg bites rise as steam forms and settle as they cool. Underfilling the cups reduces it.
- The bites stick to the cups
- Spray silicone cups lightly with oil, and let the bites rest for 2 minutes before loosening the edge with a knife.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook egg bites in the air fryer?
About 14 minutes at 300 °F for homemade egg bites in silicone cups. Metal ramekins take 16–18 minutes, and mini cups take 9–10 minutes.
Can I make egg bites without cottage cheese?
Yes. Use 2 tbsp of milk, heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt instead, or use no dairy at all. The bites will be a little firmer and less custardy.
How do you cook frozen egg bites in the air fryer?
Cook store-bought or homemade frozen egg bites at 320 °F for 8–10 minutes, until hot all the way through. Do not thaw first, and remove any plastic tray.
How do I reheat egg bites?
Reheat refrigerated egg bites at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes, until hot and steaming in the center (165 °F).
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