Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Air fryer poached eggs give you soft whites and a runny yolk without a swirling pot of water. Crack each egg into a ramekin with a little hot water, cook for 8 minutes at 330 °F, and lift the eggs out with a spoon. This is steam-poaching rather than classic poaching, but the result is tender, neat and easy to repeat for a crowd.
- Temperature
- 330°F170 °C
- Total time
- 14min
- Prep time
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 75kcal
Why the air fryer works for poached eggs
A true poached egg is cooked in simmering water, and the white wraps itself around the yolk as it sets. In the air fryer, the ramekin of hot water recreates that effect: the heat warms the water around the egg, and the steam above it sets the top of the white. The result is not identical to the classic swirl method, but it is very close and takes no stirring or watching.
The main thing to control is the time. Egg whites set at about 144–149 °F and yolks at 149–158 °F, so a few minutes is the difference between a runny yolk and a firm one. A stable, low temperature of 330 °F, a little water and a timer give you repeatable eggs, and you can cook up to four at once in a standard basket.
How to make poached eggs in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the ramekins Lightly oil four 6-oz oven-safe ramekins or silicone cups. Mix the hot water with the vinegar and pour about ¼ cup into each ramekin.
- Crack in the eggs Crack one egg gently into each ramekin, so the yolk stays whole and sits in the water. Season lightly with salt.
- Preheat the basket Preheat the empty air fryer to 330 °F for . Never preheat the ramekins empty.
- Cook Carefully place the ramekins in the basket with space between them. Cook for for a runny yolk and set whites. For a medium yolk cook for , for a firm yolk .
- Lift out and serve Use oven mitts to remove the ramekins and let them stand for . Lift each egg out with a slotted spoon, blot on a paper towel and serve on toast with pepper.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Poached Eggs | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Runny yolk | 330 °F (170 °C) | 8 min |
| Jammy yolk | 330 °F (170 °C) | 10 min |
| Firm yolk | 330 °F (170 °C) | 12 min |
| Silicone cups, no waterWhites are firmer | 330 °F (170 °C) | 6–7 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
- Use hot water. Starting with hot water from the kettle shortens the cooking time and gives more even whites.
- Add a splash of vinegar. A small amount helps the white stay together, and you do not taste it.
- Pat the eggs dry. Blotting the lifted eggs on a paper towel keeps the toast from getting soggy.
What to serve with poached eggs
Poached eggs belong on buttered toast with chives, on avocado toast, over asparagus or in an English muffin breakfast sandwich with bacon. For a brunch spread, serve them with asparagus or a side of breakfast potatoes. If you prefer a firm egg, see hard boiled eggs, and for fluffy eggs try scrambled eggs.
Storing and reheating
Poached eggs are best eaten right away. To make them ahead, move the cooked eggs to a bowl of cold water and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them for 1 minute in hot water, or in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300 °F in a ramekin with a little hot water, until just warmed through.
Variations
- Soft egg on avocado toast: Add mashed avocado, chili flakes and lemon juice under the egg.
- Eggs Benedict style: Serve on a toasted English muffin with ham and hollandaise (not vegetarian or dairy-free).
- Silicone cup method: Skip the water, oil the cups well and cook for 6–7 minutes at 330 °F.
- Herb eggs: Add a pinch of chopped chives or parsley to the water before cracking in the egg.
If it does not turn out right
- The whites are rubbery or the yolks are hard
- The eggs cooked too long or the water was too shallow. Start checking at 7 minutes, and use at least ¼ cup of water per ramekin.
- The whites are still clear
- The ramekins were cold or crowded. Use hot water, leave space between ramekins and add 1–2 minutes.
- The eggs stick to the cup
- Brush the ramekin with a thin film of oil, or use silicone cups, and loosen the edge with a spoon.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook poached eggs in the air fryer?
About 8 minutes at 330 °F for a runny yolk and set white. A jammy yolk takes 10 minutes and a firm yolk 12 minutes.
Do you need water to poach eggs in the air fryer?
Water gives the softest, most poached texture. You can use only oiled silicone cups, but then the eggs bake and the whites are firmer, so cook them for 6–7 minutes at 330 °F.
Can I poach eggs in parchment paper or without a ramekin?
A parchment cup works if it is weighted down with food, but a ramekin or silicone cup is safer and holds the shape. Never put loose parchment into the basket during preheating.
Are runny eggs safe?
Runny yolks carry a small risk of Salmonella. Use fresh, pasteurized eggs for young children, older adults, pregnant women or anyone with a weakened immune system, and cook them until the yolk is firm.
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