Air Fryer Poached Eggs

These Air Fryer Poached Eggs recipe is the easiest, fool-proof way of poaching eggs. They come out perfectly every time, you don’t even need to stand at the stove, and make your mornings a lot easier!

These air fryer poached eggs have made mornings so much simpler in our house. I no longer have to watch over the boiling water on the stove, or stress about swirling it at the right time. All you need is a ramekin, an egg, and 6 minutes in your air fryer. The eggs come out with perfectly set whites and a soft, runny yolk every single time.

We make eggs almost every day at home, and therefore I have come up with several different ways to enjoy them. My chilli oil fried eggs, mayak eggs, and Kerala egg roast have been my go-to recipes for a long time. And now this poached eggs recipe in the air fryer is one of the simplest of the lot. It’s a great one to have in your breakfast rotation when you want something healthy with zero fuss.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
Richa’s Top Tips
Storage Tips
Serving Ideas
Did You Know?
Watch Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe Video

Ingredients for Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Eggs: Fresh eggs work best because the whites hold together better and give you a neater poached egg.

Water: You’ll need boiling water to create the hot water bath inside the ramekins while the eggs cook in the air fryer.

Salt: Optional, for seasoning the eggs before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you poach eggs in an air fryer?

At 200°C, air fry the eggs for 6 minutes for set whites and soft, runny yolks. If you prefer a firmer yolk, add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time. But each air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with the timing to achieve the best results in yours.

Can you poach eggs ahead of time?

Yes! Poached eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once they’re cooked, gently transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently in warm water for a minute or two.

How do I prevent the egg from sticking to the ramekin or dish?

Lightly grease the ramekin with a little oil or butter before adding the boiling water and egg. This makes it much easier to gently scoop the poached egg out once it’s cooked. A silicone spatula or slotted spoon also helps when removing the egg.

Richa’s Top Tips

Don’t fill the ramekins too much. Fill them only halfway with water so there’s enough room for the egg without the water spilling over.
Use a small steel bowl
Preheat the air fryer. Don’t skip the 200°C preheating step. Starting with a hot air fryer makes for the perfect poached eggs.
Use tongs to remove the ramekins. They’ll be very hot after cooking, so use tongs and handle them carefully.
Adjust the cooking time for your yolk. Six minutes gives you soft, runny yolks, but add a minute or two if you prefer your poached eggs more set.
Scoop the eggs out gently. A slotted spoon works best for lifting the eggs from the water without breaking the delicate yolk.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: If you’re making these ahead, transfer the cooked poached eggs to an ice water bath immediately after cooking. Once cooled, drain and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Place the chilled poached eggs in a bowl of warm water for 1-2 minutes to warm them through. Avoid boiling water, as it can overcook the eggs and turn the yolks firm.
Freezing: Not recommended. Poached eggs don’t freeze and thaw particularly well, and the whites can become rubbery and watery.

Serving Ideas

Air fryer poached eggs are best served warm, with something to soak up that runny yolk. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy them:

On avocado toast: Spoon mashed avocado over crispy toast, top with a poached egg, and finish with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.
Over a breakfast bowl: Add the poached egg to a bowl of sautéed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or grains for a filling breakfast.
With breakfast potatoes: Pair with crispy air fryer potatoes and a little hot sauce for an easy weekend breakfast.
On an English muffin: Add the poached egg to a toasted English muffin with a little butter or cheese for a quick breakfast sandwich.
Add it to a salad: Top a fresh salad with a poached egg and let the runny yolk act like a creamy dressing. It works especially well with greens, tomatoes, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette.

Did You Know?

That little white string attached to the yolk is called the chalaza. It might look like a piece of egg white that needs to be removed, but it actually has an important job. The chalaza anchors the yolk in place and helps keep it centred inside the egg. You will usually notice it more clearly in very fresh eggs, and that’s actually a good thing. A prominent chalaza is one of the little signs that your egg is fresh. So the next time you crack an egg and see that white, stringy bit, leave it there.

If you’ve always thought poaching eggs was too fiddly or complicated, these air fryer poached eggs are about to change your mind. Make them for breakfast, add one to a salad, or pile one onto toast when you want something simple but satisfying. /Once you try this method, poached eggs might just become one of the easiest ways to cook eggs. Tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you try it.

Watch Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe Video