Some mornings, you just want breakfast to feel easy. No pots. No swirling vinegar water. Just creamy, gently cooked poached eggs without the fuss. That’s where air fryer poached eggs come in. With a couple of ramekins, hot water, and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have perfect eggs in under 10 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why Make Poached Eggs in the Air Fryer?
Poaching eggs the traditional way always felt like a small kitchen battle. Water temperature, timing, and technique all have to align. The air fryer skips all that. It’s hands-off, fast, and surprisingly reliable.
You don’t need a special gadget or poaching pan. No babysitting the stove. Just prep, pop into the basket, and let your air fryer do the rest. It’s ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or when you want something simple and satisfying without extra cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it beautifully minimal:
- 2 large eggs
- Oil spray (ghee butter works great)
- 6 tablespoons hot water (freshly boiled)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toast (totally optional, but highly encouraged)
Equipment tips:
Use 4 oz oven-safe ramekins or silicone baking cups. Hot water is key here — it helps the whites set evenly and keeps the texture soft, not rubbery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 3 minutes. Use the air fry or air crisp setting. This step matters. Starting cold can lead to uneven cooking.
Prepare the Ramekins
Spray each ramekin lightly with oil. Use your fingers or a food brush to coat the sides. This keeps the eggs from sticking and helps them slide out smoothly.
Add Water and Eggs
Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot (just-boiled) water into each ramekin. Carefully crack one egg into each. You want the yolk to stay intact and the whites to settle nicely.
Air Fry and Remove
Place the ramekins in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for:
- 5 minutes for runny yolks and soft whites
- 6–7 minutes for medium-set yolks and firm whites
- 8–10 minutes for fully set, hard yolks
Use oven mitts or tongs to carefully remove the ramekins — they’ll be hot. Run a rubber spatula or butter knife along the edge to release the eggs. Lift gently and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Poached Eggs Cooking Times
| Doneness | Time (at 350°F) |
|---|---|
| Runny yolk, soft whites | 5 minutes |
| Medium yolk, firm whites | 6–7 minutes |
| Soft-firm yolk | 7–8 minutes |
| Hard-cooked yolk | 8–10 minutes |
Timing may vary slightly based on your air fryer model and egg size. I use a Ninja 6-in-1 and fit six ramekins in without needing to adjust the cook time.
Tips for Best Results
- Always preheat your air fryer. Skipping this can cause uneven whites.
- Don’t skip the hot water. It makes a real difference in texture.
- Use ramekins or silicone baking cups — avoid glass bowls.
- Remove eggs immediately after cooking. They keep cooking in the hot ramekin.
- You can substitute with muffin tins or small ceramic dishes if needed.
- Skip the vinegar. This method doesn’t need it.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these. But here are some ideas:
- On sourdough toast with avocado
- Topped with a sprinkle of chili flakes and flaky salt
- Next to crispy bacon or turkey sausage
- With air fryer asparagus or roasted potatoes
- Over a breakfast bowl with rice, greens, or quinoa
- Nestled into puff pastry with ham and cheese
If you’re already firing up the air fryer, try pairing this with how to make perfectly crispy Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes or these easy cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips for a quick breakfast side.
FAQ About Air Fryer Poached Eggs
How do you poach an egg in the air fryer?
Lightly grease a ramekin, add hot water, crack in the egg, and air fry at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes depending on your yolk preference.
How to do egg in air fryer?
For poached eggs, use ramekins with hot water. For other styles (like hard-boiled or baked), follow separate methods suited for those textures.
Can you poach eggs in an air fryer without water?
Technically, yes, but the whites may turn rubbery and the texture isn’t ideal. Hot water helps cook the whites gently and evenly.
How to poach eggs in air fryer with silicone cups?
Follow the same steps as ramekins. Lightly grease, add hot water, crack the egg, and air fry. Silicone cups release the egg easily and are a great option.
Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe Card
Print
Air Fryer Poached Eggs – Quick, Foolproof & Delicious
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick, mess-free poached eggs made right in your air fryer. Soft, runny, or firm — ready in minutes with zero stovetop fuss.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
Oil spray (e.g., Ghee Butter)
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tablespoons hot water (freshly boiled)
Toast, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes using the air fry or air crisp setting.
2. Lightly spray ramekins with oil and coat the sides using your fingers or a food brush.
3. Add 3–4 tablespoons of freshly boiled hot water into each ramekin.
4. Crack one egg into each prepared ramekin.
5. Place ramekins carefully into the air fryer basket or tray.
6. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, depending on your yolk preference.
7. Use oven mitts or tongs to remove the hot ramekins from the air fryer.
8. Gently run a spatula or knife along the edges to release the egg.
9. Serve immediately over toast or your favorite breakfast pairing. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking.
Use 4 oz oven-safe ramekins or silicone baking cups.
Hot water helps cook the whites gently and avoids rubbery texture.
Do not let the eggs sit too long in the ramekins after cooking, as they continue to cook.
Silicone cups, muffin tins, or small ceramic dishes also work well.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 62mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 0.3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 164mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more air fryer breakfast ideas?
- Pair with these fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes to serve with your poached eggs
- Try garlic butter Air Fryer Steak Bites for a protein-packed brunch
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt poached eggs were too much of a hassle, try them in the air fryer. It’s honestly a game-changer for busy mornings or when you just want something quick but nourishing.
Once you find your perfect timing, you’ll keep coming back to this method. Give it a shot, and don’t forget to share your egg-cellent results with us on Pinterest or Facebook.