Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe

Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2-4 large eggs (or as many as your air fryer can comfortably fit in the basket)
  • Water (for the air fryer basket)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking from the start.

2. Prepare the Eggs:

  • Fill the air fryer basket with about 1/4 cup of water. The water will help create steam and ensure that the eggs cook gently without becoming too dry.
  • Place the eggs directly into the air fryer basket. You do not need to crack them or do anything special to prepare the eggs — just place them in as they are.

3. Cook the Eggs:

  • Air fry the eggs at 370°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes. The exact time will depend on how runny you want your yolk:
    • 12 minutes will give you a slightly runny yolk, with firm whites.
    • 13-14 minutes will result in a firmer yolk, but still soft and creamy.
  • If you prefer a slightly firmer yolk, you can add another 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them.

4. Cool the Eggs:

  • Once the cooking time is up, use tongs or a spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the air fryer basket. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.

5. Peel and Serve:

  • Gently tap the eggs on the counter to crack the shell, then peel them. The shell should come off easily, revealing a perfectly poached egg with tender whites and a beautiful, runny yolk.
  • Serve immediately on toast, in salads, or as part of your favorite breakfast dish.

Nutritional Information (per egg):

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • WW Points: 2 (for 1 egg)

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Poached Eggs:

  1. No Water Mess: Traditional poaching requires a pot of water and can be tricky to get just right. The air fryer simplifies things by allowing you to poach eggs in their shells without any boiling water or constant monitoring.
  2. Consistent Results: Once you know your perfect cook time, you can easily replicate it every time, ensuring consistent poached eggs with perfectly runny yolks.
  3. Hands-Off Cooking: You can cook multiple eggs at once with minimal effort. Just set the air fryer, and you don’t need to worry about timing each egg or constantly checking the water.
  4. No Overcooking: The air fryer’s gentle heat prevents the eggs from overcooking, so you can avoid the rubbery whites that sometimes occur when poaching on the stove.
  5. Healthy and Quick: Poached eggs are naturally low-calorie, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile. The air fryer method is quick, so you can enjoy a delicious, healthy breakfast without much effort.

Tips & Variations:

  • Cooking More Than One Egg: If you’re cooking multiple eggs, just ensure that they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket with a little space between them for the air to circulate. You can cook up to 6 eggs, depending on your air fryer size.
  • For Perfectly Soft Yolks: If you prefer your yolk super runny, keep an eye on the time. Start checking at 11 minutes and adjust based on your air fryer model. Different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates.
  • Serving Ideas:
    • On Toast: Place a poached egg on avocado toast or a slice of whole-grain toast for a filling breakfast or lunch.
    • In a Salad: Top a salad with a poached egg for a rich, creamy texture. The warm egg will create a delicious dressing when broken open.
    • In Bowls: Add to grain bowls or ramen for an extra protein boost.
  • For Flavored Eggs: Add a pinch of salt and pepper or even a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for extra flavor before serving.

Why This Method Works:

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the eggs, essentially steaming them within their shells. The small amount of water in the basket helps create steam, which gently cooks the eggs without direct contact with the hot air. This method mimics traditional poaching but without the need for boiling water or delicate timing.


Air Fryer Poached Eggs are an easy, foolproof way to get perfectly cooked eggs with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or adding them to a salad, this method will save you time and frustration while ensuring your eggs turn out perfectly every time!