Air fryer poached eggs recipe – perfect every time

Let me show you the easy, no-fail way to make air fryer poached eggs. These eggs turn out soft, with that perfect runny yolk, ready to slide onto toast, serve for brunch, or make any breakfast feel a little extra special.

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I made a quick video showing exactly how I make these poached eggs in the air fryer. You can watch it below, and if it helps, please like the video and subscribe for more easy air fryer recipes.

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Why I like this air fryer poached eggs recipe

I love a good poached egg, especially with a runny yolk on toast. This air fryer version is just a handy little method to have when you want to make eggs in small cups instead of using a pan.

It is simple, quick, and easy to repeat once you know the timing in your own air fryer. Not better than every other way, just a nice option for breakfast when you want soft eggs without much fuss.

What the eggs are like

These eggs come out soft, with set whites and a runny yolk if you cook them for the shorter time. They are not fried eggs, and they are not really baked eggs either. They are more like poached eggs made in little cups.

The flavor is simple, which is exactly what you want with eggs. I like them with salt and black pepper, but red pepper flakes and chopped parsley are nice if you want a little color and extra flavor.

Did You Know: Air fryers do not all cook the same. The first time you make these, check the eggs early so you can find the best timing for your own air fryer.

Air fryer poached eggs ingredients

You can make as many eggs as you need, as long as your cups fit in the air fryer basket.

• 4 eggs
• 8 to 12 tablespoons of hot water, using 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water for each cup
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil, for brushing the cups
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional
• Chopped parsley, optional

What you need

• Air fryer
• 4 small heatproof cups or ramekins
• Pastry brush or clean fingers for brushing the cups with oil
• Spoon, for lifting out the eggs

Note: I use ramekins because they are a good size for one egg. Whatever you use, make sure it is heatproof and safe for the air fryer.

How to make poached eggs in the air fryer

Step 1: Oil the cups

First, take a few small heatproof cups. I am using ramekins because they are just the right size for one egg. Then, lightly brush the inside with oil, making sure to coat the bottom and sides so the eggs do not stick after cooking.

Step 2: Add the hot water

Then, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water to each cup. You do not need much. The water should just cover the bottom of the cup.

This helps the egg cook gently instead of drying out.

Top Tip: Use hot water, not cold water. Cold water can throw off the timing because the eggs only cook for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add the eggs

Then, carefully crack 1 egg into each cup, keeping the yolk whole. A broken yolk will still cook, but you will not get that runny middle when you cut into it.

Step 4: Air fry the eggs

Place the cups into the air fryer basket and air fry the eggs at 360°F, which is 180°C, for 5 to 6 minutes.

Start checking at 5 minutes if you want a runny yolk. The whites should look set, and the yolk should still be soft.

If the whites still look loose, cook the eggs for a little longer. If the yolk is too firm for you, take them out a little earlier next time.

Note: If you do not eat runny eggs, cook them until the yolks are fully set.

Step 5: Lift and season

Once the eggs are done, use a spoon to carefully lift them out of the cups. Season them as you like with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped parsley.

Serve them warm, especially if you are putting them on toast.

How long to cook air fryer poached eggs

For runny yolks, start with 5 to 6 minutes at 360°F, which is 180°C.

For yolks that are a little thicker, try 6 to 7 minutes. For fully set yolks, cook the eggs a little longer.

The exact time depends on your air fryer, the size of your eggs, and the cups you use. The first batch is really just about finding your timing. After that, it is much easier.

Related Recipe: If you liked this air fryer poached eggs recipe, check out these other air fryer egg recipes here also.

Helpful tips for better eggs

• Use small cups or ramekins. If the cup is too wide, the egg can spread out more.
• Do not add too much water. 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water for each cup is enough.
• Brush the bottom and sides of the cups with oil so the eggs do not stick.
• Check early the first time. Eggs can go from runny to firm quickly.
• Lift the eggs out with a spoon instead of tipping the cup over.

How to serve air fryer poached eggs

My favorite way is on toast with salt and black pepper. It is simple, but it works every time.

You can also serve these eggs on avocado toast, English muffins, breakfast potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a small breakfast bowl.

If you are making breakfast for more than one person, you can cook a few eggs at the same time, as long as the cups fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.

More air fryer breakfast recipes

If you liked this air fryer poached eggs recipe, check out more air fryer breakfast recipes below.

• Air Fryer Egg on Toast – Breakfast Ready in 7 Minutes! – A quick and easy breakfast with crispy toast and perfectly cooked eggs, ready in just minutes with the help of your air fryer.
• Air Fryer Baked Oats Recipe That You Will Love – These baked oats are soft, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.
• How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer – Learn how to make frozen hash browns perfectly crispy and golden in the air fryer with almost no effort.

And if you try these eggs, leave a comment below or ask me a question in the YouTube video comments. I will try to respond to all the comments and questions.