Air fryer poached eggs

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer**:
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). This ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature before you begin cooking the eggs.

2. **Prepare the Egg Cups**:
Use small ramekins or silicone muffin cups to hold the eggs. You can lightly grease them with cooking spray or oil to prevent the eggs from sticking, though this step is optional if your cups are non-stick. If you prefer, you can also use a muffin tin to cook multiple eggs at once.

3. **Crack the Eggs**:
Crack one egg into each ramekin or muffin cup. Be careful not to break the yolk, as you want the egg to maintain its shape. If you’re cooking multiple eggs, make sure they are spaced apart to ensure even cooking.

4. **Place the Cups in the Air Fryer**:
Carefully place the ramekins or muffin cups into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are placed flat and are not touching each other to allow the hot air to circulate evenly around the eggs.

5. **Cook the Eggs**:
Cook the eggs in the air fryer for **5 to 7 minutes**. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the eggs and the specific model of your air fryer. For runny yolks, start checking the eggs after about 5 minutes. If you prefer a slightly firmer yolk, cook the eggs for a little longer (up to 7 minutes).

6. **Remove and Serve**:
Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a pot holder. Use a spoon to gently lift the eggs out of the ramekins or muffin cups, and serve immediately.

### Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs

While the air fryer makes poaching eggs a breeze, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results every time:

#### **1. Use Fresh Eggs**
Fresh eggs are key to poaching success. The fresher the egg, the better the whites will hold together. Older eggs tend to have runnier whites, which can cause them to spread out or lose their shape during cooking.

#### **2. Monitor Cooking Time**
Air fryer models can vary, so the cooking time might need slight adjustments. For runny yolks, check the eggs after 5 minutes, and for firmer yolks, allow them to cook for 6-7 minutes.

#### **3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer**
If you’re making multiple eggs, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring that the eggs cook evenly.

#### **4. Experiment with Seasoning**
While poached eggs are delicious on their own, you can always add a bit of seasoning to elevate their flavor. Try a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs, or drizzle them with a bit of hot sauce or hollandaise for extra flavor.

#### **5. Let the Eggs Rest**
After removing the eggs from the air fryer, let them rest for a minute or two. This will allow the yolk to set slightly and reduce the risk of spillage when you cut into them.

### Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Air fryer poached eggs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– **On Avocado Toast**: Top a slice of whole-grain toast with mashed avocado and a poached egg for a simple and satisfying breakfast.
– **In a Salad**: Add a poached egg to a salad for extra protein and richness. It pairs particularly well with greens, bacon, and a tangy vinaigrette.
– **With Toasted English Muffins**: Make classic **Eggs Benedict** by pairing your poached eggs with toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce.
– **In a Breakfast Bowl**: Layer your favorite grains (like quinoa or brown rice), sautéed vegetables, and a poached egg for a hearty breakfast bowl.
– **With Bacon and Hash Browns**: Serve your poached eggs with crispy bacon and golden hash browns for the ultimate breakfast spread.

### Conclusion

The **Air Fryer Poached Egg** is a game-changing method for anyone who loves the delicate texture of poached eggs but doesn’t want to deal with the traditional challenges of poaching them in water. With its minimal effort, consistent results, and faster cooking time, the air fryer makes it easy to enjoy this breakfast favorite any day of the week.

Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, adding poached eggs to a salad, or crafting an elegant brunch spread, the air fryer can deliver perfectly poached eggs with ease. Once you try this simple method,

you’ll never look back.