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Once you try making Air Fryer Poached Eggs, you’ll wonder why you ever fussed with simmering pots of water. This method is quick, consistent, and gives you beautifully soft, runny yolks every time. Toast up an English muffin, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got an easy, feel-good breakfast in minutes.
And if you’re craving something even simpler, try my air fryer scrambled eggs next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
“Love this. So easy. I used butter instead of olive oil. (Probably not as healthy but I was out!) Thank you!”
-Miriam
Quick Look At This Recipe
- ✨ Flavor: Soft, silky eggs with tender whites and perfectly runny yolks.
- ⏱️ Prep time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook time: 6-8 minutes
- ⏲️ Total time: 11-13 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🥄 Tools: Air fryer, rubber spatula, 3-ounce ramekins
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly: No, freezing isn’t recommended
- 👩🏻🍳 Tip: Preheat the air fryer and use small ramekins so the eggs set evenly and lift out smoothly.
SUMMARIZE AND SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
I’ve said it a hundred times, but it’s worth repeating—the air fryer really is the MVP of the kitchen. In just a few minutes, it turns out a perfectly poached egg that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
What I love most is how reliable this method is. You get consistent, beautifully cooked eggs every single time, and they slide right into breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Honestly, cooking eggs in the air fryer couldn’t be easier.
If you’re in the mood to try something different, don’t miss my air fryer egg bites or these fun eggs in a basket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Poached eggs in just a few minutes with zero effort.
- Consistent: Soft whites and runny yolks every single time.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or quick high-protein meals with sides like air fryer red potatoes and air fryer bacon.
- Easy: No swirling water or stovetop guesswork needed.
Ingredients You Need
- Eggs: Just like when making air fryer hard boiled eggs, fresh, extra-large or large eggs work best for poaching. They set more evenly and give you that classic soft, runny center.
- Water: A small splash of hot water in each ramekin creates gentle steam, helping the whites cook through without boiling the yolk. This recipe uses hot water to quickly start the cooking process and yield more consistent results.
- Olive Oil: Just a light coating keeps the eggs from sticking to the ramekin and makes them easier to lift out in one smooth piece.
⭐️ Tools: You will need small ceramic ramekins, like these 3-inch ramekins or silicone cups, to make this recipe. Be sure to plan ahead and have all your supplies before getting started.
See the recipe card for the quantities of each.
How to Poach Eggs in the Air Fryer
To get started, preheat the air fryer to 370° F for 3 minutes, and lightly spray each ramekin with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Add 3 tablespoons of hot water to each ramekin.
- Crack an egg into each ramekin on top of the water. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the yolk of the egg reaches your desired doneness Use a rubber spatula or spoon to slide the eggs out of the ramekins gently and serve with air fryer breakfast potatoes.
Air Fryer Poached Egg Doneness
Based on cooking at 370°F.
| Time | Yolks | Whites |
|---|---|---|
| 6 minutes | Very runny | Just set |
| 7 minutes | Soft, jammy | Fully set |
| 8 minutes | Mostly firm, less runny | Fully set |
Recipe Tip
- Preheat your air fryer: This will help the eggs cook evenly since the air fryer will already be at the desired temperature.
- Use small ramekins or silicone cups: The eggs need to be contained in a small space so they don’t spread out too much and overcook.
- Use a rubber spatula: A metal spatula can easily break your yolk, so use a rubber or silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
Serving Suggestions
- Eggs Benedict: Air-fried poached eggs are perfect for layering on a toasted English muffin with ham and a generous spoonful of hollandaise.
- On Toast or Hash: Serve them right from the ramekin or slide onto crispy air fryer hash browns, sweet potato hash, or classic air fryer toast with some avocado.
- Any-Time Meal: Great for breakfast, but equally easy to use as a fast lunch or light dinner, especially paired with air fryer potatoes.
- Toppings: Dress it up with hollandaise, homemade cheese sauce, fresh herbs, or simple salt and pepper to let that runny yolk shine.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: I personally think poached eggs are best when you first make them. However, if you do have leftovers, let them cool down first, then store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Return your poached eggs to the air fryer and air fry for 2-3 minutes. Check them after every minute to make sure they don’t overcook and end up rubbery.
Air Fryer Poached Eggs Recipe FAQs
Yes! When you crack an egg into a greased ramekin with a little hot water, the air fryer creates gentle steam that sets the whites while keeping the yolk soft. It’s the same tender, silky texture you’d get from stovetop poaching, but much easier.
You can, but the results won’t be the same. The water creates the steam that cooks the whites evenly without drying out the yolk. Without it, the egg behaves more like a baked or coddled egg and may turn out firmer than traditional poached eggs.
You can, but they’re definitely best fresh. If you need to prep ahead, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, then reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave so the yolk doesn’t overcook.
Yes, silicone cups work well, though they’re a bit floppier. Place them on a small tray or rack so they stay level, and expect the cook time to vary slightly since silicone doesn’t hold heat quite like ceramic.
It usually comes down to timing or air fryer temperature. Every model runs a little differently, so start with the lower end of the cook time and check early. Large vs extra-large eggs can also make a difference. If they’re overcooked, reduce the time by 30–60 seconds; if undercooked, add another minute.
More Easy Air Fryer Egg Recipes
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Air Fryer Scotch Eggs
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Air Fryer Avocado Eggs
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Air Fryer Fried Eggs
Breakfast
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
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Air Fryer Poached Eggs
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 4 ramekins 3 Inch
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- olive oil
- water, 3 tbsp per egg
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray each ramekin with olive oil.
- Add 3 tablespoons of hot water to each ramekin, then crack an egg into each ramekin, over the water.
- Place ramekins in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370 degrees F for 6-8 minutes, until the yolk of egg reaches your desired doneness.
- When eggs are done, use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently slide the eggs out of the ramekins.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Video
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer: Starting hot helps the eggs cook evenly and set properly.
- Choose the right container: Use small ramekins or silicone cups so the eggs stay contained and don’t spread or overcook.
- Use a gentle tool: Lift the eggs out with a silicone or rubber spatula (or a wooden spoon) to keep the yolks intact.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this. So easy. I used butter instead of olive oil. (Probably not as healthy but I was out!) Thank you!
Yum!! I bet that worked out well!
Have been trying to make AF poached eggs for some days now
Each time the white detaches from the yolk, is not firm at all and forms small uncooked clumps in the ramekin
Any idea where I am going wrong plse?
Are you adding the three tablespoons of water? I also preheat the air fryer too. It might look uncooked, but use a spoon to gently lift it out of the ramekin. Hope that helps!
Love your eggs that’s done in an airfryer. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes.????