Poached eggs are soft, silky, and perfect for breakfast bowls, avocado toast, or a protein-packed brunch. But many people avoid making them because traditional stovetop poaching can feel tricky.
Good news—you can poach eggs easily in your air fryer with almost zero mess and zero stress.
This simple guide shows you exactly how to do it, even if you’ve never poached an egg before.
Why Poach Eggs in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer makes the process:
- Quick
- Consistent
- Hands-free
- Beginner-friendly
No swirling water, no guessing—just perfect results every time.
What You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Small ramekins or silicone muffin cups
- Nonstick spray (optional)
- 1 egg per cup
- 2–3 tablespoons of water (per cup)
Step-by-Step: How to Poach Eggs in an Air Fryer
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
This helps cook the eggs evenly.
2. Prepare Your Ramekins
Lightly spray each ramekin with oil or cooking spray.
(You can skip this if you’re using silicone cups.)
Add 2–3 tablespoons of water into each cup—just enough to cover the bottom.
3. Add the Egg
Crack one egg carefully into each ramekin.
The water will help steam the egg and create that classic poached texture.
4. Cook the Egg
Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for:
- 5–6 minutes for soft, runny yolks
- 7–8 minutes for medium firmness
- 9–10 minutes for firmer yolks
Every air fryer is slightly different, so you may need to adjust by a minute.
5. Remove and Serve
Carefully lift the ramekins out—they’ll be hot.
Use a spoon to gently release the poached egg and place it on:
- Toast
- Rice bowls
- Salads
- Breakfast burritos
- Ramen
- Or enjoy as-is!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs
✔ Use room-temperature eggs
They cook more evenly.
✔ Don’t skip the water
This is what creates the steam needed for poaching.
✔ Cover ramekins with foil (optional)
This helps trap steam and gives an even softer finish.
✔ Add vinegar?
Not necessary! One of the perks of air fryer poaching.
Delicious Serving Ideas
Try your poached eggs with:
- Avocado toast + chili flakes
- Buttered sourdough + smoked salmon
- Sauteed spinach + garlic
- Bowl of quinoa + veggies
- Ramen noodles + soy sauce
- Hash browns + cheese
Simple, clean, and so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Poaching eggs doesn’t have to be intimidating — especially when you use an air fryer.
With just a ramekin, a splash of water, and a few minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy perfectly poached eggs every single time.