Air Fryer Poached on Toast: A Simple, Delicious Breakfast
There’s something special about a perfectly poached egg resting on a slice of crispy toast. It’s a breakfast classic, known for being light, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. While poaching eggs can be a bit tricky on the stove, the air fryer makes it quick, easy, and almost foolproof. In just a few minutes, you can have poached eggs with runny yolks and golden toast, all made in one convenient appliance.
Why Make Poached Eggs on Toast in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a game-changer for cooking, and it’s no different when it comes to breakfast. Poaching eggs the traditional way requires simmering water and a careful eye, but using an air fryer simplifies the process. You can poach eggs perfectly without needing a stovetop, and toast your bread at the same time.
The air fryer’s even heat circulation ensures that the eggs come out just right, with firm whites and yolks that stay runny or slightly set depending on your preference. Plus, you don’t need to worry about flipping or watching them closely—just set the timer and let the air fryer do its magic. It’s a great option for anyone who loves a quick, healthy breakfast with minimal cleanup.
What You’ll Need
To make air fryer poached eggs on toast, gather these ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, etc.)
- Olive oil spray (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, tomatoes, spinach, or smoked salmon
How to Make Air Fryer Poached on Toast: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Poaching Cups
To poach eggs in an air fryer, you’ll need silicone poaching cups or any heat-safe container that fits into your fryer basket. Lightly spray the cups with olive oil to prevent the eggs from sticking.
Step 2: Crack the Eggs
Crack one egg into each cup, keeping the yolk intact. Add about one tablespoon of water to each cup. The water will create steam and help cook the eggs gently and evenly.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the eggs will cook evenly and the toast will crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Place the poaching cups into the air fryer basket and cook the eggs for 5-7 minutes. For runny yolks, check them at the 5-minute mark. If you prefer firmer yolks, let them cook for the full 7 minutes.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
While the eggs are cooking, add your bread slices to the air fryer as well. If your air fryer has a multi-rack system, place the bread on the top rack. Toast the bread for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once your eggs are poached and the toast is ready, carefully remove the eggs from their cups using a spoon. Place each poached egg onto a slice of toast, season with salt and pepper, and add any additional toppings you like.
Tips for Perfect Poached Eggs in the Air Fryer
- Adjust Cooking Time for Yolk Preference: For runny yolks, stick to 5 minutes of cooking time. If you prefer a firmer yolk, extend the cooking time to 6-7 minutes.
- Add Water for Steam: Adding water to the poaching cups is essential for creating steam, which helps cook the eggs evenly.
- Use Different Bread Types: You can use any kind of bread for your toast—sourdough, multigrain, or even a gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on the toast, as different breads might require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Serving Ideas and Topping Suggestions
Poached eggs on toast are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more exciting by adding some creative toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Avocado & Feta: Spread mashed avocado on your toast and sprinkle with crumbled feta for a creamy, savory twist.
- Smoked Salmon & Capers: For a more indulgent breakfast, add slices of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of capers for extra flavor.
- Tomatoes & Spinach: Add sautéed spinach and fresh tomato slices to create a nutritious, colorful plate.
- Hot Sauce or Hollandaise: Drizzle your eggs with hot sauce for a spicy kick or some hollandaise sauce for a richer, more decadent breakfast.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this air fryer poached egg on toast recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By using the air fryer, you streamline the cooking process without sacrificing the quality of the meal. You can poach eggs and toast bread simultaneously, saving both time and effort. Plus, the air fryer method ensures consistency, making it easy to recreate your favorite breakfast every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make poached eggs without silicone cups?
Yes! If you don’t have silicone poaching cups, you can use any small, heat-safe container that fits in your air fryer. Just be sure to grease it lightly to avoid sticking.
How do I get runny yolks?
For runny yolks, keep the cooking time to around 5 minutes. If you want the yolk a bit firmer, leave it in for 6-7 minutes.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
You can use any bread you like—whole wheat, sourdough, rye, or even a gluten-free option. Just adjust the toasting time slightly depending on the thickness and type of bread.
