Air Fryer Poached Eggs (no vinegar method)

Name: Air Fryer Poached Eggs (no vinegar method)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 tsp olive oil; 3 tbsp hot water

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Air fryer poached eggs have become something of a lifesaver in my kitchen. Packed with nutrients and super-easy to make, they add a protein hit to so many different mid-week meals.

A poached egg with spinach on a piece of toast, presented on a blue plate with spinach leaves.

This method for air fryer eggs is so much easier than poaching eggs on the hob. There’s no vinegar required, and no swirling involved. You don’t even need to watch over the eggs while they cook.

My favorite way to serve poached eggs is with avocado on toast. But honestly, I add them to lots of different dishes. They make a great change from my air fryer hard-boiled eggs. Go simple and serve them alongside air fryer toast. Or use them to add extra protein to your favorite dishes. They are great on top of ramen, with a kedgeree or served alongside asparagus for a simple starter.

Why Poach Eggs in an Air Fryer?

With this air fryer method there’s no vinegar, no swirling, no messy pans. Plus, making poached eggs in an air fryer is a simple method that delivers perfect yolks whether you like them runny, squidgy or well-done. The ramekins keep the eggs in place and create the perfect shape. Plus this recipe is great for making multiple eggs at once.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Four eggs on a kitchen work top with a ramekin.

Eggs – I like to use large free-range hen’s eggs at room temperature

Oil – A spritz of olive oil or avocado oil from a spray bottle to grease the ramekins (if you don’t have a spray, use a piece of kitchen paper to run the ramekin with a little oil)

Water – 3 tablespoons of hot water per ramekin

How to Make Poached Eggs in an Air Fryer

Whole eggs on a kitchen worktop next to an oiled ramekin.

Grab Your Ramekins – Small, oven-safe ramekins are your best bet here. Give them a spray of oil to prevent sticking. If you don't have a spray oil, just rub oil over the inside of the ramekin using a piece of kitchen paper.

Add Water – Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water into each ramekin. This creates the gentle steaming needed for a good poach.

Crack the Egg – Gently crack an egg into each ramekin.

Two ramekins with a cracked egg in each inside an air fryer basket.

Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for a minute.

Cook It Up – Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–6 minutes for a runny yolk or 7–8 minutes for a slightly firmer center.

Gently Remove & Serve – Carefully lift the ramekins out (they’ll be hot so use oven mitts or silicone tongs to lift them out) and use a spoon to scoop out the egg. If they seem slightly stuck, just use a butter knife to gently prise the egg away from the edge. You may find a little oil or water has risen to the top. If this happens, don't worry, just scoop out the egg and the water will stay in the ramekin.

Top Tip: The timings will depend on your preferred level of ‘doneness’ but once you’ve discovered the perfect timing, you’ll be able to whip up poached eggs to your liking, every time!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Poach

Use room-temperature eggs for more even cooking.
Remember to rub or spray the ramekin with oil to prevent sticking.
Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of salt and pepper before cooking.
If your eggs aren’t quite done to your liking, give them another 30-second blast.
After lifting the eggs out of the ramekin, let them sit on a piece of kitchen paper for a few seconds to absorb any water.

How to Serve Poached Eggs

There are so many different ways you can serve poached eggs. I love to serve them with wilted spinach or air fryer salmon. I also like to add them to avocado on toast for an extra protein hit. They're great with air fryer hash browns too. Or why not add an egg to a bowl of ramen. However you choose to serve them, these perfectly poached eggs will be your new go-to.

Here are some popular poached egg serving ideas that you can easily adapt to use your air fryer eggs.

Can you really poach eggs in an air fryer?

Yes! Using a ramekin with a little water, you can achieve soft, runny poached eggs without the hassle of swirling water or vinegar.

What temperature should I use for poached eggs in an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for best results.

How long do I cook poached eggs in an air fryer?

5 – 6 minutes for soft whites and runny yolk
7 – 8 minutes for a firmer white with a soft yolk
8 – 10 minutes for a hard yolk and fully cooked whites

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating isn’t necessary, but it can help cook the eggs more evenly.

What kind of dish should I use for air fryer poached eggs?

Use small, oven-safe ramekins or silicone molds for best results.

How much water do I need to add?

Add about 2 tablespoons of water to each ramekin before cracking in the egg.

Do I need to cover the eggs while cooking?

Covering isn’t required, but if you find the tops drying out, try covering them loosely with foil.

Can I make multiple poached eggs at once?

Yes! Just ensure they are in separate ramekins and evenly spaced in the air fryer basket.

Why are my poached eggs overcooked?

Cooking times vary by air fryer model. Reduce the cooking time by 30 seconds to 1 minute if your eggs are too firm.

How do I remove the poached egg from the ramekin?

Use a spoon to gently scoop the egg out. If it sticks, run a butter knife around the edge to loosen it.