For Perfect Air Fryer Poached Eggs, Temperature Is Key

Poached eggs aren't just a brunch staple, they're good any time you're looking to add a little richness to your plate. Pros on television and in restaurant kitchens make the act of poaching eggs appear easy, but when it gets down to performing the task at home, a lot can go wrong. A few tricks of the trade will go a long way when you're first getting started. According to the Food Network, adding vinegar to your water will help the egg whites set neatly. So will using eggs that are as fresh as possible. 

With poached eggs, the result you're seeking is highly specific— an egg white that's set but not rubbery and a velvety yolk that oozes smoothly. There's a fine line between done, overdone, and undercooked. Another task that's recommended for a good poach, per Downshiftology, is removing the loose egg white that typically gathers at the top of your pot by running the egg through a fine mesh strainer. Then put your egg into its own bowl to make placing it into the boiling water an easier task.

That's a lot to keep track of. If you're craving poached eggs but would prefer to skip the entire boiling process, you have another option. Next time you're feeling inspired by an eggs Benedict recipe, pull out your air fryer instead.

The air fryer can perform many diverse culinary tasks. You can use it to make chicken wings, roast vegetables, and re-crisp fried leftovers, just to name a few. That's not all: According to Real Simple, it's also possible to make poached eggs in your air fryer.

To do so, you'll need a ramekin that can go inside your air fryer, which you'll start by heating to 400 degrees. Crack the egg into the ramekin and drizzle in two tablespoons of water. Once you place the ramekins inside, be sure to lower the temperature to 360 degrees. After about five minutes, you'll have a poached egg that looks professional and tastes delicious.

To tell if a poached egg is to your preferences when cooked on a stove top, you have to remove it from the water and touch it lightly with your finger, per Jamie Oliver. If the white is set and you prefer a runnier egg, you can stop there. If you prefer a firmer result, give it a few more minutes in the water. In the air fryer, you can do the same thing. Once you've mastered that, take things to the next level and make some Deluxe Poached Eggs by cooking the eggs with stock instead of water.