Ditch the Pan: The 3-Minute Air-Fried Fried Egg That Redefines Breakfast
Breakfast is often a ritual, but many home cooks wreck eggs by turning the heat up too high—ending with a charred edge and a rubbery yolk. Culinary whiz ChihYu Chiang, creator of I Heart Umami, has a simpler, healthier answer: fry an egg without a pan, right in an air fryer. "Making fried egg in air fryer is a fast and easy alternative to stovetop cooking," Chiang says. "Crispy fried eggs with creamy yolks are ready in minutes, with minimal clean-up. Eggs in an air fryer use a fraction of the oil, which saves on fat and calories for a healthy protein addition to any meal." "These air-fried eggs couldn't be simpler, and they are perfect every time: crispy on the outside, with a creamy, runny yolk inside."
In This Article:
Why Air Fryer Eggs Beat the Stove
Frying eggs in an air fryer cooks more evenly and uses far less oil than a traditional frypan. The Express notes that air-fried eggs are more delectable and creamier thanks to the even heat. "Crispy fried eggs with creamy yolks are ready in minutes, with minimal clean-up. Eggs in an air fryer use a fraction of the oil, which saves on fat and calories for a healthy protein addition to any meal," Chiang explains.
What You’ll Need to Fly Through Breakfast
You’ll need only a few simple tools: an egg and a small bowl or mug to cradle it, plus your air fryer and a timer. A quick note: have a spatula ready to lift the finished egg, and follow the timing for your preferred yolk.
The Step-by-Step Method: 180C, Three Minutes
Crack the egg into a small bowl or mug. When the timer dings, gently transfer the egg onto the sizzling hot tray inside the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for three minutes for a sunny-side-up or over-easy egg. If you prefer a medium yolk, add one extra minute. When the timer goes off, remove the tray and lift the egg with a spatula. Your creamy, air-fried egg is ready to enjoy.
Tips, Variations, and The Healthier Morning Win
This method promises a crispy exterior with a creamy interior and minimal cleanup. Adjust cooking time to taste: three minutes yields a runny yolk, four minutes yields a firmer yolk. Using an air fryer means less oil and calories, while still delivering a protein-rich breakfast. Try this on toast, with avocado, or as part of a larger morning spread.
