A lightning-fast breakfast recipe that takes under 15 minutes from counter to table. The air fryer crisps the edges of the bread to perfection while keeping the inner crumb soft and warm, allowing for customizable yolk preferences with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 thick slice of bread (Sourdough, brioche, or your favorite low-carb bread)
- 1 large fresh egg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil spray)
- 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional Seasonings: Everything bagel seasoning, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lay your thick slice of bread on a clean cutting board and use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass to cut out a clean circle from the center.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush both sides of the bread slice (and the cutout circle) with melted butter or spray lightly with olive oil. Season the top of the bread with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Place the buttered slice of bread directly into your air fryer basket or onto the air fryer tray. Toast the bread alone for 2 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully open the air fryer basket. Crack your fresh egg directly into the cutout hole in the center of the bread. Season the exposed egg with a small pinch of salt, pepper, and optional everything bagel seasoning or shredded cheese.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 6 minutes. Check at the 4-minute mark: cook for 4 to 5 minutes for a runny yolk, or 6 to 7 minutes for a medium-firm yolk.
- Carefully lift the air-fried egg in a hole out of the basket using a spatula. Serve hot with your toasted bread cutout on the side for dipping.
Notes
Choose thick-cut bread (at least 3/4-inch thick) to prevent tearing. If the bread hole is slightly too small or the egg is extra-large, let a tiny bit of the white run over the edges before air frying; it will cook into a delicious crispy lace. Always preheat your air fryer so the bottom of the bread toasts instantly rather than steaming. Nutritional Information per serving: 210 kcal, 11g Total Fat, 5g Saturated Fat, 185mg Cholesterol, 310mg Sodium, 18g Total Carbohydrates, 1.5g Dietary Fiber, 2.0g Sugars, 9.0g Protein.
