Air Fryer Poached Eggs for Eggs Benedict

Air fryer poached eggs can be considered a healthier option compared to traditional poaching methods in some ways. Here’s why:

1. Reduced Risk of Overcooking: Air fryers typically provide precise temperature control, allowing you to cook the eggs for a specific duration without the risk of overcooking. Overcooking can result in the formation of harmful compounds, but with proper timing, air frying can help minimize this risk.
2. Retention of Nutrients: Air frying is known for its ability to retain the nutrients in foods due to the shorter cooking time and minimal exposure to heat. Poached eggs cooked in an air fryer may retain more of their nutritional content compared to other cooking methods that involve higher temperatures or longer cooking times.

Ingredients for Eggs Benedict

To make this quick Eggs Benedict (or Eggs Benny as it’s also known) breakfast meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh eggs – use the freshest eggs possible, it will really make a difference.
• English muffins – what would eggs Benedict be without them?
• Peameal bacon – peameal bacon, regular bacon, leftover ham or even deli ham will work great here too.
• Fresh parsley – I love the color and light flavour fresh parsley adds. If we are going to go through the work of making eggs Benedict they may as well look pretty too right?
• Hollandaise sauce – this tried and true version is a dream come true and it’s easy to make (see below for ingredients needed), use a Hollandaise sauce from Amazon – your choice!

What is Peameal Bacon?

Peameal bacon is a type of unsmoked back bacon. It is made from centre-cut pork loin, trimmed of fat, wet-cured in a salt-and-sugar brine and rolled in cornmeal. It can be sliced and cooked on a grill, griddled or fried; or roasted then sliced and served. The brining process makes it nearly impossible to overcook.

Do I have to Use Peameal Bacon for this Recipe?

No – you can use a piece of sliced ham instead. If you use a slice of cooked ham then you do not need to cook it again in the Air Fryer.

Ingredients Needed for Eggs Benedict Sauce – Hollandaise Sauce

• Egg yolks – only yolks are needed here to make a rich custard like hollandaise sauce.
• Heavy cream – most hollandaise recipes don’t use cream but trust me it makes the creamiest most luxurious hollandaise!
• Lemon juice – this adds that classic bright flavor to the sauce. Only use fresh lemon juice.
• Dijon mustard – this gives the sauce a hint of tang and adds a bit of depth. It can be omitted if preferred.
• Cayenne pepper – if you like a little spicy kick add this if not feel free to leave it out.
• Unsalted butter – a main highlight of this buttery sauce! Salted butter will work too. You just won’t need to add much additional salt if any.
• Salt and Pepper

How to make Eggs Benedict using an Air Fryer

Making air fryer poached eggs is so easy!!

1. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water. Set a stainless steel or glass bowl over saucepan that fits nicely without touching water. Bring water to a simmer.
2. Add cream, egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard, and cayenne pepper to bowl over saucepan whisk well. Cook mixture, whisking constantly, until just thick enough to coat the back of a metal or wooden spoon and temperature reaches 160 degrees. 
3. Reduce heat to low, then very slowly drizzle in the warm melted butter while whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a dish and cover to keep warm.
4. Preheat air fryer to 340°F (170°C) for 2-3 minutes
5. Spray four ramekins with cooking spray or olive oil.
6. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to each ramekin
7. Crack one egg into each ramekin.
   
8. Put all four ramekins in the Air Fryer.

1. Cook for: 5-6 minutes = runny yolk. 7-8 minutes = jammy yolk 9-10 minutes = firm
   
2. Cook the peameal in the Air Fryer at 400 for 8 minutes flipping halfway
3. Meanwhile toast English muffins in a toaster oven, or under broiler (setting muffins on a baking sheet) until just golden brown on top.