Air Fryer Poached Eggs.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer (Basket-style or air fryer oven)
Ramekins or Custard Cups (6 to 8-ounce oven-safe ceramic or glass cups, one per egg)
Kitchen Tongs (For safely handling hot ramekins)
Butter Knife or Small Silicone Spatula (For gently releasing the edges of the egg)

1 large egg (Fresh eggs work best because the whites are firmer and hold their shape better)
$\frac{1}{4}$ cup water (approx. 3 to 4 tablespoons per ramekin)
Non-stick cooking spray or a few drops of oil (to lightly grease the ramekin)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional garnishes: Chopped chives, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

Lightly mist the inside of a 6 to 8-ounce glass or ceramic ramekin with non-stick cooking spray, or use a brush to coat it lightly with oil. This ensures the egg slides out effortlessly after cooking.
Pour $\frac{1}{4}$ cup of water directly into the greased ramekin.

Place the water-filled ramekin directly into your air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and heat for 5 minutes. Intensity Note: This initial high heat rapidly brings the water inside the ramekin up to near-boiling, which is the secret to setting the outer egg white immediately upon contact.

Carefully pull out the air fryer basket using tongs, keeping the basket level so you do not splash the hot water.
Crack one fresh large egg directly into the hot water inside the ramekin. Note: You may notice the outer edges of the egg white begin to turn opaque immediately due to the heat of the water—this is entirely normal and desired.

Return the basket to the air fryer carefully.
Reduce the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) (or 360°F depending on how intensely your specific air fryer model runs).
Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Intensity Note: Monitor closely near the 5-minute mark. If you prefer a completely firm yolk, add 1 additional minute. For a classic, velvety, runny yolk, pull them right at 5 minutes.

Use sturdy tongs to carefully remove the hot ramekin from the air fryer basket.
Take a butter knife or a small flexible spatula and gently run it around the inside perimeter of the ramekin to loosen any parts of the egg white that may have adhered to the glass.
Gently tilt the ramekin over a small mesh strainer to drain away any excess cooking water, or use a spoon to lift the egg directly onto your plate, piece of toast, or breakfast bowl.
Season generously with flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and your favorite herbs. Serve immediately while warm!

Batch Cooking: If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can place multiple ramekins side by side in a single layer to cook several eggs simultaneously. Ensure they do not touch so the heat circulates evenly.
Model Variations: Air fryer heating elements vary by brand and wattage. For your very first attempt, check the egg at the 4.5-minute mark to gauge how fast your particular machine cooks.

Values are approximate and calculated for one standard large air-fried poached egg without added butter or oils.