- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
- Servings: 4 toast cups
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 slices soft sandwich bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cooked bacon, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Chives
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce
- Avocado slices
- Everything bagel seasoning
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small ramekins or silicone muffin cups
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Trim the crusts from each slice of bread if desired. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice. This helps the bread fit neatly into the ramekins or silicone cups.
Brush both sides of each slice lightly with melted butter.
Step 2: Shape the Toast Cups
Spray the ramekins or silicone muffin cups with cooking spray.
Press each slice of bread into the cup, gently shaping it to form a bowl. Press carefully around the sides so the bread stays in place.
Step 3: Add Fillings
Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese into the bottom of each bread cup.
If using bacon, diced vegetables, or other fillings, add them evenly among the cups.
This layer adds flavor while helping support the egg.
Step 4: Crack the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each toast cup.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 5: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the toast cups into the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how you prefer your eggs.
- 9–10 minutes: Soft yolk
- 11 minutes: Jammy yolk
- 12–13 minutes: Fully cooked yolk
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the toast cups using tongs.
Allow them to cool for 2 minutes before removing them from the ramekins.
Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or chives.
Serve immediately with fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Success
- Use soft sandwich bread for easier shaping.
- Don’t overfill the toast cups with ingredients.
- Grease the ramekins well to prevent sticking.
- Preheating the air fryer helps create evenly crisp toast.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred egg doneness.
- Sprinkle cheese both under and over the egg for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
Bacon and Cheddar
Add crispy chopped bacon and extra cheddar cheese.
Veggie Lovers
Use spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Mediterranean
Fill with spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano.
Mexican Style
Add salsa, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Ham and Swiss
Use diced ham with Swiss cheese and a little Dijon mustard.
Storage
Allow the toast cups to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Air Fryer:
Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Microwave:
Heat for about 45 seconds until warmed through.
Avoid overheating to keep the eggs tender.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the bread cups and fillings the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Crack in fresh eggs just before air frying for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Toast Egg Cups pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Crispy hash browns
- Yogurt with granola
- Orange juice
- Smoothies
- Fresh coffee or tea
They’re also perfect for brunch buffets, holiday breakfasts, and meal prep.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 235
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 160mg
- Iron: 2mg