There’s something magical about perfectly cooked eggs combined with the deep sweetness of caramelized onions. Using an air fryer for this dish makes it effortless to create a flavorful breakfast or brunch that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The gentle, even heat crisps and softens the onions to golden perfection while cooking the eggs just right—whether you like your yolks runny or set.
This savory duo is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on toasted bread or English muffins, topped with fresh herbs and enriched with creamy avocado or a spicy kick of hot sauce. It’s a simple, quick way to upgrade your mornings or add a cozy touch to any meal.
- Quick and easy using an air fryer, saving stovetop time.
- Sweet caramelized onions add a gourmet flavor contrast to savory eggs.
- Customizable yolk consistency and serving options for every preference.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting light meal anytime.
Ingredients
- Large onion: One thinly sliced, offering the base for sweet, slow-cooked caramelization.
- Olive oil or butter: One tablespoon to gently cook and soften onions without burning.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance flavor and help draw out moisture from onions.
- Sugar (optional): Half a teaspoon adds a delicate sweetness that speeds caramelization.
- Black pepper: A pinch for subtle warmth and seasoning balance.
- Large eggs: Four eggs, the star ingredient, providing rich protein and creamy yolk.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Optional seasonings for the eggs before air frying.
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional): Finely chopped herb garnish to add freshness and color.
- Toasted bread or English muffins (optional): For serving, creating a satisfying base and crunch.
- Avocado slices (optional): Adds creaminess and healthy fats to the dish.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who enjoy a spicy, tangy finish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
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Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to warm up for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the onions cook evenly and start browning right away, which helps develop that rich caramelized flavor.
- Prepare the Onions
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In a small bowl, toss thinly sliced onions with olive oil or butter, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. This mixture balances savory, sweet, and seasoning elements and prevents the onions from drying out during cooking.
- Air Fry the Onions
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Spread the onions in a single, thin layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway to ensure even caramelization. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook a little longer for tender sweetness without burning.
- Prepare the Eggs for Air Frying
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Lightly spray small, oven-safe dishes or silicone egg cups with oil to prevent sticking. Crack two eggs into each dish and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using containers keeps your eggs intact and makes removal from the air fryer easier.
- Cook the Eggs
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Place the prepared egg dishes into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 160–170°C (320–340°F) for 7 to 10 minutes, adjusting to your desired yolk consistency: about 7 minutes for runny yolks and approximately 10 minutes for firmer whites with slightly set yolks.
- Assemble the Dish
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Spoon the warm, golden caramelized onions generously over the air-fried eggs. Serve atop toasted bread or English muffins for a delightful contrast of textures. Add avocado slices, fresh herbs, and a dash of hot sauce to complement and elevate each bite.
- Do not overcrowd the onions while air frying—they caramelize best when spread thinly and evenly.
- The sugar is optional but helps the onions develop a deeper, sweeter flavor faster.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; keep an eye on the eggs as they cook.
- Using oven-safe silicone egg cups or small ramekins is key to shaping air-fried eggs neatly.
Storage Tips
Store cooked eggs and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to avoid overcooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a heartier meal. Add fresh greens or a side salad to bring balance and freshness to your plate.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheese over the eggs in the final 2–3 minutes of cooking for a gooey, flavorful finish.
- Add thinly sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for added vegetables and texture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
FAQs
- Can I make caramelized onions ahead of time?
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Yes, caramelized onions can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
- What is the best temperature to air fry eggs?
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Cooking eggs between 160–170°C (320–340°F) allows for tender whites and yolks that can be customized from runny to set.
- How do I prevent the eggs from sticking to the dish?
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Lightly oil or spray the cooking dish or silicone cups before cracking eggs to ensure easy release after cooking.
- Can I add other toppings to this dish?
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Absolutely! This recipe pairs well with cheese, avocado, fresh herbs, hot sauce, or even smoked salmon for extra flavor.
- Is it necessary to use sugar in caramelizing onions?
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No, sugar is optional but helps speed up the caramelization and enhances the sweetness of the onions.
- Can I cook this recipe without an air fryer?
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Yes, caramelized onions can be cooked on the stovetop over low heat, and eggs can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stove, but cooking times and texture may differ.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
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This recipe makes approximately two servings, perfect for a simple breakfast or brunch for two.
Air Fryer Eggs with Onions
Equipment
- 1 air fryer for cooking onions and eggs
- 2 small oven-safe dishes or silicone egg cups for air frying eggs
- 1 small bowl for mixing onions
Ingredients
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional
- Pinch black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives optional, for garnish
- Toasted bread or English muffins optional, for serving
- Avocado slices optional
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, toss the sliced onion with olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Spread the onions in a thin layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry the onions for 10–12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway, until golden, soft, and caramelized. Lower heat to 320°F (160°C) if browning too fast.
- Lightly oil small oven-safe dishes or silicone egg cups.
- Crack 2 eggs into each dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry the eggs at 320–340°F (160–170°C) for 7–10 minutes, depending on desired yolk consistency.
- Spoon warm caramelized onions over the cooked eggs.
- Serve eggs topped with onions on toasted bread or English muffins, adding avocado, fresh herbs, or hot sauce as desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd onions for even caramelization.
- Add cheese during last 2–3 minutes of egg cooking for extra flavor.
- Include mushrooms or bell peppers with onions for variety.
- Pair with bacon or sausage for a hearty meal.
