Air Fryer Cloud Eggs
Air fryer cloud eggs are the kind of breakfast that makes people stop and ask what exactly you just made. The egg whites puff up into a fluffy, golden cloud while the yolk sits nestled in the middle like a little sunrise. They only take a handful of minutes in the air fryer, and the whole thing comes together with just eggs, a little cheese, and a few pantry staples. If you have ever wanted a breakfast that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, this air fryer cloud eggs recipe is it.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper cut to fit air fryer basket
- Silicone spatula
- Egg separator optional but helpful
- Ceramic ramekins for holding yolks
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs whites and yolks separated
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onion, chopped
- garlic powder pinch, optional
- cooking spray or oil, for parchment
Instructions
- Separate the eggs, placing whites in a large mixing bowl and each yolk into its own small ramekin.
- Add salt and pepper to whites. Whip with hand mixer on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Fold in parmesan and chives gently.
- Line air fryer basket with parchment, spray lightly. Preheat to 300°F (150°C).
- Spoon mixture into 2-4 mounds on parchment, creating a small well in center of each.
- Cook at 300°F for 3-4 minutes until light golden and puffed.
- Carefully slide a yolk into each well. Return to air fryer for 2-3 minutes until yolks reach desired doneness.
- Remove immediately and serve warm. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for fluffier, faster-whipping whites.
- A completely clean, dry, grease-free bowl is essential — any fat residue will prevent stiff peaks.
- Work quickly when folding in cheese and transferring yolks to keep the whipped whites from deflating.
- Air fryer wattage varies widely; start checking the clouds at the 3-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
- For soft, runny yolks, cook for about 2 minutes after adding them. For fully set yolks, leave for closer to 3 minutes.
- Try variations: fold in cooked bacon bits, use cheddar instead of parmesan, or sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before cooking.
- Cloud eggs are best eaten fresh — they do not store or reheat well as the texture becomes dense and rubbery.
- If you don't have an air fryer, bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-6 minutes after adding the yolks.
- Serve over buttered toast, with air fryer bacon, or alongside avocado toast for a complete brunch plate.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 13gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 330mgSodium: 380mgVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 6mg
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