Air Fryer Bacon and Egg Cups

If you’re looking for a quick, low-carb breakfast option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Air Fryer Bacon and Egg Cups are an excellent choice. These bite-sized breakfast delights are made using crispy bacon, fresh eggs, and optional veggie toppings like diced bell peppers. They’re a savory, protein-packed start to your day, making them perfect for those following keto or low-carb diets. The best part? You can whip them up in no time with your air fryer! Let’s dive into this easy yet satisfying recipe, filled with helpful tips, ingredient alternatives, and answers to frequently asked questions to make your cooking experience a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bacon and Egg Cups

Before getting started, gather all your ingredients. This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to mix and match the fillings as per your taste preference. Below are the basic ingredients for this recipe:

Bacon: Opt for thinner-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. You’ll need about 3 slices, each cut in half, so that you have a half slice per egg cup. The thinner bacon crisps faster, ensuring it pairs perfectly with the soft, runny eggs.
Large Eggs: Fresh, large eggs work best for this recipe. Whether you prefer organic, brown, or white eggs, make sure they’re fresh to get the best results in texture and flavor.
Diced Bell Peppers (Optional): Adding diced bell peppers not only brings a burst of color but also adds a crunchy texture. Feel free to use any color—red, yellow, or green peppers. Other veggies like diced zucchini or asparagus make great alternatives.
Scallions: Fresh scallions add a mild onion-like flavor and enhance the overall taste of the egg cups. Sprinkle them as a garnish right after cooking.
Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings are a must to balance and enhance the flavors in the egg cups. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Nonstick Spray & Silicone Muffin Cups: You’ll need individual silicone muffin cups or paper muffin cups sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. These cups make it easy to form and cook the egg cups, while also preventing the eggs from sticking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Bacon and Egg Cups

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through each step carefully to achieve the perfect air fryer bacon and egg cups.

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Slice the Bacon: Start by slicing each bacon strip in half. You’ll need half a slice for each egg cup. The thinner bacon is ideal, as it crisps up faster than thicker slices.
Precooking Option (Optional): If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can pre-cook the bacon strips until they are medium-rare. They should still be flexible enough to mold around the muffin cups but with a slightly crispy edge. This will ensure that your bacon is not too soft once the eggs are done cooking.

Step 2: Line the Muffin Cups with Bacon

Line the Cups: Take your silicone muffin cups or paper muffin cups (sprayed with nonstick spray) and place them inside the air fryer basket. Line each cup with half a slice of bacon, wrapping it around the edges of the cup to form a little barrier. This step helps hold the eggs in place and gives each cup a deliciously crispy bacon edge.

Step 3: Crack an Egg into Each Cup

Carefully Add Eggs: Now, crack one large egg directly into each bacon-lined cup. The bacon acts as a support, holding the egg in place. Be gentle, as you don’t want the egg yolk to break while pouring it into the cup.
Seasoning the Eggs: Once the eggs are in the cups, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top for seasoning. This step is crucial for balancing the flavors in each bite.

Step 4: Add Optional Fillings

Toppings and Fillings: While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to add your favorite fillings like diced bell peppers, chopped ham, or pre-cooked breakfast sausage. Just sprinkle ½ to 1 tablespoon of any filling on top of each egg before cooking. You can also add diced vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
Cheese Options: If you’re a cheese lover, adding a small amount of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the bottom of the cup before cracking the egg can make these egg cups even more delicious.

Step 5: Air Fry the Bacon and Egg Cups

Cook at the Right Temperature: Close the air fryer basket carefully, ensuring that the muffin cups stay upright. Set the air fryer to 330°F and cook for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer your eggs over-medium, start with 8 minutes; for fully set yolks (over-well), cook for 10 minutes.
Adjusting Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer’s model and your personal egg texture preference, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The eggs will continue to cook a little even after you remove them, so keep that in mind when deciding how long to air fry them.

Step 6: Remove and Garnish

Carefully Remove the Egg Cups: Once they are cooked to your desired level, carefully remove the egg cups from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Be cautious as they will be very hot.
Garnish with Scallions: Sprinkle some fresh, diced scallions over the top for added flavor and a pop of green color. You can also add any extra toppings at this point, such as hot sauce, ketchup, or shredded cheese.

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Egg Cups

Pre-Cook Bacon for Extra Crispiness: If you’re someone who loves crispy bacon, consider precooking the bacon strips until they are medium-rare before wrapping them around the muffin cups. This will give you a crispier texture without affecting the cook time of the eggs.
Use Veggies for Added Nutrition: Diced veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms not only add flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the egg cups.
Switch Up the Protein: If you want a change from bacon, you can use ham slices, turkey bacon, or even Canadian bacon as alternatives. Each option will give a unique flavor to the egg cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store Leftover Bacon and Egg Cups?
- Absolutely! Let the egg cups cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Can I Freeze These Egg Cups?
- Yes! To freeze, place the cooked egg cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Egg Cups?
- Reheat frozen egg cups directly in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or pop them back into the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 300°F.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 Egg Cups

Calories per serving: 115 kcal

Ingredients:

3 slices of bacon, sliced in half
6 large eggs
3-6 tablespoons diced bell pepper (optional)
1-2 tablespoons diced scallions
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cut bacon strips in half. Line each silicone muffin cup with a half slice of bacon.
Place the silicone cups in the air fryer basket. Crack one egg into each cup, using the bacon as a support.
Sprinkle with diced bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
Air fry at 330°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on your preferred egg doneness.
Carefully remove and garnish with scallions. Serve hot!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 115 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg