Five Minute Air Fryer Veggie Nest Egg

If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed breakfast, the Five Minute Air Fryer Veggie Nest Egg is about to become your new favorite. This recipe combines colorful vegetables, a perfectly cooked egg, and a touch of cheese in just minutes, making it the ultimate busy-morning solution. By using the air fryer, everything cooks evenly at once, so you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast with almost no cleanup.

What makes this dish extra special is the simplicity. You can use a frozen stir-fry blend straight from the bag, or swap in fresh veggies if you have them on hand. Either way, the air fryer transforms them into a tender, flavorful base that cradles a golden egg in the center. A quick sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh chives at the end ties everything together beautifully.

Interestingly, eggs baked or fried in vegetable “nests” have roots in many cultures, from Middle Eastern shakshuka to Italian-style baked eggs. This modern air fryer twist makes that comforting tradition faster and easier than ever.

Recipe Yield: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chopped stir-fry vegetable blend (mushrooms, broccoli, green beans, onions, red bell pepper)
1 large egg
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or shredded cheese of choice)
1 tsp butter (optional, but recommended, to melt on top)
1 tsp chopped chives (for garnish)
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat air fryer (basket or oven-style) to 450°F (232°C). Cut a piece of solid parchment paper to fit inside the basket or tray, making sure the edges lay flat.

2. Arrange and add egg: Spread the vegetables on the parchment paper in a circle, leaving a well in the center. Crack the egg into the middle. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Cook everything together: Air fry for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the egg is cooked to your liking.
For crispier vegetables: air-fry the veggies alone for 2–3 minutes before adding the egg, then continue cooking until done.

4. Finish and serve: Carefully remove. Add a pat of butter on top to melt, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and finish with fresh chives. Serve immediately.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use parchment safely: Cut solid parchment to fit snugly in your basket or tray, and weigh it down with food so it doesn’t blow into the heating element. This keeps the egg contained and cleanup easy.
For crispier veggies: Give the vegetables a 2–3 minute head start in the air fryer before adding the egg. This adds extra browning and roasted flavor.
Switch up the flavors: Try chili flakes for heat, swap Parmesan for feta or mozzarella, or add avocado slices for extra creaminess.

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