Recreate the classic McDonald’s Egg McMuffin at home using your air fryer! This easy recipe layers a toasted English muffin with a perfectly cooked air fryer egg, ham or bacon, and melty American cheese. The air fryer crisps up the muffin and heats the bacon while cooking the egg to perfection—no stovetop needed. It’s a quick, satisfying breakfast you can prep in minutes with that same nostalgic flavor, but fresher and more customizable.
The Air Fryer Egg McMuffin is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a fast-food favorite right from your own kitchen. Made with a toasted English muffin, a perfectly air-fried egg, warm piece of ham or bacon, and a slice of melty American cheese, this homemade version delivers all the flavor you love—without the drive-thru. Using the air fryer keeps the muffin crisp, the egg tender, and the cleanup minimal. It’s a quick, satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or a weekend brunch treat.
This is a great healthy way to have your favorite Breakfast Sandwich, all made in the Air Fryer!
Fast & Easy Breakfast – Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or a quick meal on the go.
Healthier Than Drive-Thru – Made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, it’s a lighter, cleaner version of the original.
Minimal Cleanup – The air fryer does all the work—no frying pans or greasy mess to deal with.
Customizable Ingredients – Swap in sausage, bacon, or your favorite cheese to make it your own.
Family-Friendly Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike—great for meal prep or a breakfast sandwich bar.
Ingredients Needed
English Muffins: The base of the McMuffin English muffins provides a soft yet slightly crisp texture. They are perfect for holding the fillings and getting that iconic toasty exterior.
Large Eggs: Essential for the ‘egg’ in Egg McMuffin, they provide protein and richness. Fresh, large eggs work best to mimic the original’s size and taste.
Canadian Bacon: This is the traditional meat used in a McMuffin, offering a leaner, slightly sweet and salty flavor compared to regular bacon.
American Cheese Slices: A slice of American cheese melts perfectly, adding a creamy and gooey texture that’s a staple in the classic McMuffin.
Butter: Used for lightly toasting the English muffins, butter adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are key to bringing out the flavors of the eggs and the entire sandwich.
How To Make Air Fryer Egg McMuffin
Step One: Place the eggs into a ramekin. Then add your sausage or bacon, cook for 5 minutes, flip the bacon or sausage, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. When it’s time to flip your bacon, add the English Muffin to the air fryer and cook until all the ingredients are done.
Step Two:Make your sandwich when the eggs, bacon, or sausage are one. Place the English Muffin in the Air Fryer, add your sausage (or bacon, and then top with the egg. Place a piece of cheese on top and air fry until the cheese is fully melted.
Air Fryer Egg McMuffin Recipe Tips
Use Ramekins or Silicone Molds for the Egg – These help shape the egg to fit perfectly on your English muffin and cook it evenly.
Spray with Nonstick Spray – Lightly coat your ramekin or mold with oil spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Toast Muffins in the Air Fryer – Add the English muffins cut-side up for the last few minutes of cooking for a perfectly crisp texture.
Pre-Cook Sausage or Bacon if Needed – Depending on thickness, some meats may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer before assembling.
Add Cheese at the End – Place your cheese slice on the hot egg or meat and return it to the air fryer just long enough to melt it without burning the muffin.
Make It a Meal Prep Favorite – Assemble sandwiches, wrap in foil, and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the air fryer for a grab-and-go breakfast!
Recipe Variations
Bread: This is a great place to use whatever you have. I have used bagels, croissants, biscuits, or even sandwich bread.
Egg: Add anything you want to your eggs, including vegetables or diced cooked vegetables. Please make sure the eggs are fully cooked before removing them.
Cheese: I used a simple slice of American Cheddar Cheese, but you can use anything you want, including some of my favorites: Gouda, Velveeta, or even Sliced Colby Jack Cheese.
Breakfast Meat: Use anything from bacon, Canadian Ham, Sausage Patties, or Link. If you want to keep it as a Vegan Air Fryer Breakfast, you can also use Beyond The Meat Breakfast Sausage or vegan bacon.
Storing
Storing: Store leftover Egg McMuffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Wrap each cooled sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option.
Reheating: To reheat from the fridge, air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave for about 1 minute until warmed through. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 8-10 minutes.
Can I use a regular egg mold or ramekin in the air fryer? Yes! Just make sure it’s air fryer-safe and lightly greased to prevent sticking. Silicone molds or 4-ounce ramekins work great for shaping the eggs.
Can I use sausage or bacon instead of Canadian bacon? Absolutely! You can customize with cooked sausage patties, turkey bacon, or even vegetarian options—just adjust the cook time as needed.
How do I keep the English muffin from getting too hard? Toast the English muffin cut-side up for only a few minutes near the end of cooking to keep it crisp but not overdone.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These are perfect for meal prep—store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
What kind of cheese works best? Classic American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss are great for a flavor twist.
Ditch the drive-thru and whip up your own Copycat Egg McMuffin right at home using your air fryer (or skillet)—it’s quick, easy, and tastes even better!
Ingredients
2English Muffins, halved
2largeeggs
2sausage patties, or use bacon
2slicescheddar cheese
2tablespoonsbutter, room temperature
Instructions
Place the eggs into a ramekin. Then add your sausage or bacon, cook for 5 minutes, flip the bacon or sausage, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Remove the eggs when they are done.
When it’s time to flip your bacon, butter the English Muffin, add the English Muffin to the air fryer, and cook until all the ingredients are done.
Make your sandwich when the eggs, bacon, or sausage are one. Place the English Muffin down in the Air Fryer, add your sausage(or bacon, and then top with the egg. Place a piece of cheese on top, air fry until the cheese is fully melted. return the sandwich, and close the air fryer, the heat from the air fryer will melt the cheese, otherwise use 300 degrees F, for a minute.
Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin:
This recipe will work with any Air Fryer Basket or Oven Model, although the cooking time will vary. This recipe can also be prepared and cooked in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and Mealthy Lid.
Check on your eggs and bacon frequently during the cooking process. This way, all of the ingredients are perfectly cooked.
Patricia Novak
I’ve made these multiple times but not in air fryer. I don’t have the use of a regular show right now and just got an air fryer so I’m going to try this especially for the bacon and sausage I’ll let you know what happens when I do it thank you for all your wonderful recipes