Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm for 2–3 minutes. A preheated basket helps the bread toast quickly.

Cook the meat: Add bacon, sausage, or Canadian bacon to the basket. Air fry for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp or heated through. Remove and set aside. If using pre-cooked meat, warm it for 2–3 minutes.

Toast the bread: Split the English muffins. Lightly butter the cut sides or spritz with oil. Place cut-side up in the air fryer and toast for 2–4 minutes until golden. Remove the tops and leave the bottoms in the basket.

Cook the egg: Lightly oil a small, oven-safe ramekin or silicone egg ring that fits in your air fryer. Crack in one egg. Pierce the yolk gently with a toothpick (prevents popping). Season with salt and pepper. Air fry at 320–330°F (160–165°C) for 4–6 minutes for a set white and soft yolk, or longer for firm. If you don’t have a ramekin, you can scramble the egg and pour it into a small, greased piece of foil shaped like a shallow cup.

Assemble in the air fryer: Place a slice of cheese on each muffin bottom. Add the hot meat, then the cooked egg. Top with the muffin lid.

Melt and finish: Return the assembled sandwiches to the air fryer at 320–330°F (160–165°C) for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese and warm everything through. Keep an eye on it so the bread doesn’t over-brown.

Add extras and serve: Open the sandwich and add avocado, spinach, or a dash of hot sauce if you like. Close it back up and enjoy while hot.