diff --git a/esphome/core/scheduler.h b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
index a2a5b733aa..0372e06066 100644
--- a/esphome/core/scheduler.h
+++ b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ class Scheduler {
   // Process defer queue for FIFO execution of deferred items.
   // IMPORTANT: This method should only be called from the main thread (loop task).
   // Inlined: the fast path (nothing deferred) is just an atomic load check.
-  inline void HOT process_defer_queue_(uint32_t &now) {
+  inline void ESPHOME_ALWAYS_INLINE HOT process_defer_queue_(uint32_t &now) {
     // Fast path: nothing to process, avoid lock entirely.
     // Worst case is a one-loop-iteration delay before newly deferred items are processed.
     if (this->defer_empty_())