Air Fryer Egg Cooking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a quick, easy, and low-cost way to cook a variety of foods, including eggs. You can cook eggs in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including hard-boiled, soft-boiled, fried, and poached. The cooking time varies depending on the size and temperature of the egg, as well as the type of cookware used. To cook eggs in an air fryer, you will need an air fryer, eggs, and oven-friendly bakeware. You may also need to use oil or butter to grease the pan or ramekin to prevent the eggs from sticking. The cooking time for fried eggs in an air fryer is typically around 3-5 minutes, while soft-boiled eggs take around 7-9 minutes.

How to cook an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

First, decide on the type of egg you want to cook. Air fryers can be used to make fried eggs, poached eggs, soft-boiled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, and more. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the style of egg you choose, so it's a good idea to have a general understanding of the desired outcome before starting.

Next, gather your equipment. You will need an air fryer, eggs, and oven-friendly/heat-proof bakeware. The bakeware should be shallow to allow for proper air circulation, and it should fit inside the air fryer basket. Examples include a small, oven-friendly bake tray/pan, a mini cast-iron pan, a pie or cake pan, a small cast-iron skillet, or ramekins.

Cooking Process:

Once you have your equipment ready, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer basket to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, simply run it for 3 minutes with empty dishes inside.
• Prepare the eggs: For fried eggs, crack the eggs into a small cup or bowl. For soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, place them directly into the air fryer basket or rack, leaving some space between each egg to allow proper air circulation.
• Cook the eggs: The cooking time will depend on the style of egg you are preparing and your personal preferences. For example, fried eggs can be cooked for 3-5 minutes for a runny yolk, while soft-boiled eggs typically take around 7 minutes. Hard-boiled eggs may take a little longer, around 8-9 minutes. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, the size and temperature of the eggs, and other factors, so it's a good idea to experiment with 1-2 eggs first to get a feel for the timing.
• Remove and serve: When the eggs are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer. For fried eggs, use a spatula to gently lift them out of the pan. For soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, transfer them immediately to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water) to stop the cooking process. Once they are cool, crack and peel the shells.

Tips:

• If using ramekins, increase the total cook time by 1-2 minutes.
• If your air fryer doesn't cook evenly, turn the tin or dish around halfway through the cooking process.
• To centre the yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• To make peeling easier, use room-temperature eggs, as the dry heat and convection of the air fryer will help pull the shell from the membrane as they cook.
• Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, either in their shells or peeled, but make sure to refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking.
• Soft-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life and will last up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

How long to cook an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! The cooking time depends on the type of eggs you want to make, the model of the air fryer, and your personal preferences.

For a runny egg yolk, cook the egg for a shorter time, and for a firm egg yolk, cook it for a longer time. If you want a completely firm yolk, it is better to make a hard-boiled egg because the texture will be better. If you are making fried eggs, you can cook them for 3 minutes for a sunny side up or over-easy egg. If you prefer a medium egg yolk, add 1 minute to the cooking time. For over-easy eggs, cook as directed, then flip the egg with a spatula and cook for an additional minute. If you are using a ramekin, increase the total cook time by 1-2 minutes.

If you are making soft-boiled eggs, cook at 270ºF (132ºC) for 9-11 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 12-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-15 minutes. If you set your air fryer to 300° F (148°C), subtract about 1-2 minutes from the desired cook level.

If you want to make hard-boiled eggs, you can cook them for 8 minutes first, and if they are still not done, try 9 minutes. However, be careful not to overcook the eggs, as there is a risk that they will explode.

It is normal for eggs to roll around a bit in the air fryer, but leaving space between each egg allows the air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.

What temperature to cook an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! The temperature and time will depend on the type of egg you want to make and the model of your air fryer.

If you want to make a fried egg, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Then, spray your pan with oil and place it in the fryer basket. Crack an egg into a small cup or bowl and carefully pour it onto the hot pan or tray. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side up or over-easy egg. If you prefer a medium egg yolk, add 1 minute to the cooking time. For over-easy eggs, cook as directed and then flip the egg with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.

If you want to make a soft-boiled egg, preheat your air fryer to 270°F-280°F (132-135°C) for 5 minutes. Then, add your eggs to the air fryer basket, leaving space between each egg. Cook at 270°F (132°C) for 9-11 minutes. If you want a hard-boiled egg, cook for 12-13 minutes.

If you want to make scrambled eggs, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (149°C). Spray a non-stick cake pan with oil and pour in the whisked eggs. Air fry at 300°F (149°C) for 3 minutes, then stir the eggs. Cook for another 2 minutes, then stir the eggs again and cook for a final minute. Keep stirring and adding 1-minute increments until you reach your desired consistency.

It is important to note that cooking temperatures and times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of your eggs, and your desired doneness. It is recommended to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. Additionally, always use non-stick, oven-friendly cookware that is shallow so that air can circulate efficiently.

How to peel an air-fried egg

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. It is thought that the dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as they cook.

To peel an air-fried egg, first, remove the eggs from the air fryer and place them in an ice bath for about 4-5 minutes, until they are cool to the touch but not ice cold. This makes them easier to peel and also stops the cooking process, giving you full control over the doneness of your eggs.

Next, gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a bit along a hard surface to make cracks all over. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as this is usually where the air bubble forms. Then, carefully peel away the shell. The egg will be quite soft, so take care not to damage it.

You can store your peeled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them moist, place a damp paper towel in the bottom of the container, then place the egg on top and cover with another damp paper towel.

What to cook eggs in an air fryer with

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and low-cost way to prepare eggs in a variety of styles. Here are some tips on what to cook eggs in when using an air fryer:

Air Fryer Basket or Rack:

Simply add your eggs directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't roll around too much. Leave some space between each egg to allow proper air circulation for even cooking. This method is ideal for soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs.

Non-Stick, Oven-Friendly Cookware:

Use shallow, oven-friendly (heat-proof) bakeware to allow hot air to circulate efficiently. This can be a bake tray/pan, a mini cast-iron pan, or a small dish (3-4 inches) that fits your air fryer. Spray the pan with oil or use butter or olive oil to grease the pan evenly and prevent sticking.

Ramekins:

Ramekins are perfect for fried or sunny-side-up eggs. Spray the ramekins with oil and place them in the air fryer. Crack an egg into each ramekin and cook. If using ramekins, increase the total cook time by 1-2 minutes.

Ice Bath:

After cooking, it is recommended to place the eggs in an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water) to stop the cooking process and control the doneness of your eggs. This is especially important if you want soft-boiled or jammy eggs.

Experiment with Cook Times:

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of egg you are preparing, the size and temperature of the eggs, the size and model of your air fryer, and the volume of eggs being cooked. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal cook time for your desired egg style.

Frequently asked questions