Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs: Is It Possible?

Soft-boiled eggs are notoriously difficult to master, but air fryers may be able to help. Air fryers can cook soft-boiled eggs without the need for water, and they can be quicker and easier than boiling a pot of water. The dry heat of an air fryer may also make eggs easier to peel. However, the cooking time for soft-boiled eggs can vary depending on the desired consistency, and different air fryers may require different temperatures and timings.

Air fryer temperature for soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs can be cooked in an air fryer without the need for water. The air fryer temperature for soft-boiled eggs depends on the desired texture and the type of air fryer being used.

To cook soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 270°F–275°F (132°C–135°C) for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not go below 300°F (148°C), set it to that temperature instead. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg. Close the air fryer and cook for 9–11 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Note that the cooking time may vary depending on your preference for egg doneness and the model of your air fryer.

For a softer boiled egg with runnier yolks, air fry at 275°F (135°C) for 9 minutes. If you prefer your egg whites to be fully set, add an extra minute to the cooking time.

It is important to prepare an ice bath before cooking the eggs, as the eggs need to be placed in the ice bath immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process.

How long to cook soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy process, and you don't need to use any water. Simply preheat your air fryer to 270–275°F (132–135°C) and place the raw eggs in the basket.

The cooking time will depend on your preference for egg doneness and the model of your air fryer. For a very soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, air fry at 275°F (135°C) for 9 minutes. If you prefer your whites to be fully set, leave the eggs in for an additional minute. For a slightly harder soft-boiled egg, try cooking at 270°F (132°C) for 9–11 minutes.

Remember to prepare an ice bath before you start cooking. As soon as the eggs are done, place them in the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Leave them in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes, and then peel carefully and slowly.

How to peel soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can cook soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it with tips on how to peel soft-boiled eggs:

First, preheat your air fryer to 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not go lower in temperature than 300° F, set it to 300° F (148°C). It is important to test one egg first to find the exact time and temperature that work for your air fryer and preference. Place the raw eggs in the basket, leaving a little space between each one, and close the air fryer. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-11 minutes. If you prefer your eggs to be even softer, air fry at 275° F for 9 minutes.

Now, for the peeling process:

• Prepare an ice bath in advance. As soon as the cook time is up, you will want to immediately place the eggs in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes. This helps the peeling process.
• Take the egg in your hand and tap each end against a hard surface. Then, roll the egg lengthwise with the palm of your hand, and it should peel off in one big piece.
• Be gentle, smooth, and clean with your movements.
• Tap the bottom of the egg as there is a little pocket of air in there that, when cracked, helps make the peeling process a lot easier.
• Make sure to keep the membrane intact and peel using the membrane, not the shell.

Soft-boiled eggs vs jammy eggs

Soft-boiled eggs and jammy eggs can be cooked in an air fryer, and both have a runny yolk. However, the cooking time varies for each type of egg.

Soft-boiled eggs have a silky-smooth, runny yolk and fully cooked but soft whites. To make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 270–275 °F (132–135 °C). Once preheated, place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one, and cook for 9–11 minutes. As soon as the eggs are done, place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Jammy eggs are right in the middle of soft- and hard-boiled eggs, with yolks that are a little creamy and a little silky-smooth. To make jammy eggs in an air fryer, follow the same steps as for soft-boiled eggs, but cook the eggs for 12–13 minutes.

When making soft-boiled or jammy eggs, it is important to prepare an ice bath before cooking the eggs. This is because a minute can make a big difference in the consistency of the eggs, and the ice bath stops the cooking process.

Soft-boiled and jammy eggs can also be made on a stovetop. To do this, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and gently lower the eggs into the water using a spoon. For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks, cook the eggs for 6–6.5 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook the eggs for 7–7.5 minutes. Once the desired cooking time has passed, transfer the eggs to an ice bath.

Air fryer vs traditional boiling

Boiling eggs is a breakfast staple, but the traditional method can be time-consuming and messy. Air fryers offer a convenient alternative to boiling eggs on the hob, with several benefits and only a few potential drawbacks.

The traditional method of boiling eggs requires you to wait for a pot of water to reach the desired temperature, which can take several minutes. Air fryers, on the other hand, can be preheated in just a few minutes and can cook eggs in a similar timeframe to traditional boiling. This makes air fryers a quick and efficient option for cooking eggs, especially if you are short on time in the morning.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it cooks eggs evenly, with no need to stir or adjust the heat. This means you can simply set the timer and walk away, without worrying about overcooking or undercooking your eggs. This level of precision is harder to achieve with traditional boiling, where it can be difficult to judge the exact level of boiling water and the eggs may require frequent testing.

Air-fried eggs are also incredibly easy to peel. The dry heat and convection of the air fryer naturally pull the shell away from the membrane during cooking, so the eggs almost peel themselves. While some people still find air-fried eggs difficult to peel, the general consensus is that they are much easier than traditionally boiled eggs.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using an air fryer for eggs. Firstly, it can take some experimentation to master the process and find the exact time and temperature that suits your preference. This may involve some trial and error, but once you find the right settings, you can achieve perfect eggs every time. Secondly, air fryers have a limited capacity and can only cook a few eggs at once, so they may not be suitable for large families or batches. Finally, air fryers use electricity, which may be less energy-efficient than using a gas hob for boiling eggs.

In conclusion, both traditional boiling and air frying have their advantages and disadvantages. Traditional boiling may be preferable for those who want a classic cooking method and are not concerned about the extra time and effort required. On the other hand, air frying is a convenient, precise, and mess-free option for those who want an easy way to cook perfect eggs every time.

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