Hard-Boiled Eggs: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a convenient way to make hard-boiled eggs. The process is simple: set the air fryer to a low temperature, add the desired number of eggs, and cook for around 12-17 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Once cooked, place the eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. This method offers several advantages over traditional boiling, including faster cooking times, easier peeling, and reduced mess. However, some people may find that the process consumes more time and electricity compared to boiling.

How long does it take to cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer?

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and hands-off approach to cooking eggs. The cooking time depends on the type of egg consistency you want and the make and model of your air fryer.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9–11 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 12–13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13–17 minutes.

However, the cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer. For example, if your air fryer's lowest temperature is 300°F, you should cook the eggs for 10–12 minutes.

It's also important to note that the number of eggs you cook at once can affect the cooking time. It's recommended to leave space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Therefore, if you're cooking a large batch of eggs, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Additionally, the size and fullness of your air fryer basket, as well as the size of the eggs, can also impact the cooking time.

To ensure you get the desired consistency, it's best to experiment with different cooking times and make adjustments based on your specific air fryer and preferences.

How to peel hard-boiled eggs cooked in an air fryer

Once your hard-boiled eggs are cooked in the air fryer, the next step is to peel them. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare an ice bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This ice bath will help to immediately stop the cooking process and cool down the eggs, making them easier to peel.

Step 2: Submerge the eggs in the ice bath

Place the cooked eggs into the prepared ice bath and let them sit for around 4-10 minutes, or until they are cool but not cold and not yet chilled. This will ensure that the eggs are not overcooked and will also make the peeling process easier.

Step 3: Crack the egg shells

Once the eggs have cooled down, remove them from the ice bath and gently crack the egg shells. You can do this by rolling the eggs along a hard surface to create cracks all over. Alternatively, you can gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to create cracks.

Step 4: Peel the eggs

Starting from the bottom or fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms, begin to peel away the shell. With air fryer hard-boiled eggs, the shell should come off easily. If needed, you can use the tip of a knife or a spoon to help lift the shell from the egg.

Step 5: Enjoy or store the eggs

Once the eggs are peeled, you can enjoy them right away or store them for later. If you plan to store them, it is recommended to keep unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For peeled hard-boiled eggs, store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily, or in a sealed container covered with damp paper towels.

How to store hard-boiled eggs

Yes, you can cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here's how to store them:

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes or as a quick snack. If you have a batch of hard-boiled eggs, here's how to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Let Them Cool

After cooking your hard-boiled eggs, it's important to let them cool down before storing them. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath to expedite the cooling process. This step is crucial, as placing hot eggs in the refrigerator can raise the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment for bacteria to multiply.

Storing Unpeeled Eggs

It is best to store hard-boiled eggs with the shells intact, as the shell acts as a protective barrier. The eggs will also be easier to peel once they have been chilled in the fridge. Use an airtight, hard-sided container or a resealable bag to store the eggs, and place them on the middle shelf of your refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable and consistent. Hard-boiled eggs with the shells on can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Storing Peeled Eggs

If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing them, there are a few extra steps to ensure they stay fresh. After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to cool them down, and then peel them under running water. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl, cover them with cold water, and store them in the refrigerator, uncovered, for two to three days. Remember to replace the water daily to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can place the peeled eggs in an airtight container and cover them with damp paper towels to prevent them from drying out. Peeled hard-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within two to three days.

Freezing Hard-Boiled Eggs

Freezing whole hard-boiled eggs is not recommended, as the egg whites tend to become tough and rubbery upon thawing. However, if you wish to freeze only the egg yolks, separate them from the whites and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze for at least three hours or overnight. Then, transfer the frozen yolks to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature for cooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer depends on the desired texture of the yolk and the model of the air fryer.

For softer yolks, a temperature of 250°F (120°C) is recommended, with a cooking time of 15 minutes. If a firmer, drier yolk is preferred, increasing the temperature to 270°F (130°C) and cooking for 17 minutes will achieve the desired result. It is worth noting that some air fryers have a minimum temperature of 300°F (148°C), in which case, the cooking time should be reduced by a few minutes.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, the number of eggs being cooked, and the initial temperature of the eggs. Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal setting for your specific air fryer.

What to do with hard-boiled eggs

So, you've got a bunch of hard-boiled eggs and are looking for ways to use them up? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Hard-boiled eggs are a great addition to many types of salads. Try a classic Cobb salad, a spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, or a veggie Nicoise salad. You could also make an egg and potato salad or a red potato and egg salad. Get creative and add them to your favourite salad!

Sandwiches

Egg salad sandwiches are a classic option, but you could also try curried egg sandwiches or pesto egg salad sandwiches. For a more grown-up sandwich, serve smoked salmon egg salad on croissants. Or, for a fun twist, make Scotch eggs by wrapping hard-boiled eggs in sausage, breading, and frying.

Snacks and Appetizers

Deviled eggs are always a popular choice, and you can get creative with herbs, bacon, chipotle peppers, or crab. Pickled eggs are another tasty option, and you can even try pickling beets at the same time for added flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, make Korean crack (Mayak) eggs by marinating peeled hard-boiled eggs in a mixture of honey, garlic, and crushed red pepper.

Other Dishes

Add hard-boiled eggs to your favourite curry dish, or try the Ethiopian dish doro wat. You could also make shortbread crust by grinding up hard-boiled egg yolks and combining them with flour, sugar, and butter. Or, for a simple, protein-packed snack, just sprinkle hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper or Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Frequently asked questions