Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs: Quick, Easy, Delicious?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, revolutionising the way people cook. They are a convenient, healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as they require little to no oil. But can you cook scrambled eggs in an air fryer? The short answer is yes.

Cooking scrambled eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make light, fluffy, and delicious eggs. It is also a great option for those who want to avoid using a lot of oil or butter, as the air fryer requires only a small amount to prevent sticking. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air effectively cooks the eggs evenly, resulting in a soft and creamy texture that is often difficult to achieve on a stovetop.

To make scrambled eggs in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer to a low temperature, such as 220-350°F, and add a small amount of butter or oil to an air fryer-safe pan. In a separate bowl, beat the desired number of eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are done to your liking. You can also add various ingredients to your scrambled eggs, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat, to make them even more flavourful and nutritious.

How to cook scrambled eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Butter or oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: shredded cheese, vegetables, meat, herbs, spices, milk or cream
• Cooking spray (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer-safe pan
• Bowl
• Fork or whisk
• Spatula

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 220-350°F. Place your butter or oil of choice in the air fryer-safe pan, then place it inside the air fryer.
• In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. You can also add a splash of milk or cream at this stage for extra creamy scrambled eggs. If you're adding cheese, vegetables, meat or herbs, add them now and mix well.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pan and air fry for 2 minutes.
• Scrape the bottom of the pan, then air fry for another 2 minutes. Repeat this process until the eggs are cooked to your liking. This usually takes around 4-8 minutes in total.
• Plate up your scrambled eggs and serve immediately.

Tips

• The lower the temperature, the better. Cooking scrambled eggs at a lower heat helps to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
• Keep an eye on your eggs as they cook, as different air fryers may cook at different rates.
• To prevent your eggs from drying out, don't overcook them. Cook until they are set but still slightly moist.
• If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it over the eggs during the last minute of cooking, or mix it in just before serving.

How to prevent scrambled eggs from drying out

Use a lower temperature

Cooking scrambled eggs in an air fryer at a lower temperature is best to prevent them from drying out. It is recommended to cook them at 300°F or 350°F. This will ensure that the eggs are cooked thoroughly without burning.

Keep an eye on the eggs

Different air fryers may cook eggs at different rates, so it is important to keep an eye on them and adjust the temperature as needed. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook even after they are removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. Therefore, it is recommended to take them out a minute earlier than usual and stir them up.

Add milk to the eggs

Adding milk to the scrambled eggs will create a creamier consistency and help prevent them from drying out.

Use a non-stick pan

Using a non-stick pan will help prevent the eggs from sticking and make it easier to stir them without damaging the pan. It is also important to use a plastic or silicone spatula when stirring the eggs to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.

Whisk the eggs before cooking

Whisking the raw eggs for about a minute before cooking will inject air into them and make them lighter and fluffier. This will help prevent the eggs from drying out and becoming rubbery.

How to add extra ingredients to scrambled eggs

There are many ways to add extra ingredients to scrambled eggs, whether it's vegetables, meat, herbs, or cheese. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Tips for Adding Extra Ingredients

• Precook any vegetables or meat before adding them to your eggs to avoid a crunchy texture.
• Choose drier ingredients to maintain the fluffy texture of the eggs.
• Add your extra ingredients towards the end of cooking, once the eggs have formed curds but are still slightly wet. This will ensure that your add-ins are heated through without overcooking the eggs.
• If you're adding fresh herbs, throw them in at the end of cooking to brighten the flavour of your eggs.
• If you're adding meat or cheese, stir them in at the end of cooking, just long enough to warm them through.

Ingredient Ideas

• Pinto beans, cotija cheese, and jalapenos: Sauté the beans and jalapenos with some garlic, then fold them into your eggs with the cheese.
• Chorizo sausage, bell pepper, and chipotle butter: Mash the butter and chipotle together, then brown the chorizo and peppers. Fold this mixture into your eggs for a smoky-sweet flavour.
• Italian sausage, sharp cheddar, and bell pepper: Sauté the vegetables first, then wipe the skillet dry before adding the eggs and butter. Stir in the mix-ins off the heat.
• Prosciutto, asparagus, and porcini butter: Rehydrate and mince dried porcinis, then mash them with butter and minced shallot. Spread this on toast and top with your scrambled eggs.
• Asparagus, smoked salmon, and chives: Cook the asparagus in oil and garlic before adding to your eggs, then top with smoked salmon and chives.
• Deli ham, onion, bell pepper, and cheddar: Brown the ham, onion, and bell pepper together before adding them to your eggs with the cheddar and scallions.
• Goat cheese, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes: Take your eggs off the heat just before they're finished cooking and gently fold in the arugula and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with goat cheese and add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Cheddar and pickled jalapeno: Fold these ingredients into your eggs on low heat towards the end of cooking.
• Ham and gruyere: Black Forest ham and gruyere cheese will give your scrambled eggs a French croque monsieur vibe.
• Smoked trout and chives: Fold these ingredients into your eggs at the end of cooking to ensure the perfect bite.
• Sweet corn and chives: A classic combination, especially if you're from Nebraska!
• Sweet peppers and goat cheese: A tasty mix of sweet and tangy.
• Ham, onion, and mushrooms or spinach and tomatoes: A hearty combination that will keep you full all morning.
• Roasted vegetables: Try adding leftover roasted veggies like cauliflower to your scrambled eggs.

How to store scrambled eggs

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked scrambled eggs should be stored in the fridge not long after they are cooked. Bacteria can grow on scrambled eggs left out on the counter for too long, which may cause food poisoning. Reheating the eggs will not kill off this bacteria, so it is best to limit the time they are left out to one or two hours.

Once the eggs have cooled down, separate them into portions and place them in airtight containers. Label the containers with the date, and place them on the interior shelves of the fridge, rather than on the fridge door, as this will cause temperature changes that will make the eggs spoil faster.

Stored like this, the scrambled eggs will last for about three to four days. However, if they start to smell pungent or develop a grey or green tinge, this is a sign that they have gone bad and should be thrown out.

If you want to keep the eggs for longer, you can freeze them. Cook the eggs until they are solid but still slightly runny, then allow them to cool and place them in labelled freezer bags. They will keep in the freezer for up to a year and can be defrosted in the fridge or microwave and cooked in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to keep them soft and fluffy.

How to serve scrambled eggs

On their own

You can serve scrambled eggs on their own, perhaps with some salt and pepper to taste.

With toast

A simple way to serve scrambled eggs is with some buttered toast. You could use sourdough or white bread.

With meat

You could serve scrambled eggs with bacon, ham, sausage, or steak.

With vegetables

Scrambled eggs can be served with vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or tomatoes.

With cheese

Try adding some cheese to your scrambled eggs, such as cheddar, cottage cheese, or Monterey Jack.

In a breakfast wrap

Scrambled eggs can be wrapped in a tortilla with other ingredients such as vegetables and meat.

With rice

You could serve scrambled eggs with rice, perhaps in a rice bowl with vegetables and soy sauce.

In a frittata

You can add vegetables and meat to your scrambled eggs and bake them in the air fryer to make a frittata.

With fruit

Scrambled eggs can be served with fruit such as berries or grapefruit.

In a sandwich

Scrambled eggs can be served in a sandwich or with other types of bread such as bagels or biscuits.

With potatoes

Scrambled eggs can be served with fried, boiled, or mashed potatoes.

In a breakfast burrito

Scrambled eggs can be wrapped in a flour tortilla with other ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and cheese.

With beans

You could serve scrambled eggs with beans, either in a breakfast burrito or on the side.

With avocado

Try serving scrambled eggs with avocado on toast.

In an egg muffin

You can bake scrambled eggs in a silicone cupcake cup or muffin liner in the air fryer to make an egg muffin.

With grits

Scrambled eggs can be served with grits, a type of porridge made from boiled cornmeal.

Frequently asked questions