Hard-Boiled Eggs In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make hard-boiled eggs. They are fast, easy to peel, and don't require water. The cooking time depends on the desired level of doneness, but generally, hard-boiled eggs take between 13 and 17 minutes in an air fryer. After cooking, it is important to place the eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

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

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

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature instead. Place 4 to 12 large eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg to allow proper air circulation.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired doneness, the strength of the air fryer, and the size of the eggs. As a general guideline, set the timer for 13 to 17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. However, you may need to experiment with different times to find the perfect setting for your air fryer.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-11 minutes, and for jammy eggs, cook for 12-13 minutes.

Cooling and Peeling

Once the eggs are cooked, transfer them to an ice water bath or run them under cold water for a minute to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Peel the eggs when they are cool enough to handle. The eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, whether peeled or unpeeled.

How to peel hard-boiled eggs

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. Here are some tips to peel hard-boiled eggs:

Tips for Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs

• Use older eggs. Eggs that are at least a week old have more air inside, creating more space between the white and the shell.
• If your air fryer is not big enough, cook the eggs in batches. Avoid layering the eggs.
• Soft to medium eggs are harder to peel. Make sure they are fully cooled before peeling.
• Always plunge the eggs in ice water. If you skip the cold water step, your eggs will be overcooked and more difficult to peel.
• Roll the egg gently on the counter, pressing on it to create cracks all over. Simply peel away a portion of the shell, and the rest should come off effortlessly.

• When the eggs are cool but not yet chilled, remove them from the ice bath.
• Crack the shells and peel. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms.

How to store hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, whether they are peeled or unpeeled. Here are some tips for storing hard-boiled eggs:

Storing Unpeeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• It is best to store hard-boiled eggs with their shells on as the shells act as a protective barrier.
• Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster.
• Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to minimise moisture.
• Place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. If using a bag, ensure it is sealed tightly.

Storing Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down.
• Peel the eggs under running water.
• Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the eggs.
• Store the bowl, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days. Replace the water daily to keep it fresh.
• Alternatively, place the peeled eggs in an airtight bag or container. Add a damp paper towel to prevent the eggs from drying out.
• Make sure to store the eggs on the middle shelf of your refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable and consistent.

Can you freeze hard-boiled eggs?

Yes, you can freeze hard-boiled eggs, but it is not recommended as the whites become tough, rubbery, and watery when frozen. The yolks, however, freeze exceptionally well and can be used as a fun and tasty garnish.

To freeze hard-boiled eggs, separate the whites from the yolks. It is best to consume the whites fresh as freezing them will result in a change in texture and colour, and they may even leak. Place the yolks in a single layer in a saucepan and add water until it is at least 1 inch above the yolks. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and let the yolks stand, covered, in the hot water for about 12 minutes. Remove the yolks with a slotted spoon, drain them well, and package them for freezing. Frozen yolks will stay good for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to use frozen yolks, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. It is best to use the yolks as soon as they are thawed. Frozen yolks can be used as a garnish or in dishes that require cooking.

Freezing hard-boiled eggs is not the best option as it affects the texture and quality of the egg whites. It is recommended to consume hard-boiled eggs fresh or within one week of cooking, as they will last for about one week in the refrigerator, regardless of whether they are peeled or unpeeled.

How to prevent overcooking

Yes, you can hard-boil eggs in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking:

To prevent overcooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 250°F (120°C). However, you can skip this step and add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if preferred.
• Adjust Timing: The cooking time for hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the number of eggs you are cooking. It is recommended to experiment with different timings to find what works best for your air fryer. Set the timer for anywhere between 13 and 17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Use an Ice Water Bath: To prevent overcooking, prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. As soon as the eggs are done cooking, place them in the ice water bath for 4-5 minutes to immediately stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.
• Cool Under Running Water: If you don't have ice, simply run the eggs under cold running water for a minute after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with Cook Times: There are many factors that can influence air frying cook times, such as the strength of the air fryer, temperature settings, basket size and fullness, and the size of the eggs. It is important to experiment with different cook times to find the ideal setting for your desired level of doneness. Start by cooking one or two eggs at a time until you get a handle on the ideal timing for your air fryer.
• Don't Overfill the Air Fryer: Leave a little space between each egg in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, which is necessary for even cooking.
• Use a Grill or Mesh Rack: If your air fryer doesn't have a basket, you can use a grill rack or mesh rack to ensure proper air circulation.

By following these tips, you can prevent overcooking your hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer and achieve your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions