Air Fryer Boiled Eggs: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance used to cook a variety of foods, and you may be wondering if it's possible to make boiled eggs in one. Well, the answer is yes! You can make hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or jammy eggs in an air fryer, and it's a quick, easy, and reliable method that produces perfectly cooked eggs every time. The dry heat of air frying also makes the eggs incredibly easy to peel. So, if you're looking for a new way to make boiled eggs, give your air fryer a try!

Air fryer temperature and time settings for soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water. Preheat your air fryer to between 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower in temperature than 300° F, set it to 300° F (148°C).

Step 2: Prepare the eggs

Add 4 large eggs to the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. If you are cooking more than 4 eggs, do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each egg so that air can circulate properly.

Step 3: Cook the eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. If you prefer your yolks a little more set, go for the longer cooking time. If your air fryer is set to 300° F (148°C), subtract about 1-2 minutes from the cooking time.

Step 4: Prepare an ice bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and then adding cold water until the bowl is about three-quarters full.

Step 5: Cool the eggs

Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not cold. This will make them easier to peel.

Step 6: Peel the eggs

Gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a little along a hard surface to make cracks all around. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as this is usually where the air bubble forms. Peel carefully, taking your time so as not to damage the soft-boiled whites.

Step 7: Serve the eggs

Cut the eggs in half and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like everything bagel seasoning or red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Soft-boiled eggs are great on toast, in a breakfast taco, or as a topping for a salad or grain bowl.

Air fryer temperature and time settings for hard-boiled eggs

Yes, you can make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here are the temperature and time settings to follow:

First, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to a low setting to mimic a simmering pot of water, which is what you would use to boil eggs on a stovetop. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer, but 250°F (120°C) to 275°F (135°C) is a good range. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F (148°C), you can still make hard-boiled eggs, but you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

Next, place your eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Close the air fryer and cook for 13 to 17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the specifics of your air fryer, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the ideal time for your machine.

Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath or cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 4 to 10 minutes, then crack and peel the shells.

Your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to enjoy! You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, either peeled or unpeeled.

How to peel air-fried boiled eggs

Air-fried boiled eggs are incredibly easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel them:

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. The water level should be high enough to fully cover the eggs. This will help stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 2: Submerge the eggs in the ice bath

Place the cooked eggs in the ice bath and let them sit for about 4-8 minutes. This will cool the eggs and make them easier to handle.

Step 3: Crack the shells

Once the eggs are cool, gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a bit along a hard surface to create cracks all over. You can also start cracking at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

Step 4: Peel the eggs

After cracking the shells, simply peel away a portion of the shell and the rest should come off effortlessly. If you find that the eggs are still difficult to peel, try the following tips:

Tips for easy peeling:

• Use an ice bath: The cold water step is crucial, as it helps cool the eggs and makes peeling easier.
• Roll the egg: Gently roll the egg on a hard surface to create cracks all over, which will make peeling easier.
• Use older eggs: Eggs that are at least a week old tend to be easier to peel because they have more air inside.
• Avoid soft to medium eggs: These can be trickier to peel because the egg white is still soft, so be sure to let them cool completely before peeling.

How to store air-fried boiled eggs

Once your air-fried boiled eggs are cooked and cooled, it's time to store them properly to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store your air-fried boiled eggs:

• Cooling: After cooking your eggs in the air fryer, it's important to cool them down before storing them. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes to expedite the cooling process. This step is crucial, as placing hot eggs directly into the refrigerator can increase the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
• Peeling: You have the option to peel your eggs before or after storing them. If you choose to peel them before, it's recommended to consume the eggs within a day or two. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl, cover them with cold water, and store them in the refrigerator, replacing the water daily. If you decide to peel them after storing, you can keep the eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Storage Container: Use an airtight, hard-sided storage container to store your eggs. If you don't have one available, a resealable storage bag will also work. Ensure that the container or bag is dry to minimize moisture.
• Refrigeration: Place the unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf, where the temperature is most stable and consistent. According to food safety guidelines, hard-boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Shelf Life: Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week if they are unpeeled. Once peeled, their shelf life decreases to about two to three days.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze whole hard-boiled eggs, as the whites can become tough and rubbery upon defrosting. However, you can freeze just the cooked yolks by separating them from the whites and following standard freezing procedures.
• Spoilage: Keep in mind that spoiled hard-boiled eggs may exhibit a slimy or chalky texture on the shell and emit an unpleasant, rotten odour. Always inspect your eggs before consuming them to ensure they are safe to eat.

By following these steps, you can effectively store your air-fried boiled eggs, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to consume.

Air fryer boiled egg recipes

Making boiled eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and reliable way to cook eggs. You can make soft, jammy, or hard-boiled eggs in your air fryer. Here are some recipes and tips to help you get started.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, preheat your air fryer to 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300° F, set it to this temperature instead. Place four to twelve eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg. Close the air fryer and cook for 9-11 minutes.

Jammy Eggs

Follow the same instructions as for soft-boiled eggs, but cook for 12-13 minutes.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

For hard-boiled eggs, preheat your air fryer to 250° F (120° C) or 270° F. Place up to twelve eggs in the air fryer basket and cook for 14-16 minutes.

Tips

• It is not necessary to preheat your air fryer before cooking boiled eggs.
• For easy-to-peel eggs, transfer the eggs to an ice bath or cold water bath immediately after cooking.
• To centre the yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• To store your boiled eggs, peel them, but do not cut them until you're ready to eat. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Frequently asked questions