Making Scotch Eggs In An Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish that can be enjoyed at picnics, pubs, parties, or as a snack. They are typically made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat and a layer of breadcrumbs before deep-frying. However, you can also make scotch eggs in an air fryer, which gives them a crispy crust without the grease from deep-frying.

How long to cook Scotch eggs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make Scotch eggs in an air fryer!

To make Scotch eggs in an air fryer, you'll first want to cook your eggs to your desired doneness. Some recipes suggest boiling them, while others recommend steaming or air frying them. If you choose to boil or steam them, you can then place them in ice-cold water to cool them down before peeling.

Next, you'll form your sausage mixture and shape it around your eggs. Many recipes suggest flattening your sausage into thin patties before placing the egg in the center and wrapping the sausage around it. You can also try using plastic wrap to help encase the egg in sausage.

After that, you'll coat your eggs in a breading or batter. This usually involves dipping them in flour, then a beaten egg mixture, and finally in breadcrumbs. Some recipes also suggest seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or sesame seeds.

Once your eggs are coated, you can place them in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking the Scotch eggs for around 12-25 minutes at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Be sure to turn them over about halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Your Scotch eggs are ready when the sausage layer is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage, which should be 160°F for pork.

How to make a runny yolk Scotch egg in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of pork sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• Panko or traditional breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil mister

Method:

• Boil the eggs: Place 6 eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes for a runny yolk. For a firmer yolk, simmer for up to 9 minutes.
• Prepare an ice bath: While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. After the allotted time, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the boiling water and immediately submerge them in the ice bath for 10 minutes.
• Peel and dry the eggs: Once the eggs are cooled, gently peel them and use a paper towel to pat them dry. Set aside.
• Prepare the sausage: Divide the sausage into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place in the refrigerator.
• Cover the eggs with sausage: Take a cold sausage ball and place it in the center of an 8x8 parchment square. Gently pat the meat down to form an oval shape, roughly ¼-inch thick. Place the parchment square in your palm and lay a cold, dry, soft-boiled egg on top of the sausage oval, with the ends of the egg perpendicular to the long sides of the oval. Gently pull the sausage away from the parchment as you wrap it around the egg, continuing until the egg is covered.
• Seal the sausage: Remove any thick sausage points that form at each end as the oval is sealed. Check the egg for areas where the sausage may be too thin or too thick, and even it out using the excess sausage from the ends. Gently pass the egg from one hand to the other, allowing the warmth of your palms to smooth the surface.
• Bread the eggs: Set out three small bowls. Bowl 1: Combine flour and garlic powder. Bowl 2: Beat two eggs. Bowl 3: Place the breadcrumbs. Roll each sausage-covered egg in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs.
• Air fry the eggs: Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F for 5-10 minutes. Spray the breaded eggs with cooking spray or olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one for air to circulate. Air fry for 12-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
• Serve: Allow the Scotch eggs to stand for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• For soft-boiled eggs, remember to handle them gently as the yolk will be too soft to offer resistance when peeling or applying the sausage casing.
• Slightly wet your hands before forming the sausage balls to prevent the meat from sticking.
• Older eggs are easier to peel than fresh eggs.
• If the sausage is too sticky, wet your hands with cold water before handling it.
• For a low-carb option, substitute pork rinds or parmesan cheese for the breadcrumbs.
• To reheat, set the air fryer to 340°F and cook for 4-5 minutes.

How to store and reheat Scotch eggs

Storing Scotch Eggs

Scotch eggs can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. To store them, let the Scotch eggs cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, keeping the breading crispy. Always allow the Scotch eggs to cool before sealing the container to prevent condensation from building up and making the Scotch eggs soggy.

Reheating Scotch Eggs in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the Scotch eggs on a baking tray or wire rack. Heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size. If the Scotch eggs are large and hard-boiled, consider cutting them in half to ensure they heat through.

Reheating Scotch Eggs in the Microwave

Slice the Scotch eggs in half or into quarters to prevent them from exploding. Place them on a paper-towel-lined microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15 seconds. Continue heating in 10-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature. This method is not suitable for runny Scotch eggs.

Reheating Scotch Eggs in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Coat the Scotch eggs with a light spray of oil, if desired, and place them in the basket with a small gap between each one. Heat the eggs for 4-5 minutes, or until done. If the Scotch eggs are large, cut them in half before heating to ensure even heating.

Reheating Scotch Eggs by Re-frying

Heat oil in a pan or deep-fat fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the Scotch eggs in the oil for 30-60 seconds, rolling them over to heat evenly. Remove the eggs from the oil and let them rest on a paper towel or wire rack for 60 seconds before serving.

What sauces go with Scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a British dish that can be served with a variety of sauces. The traditional sauce to accompany Scotch eggs is a mustard sauce, such as Dijon mustard, or a spicy honey mustard. You can also make a creamy mustard sauce by cooking butter, half-and-half, and Dijon mustard on the stove.

Other sauces that go well with Scotch eggs include hot sauce, ranch dressing, and ketchup. If you're looking for something more tangy, a mango chutney dipping sauce can be a great option. You can also make your own sauce by combining Greek yogurt, mango chutney, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, curry powder, and cayenne pepper.

The history of the Scotch egg

Yes, you can make Scotch eggs in an air fryer. Here is a recipe:

The Scotch egg is a British classic that has been around for centuries, with various origin stories. One claim suggests that the Scotch egg was invented in 1738 by the London department store Fortnum & Mason of Piccadilly. However, the first printed recipe for a dish resembling Scotch eggs appeared in 1809 in an edition of Maria Rundell's "A New System of Domestic Cookery". Interestingly, Rundell's recipe did not include a breadcrumb layer, which became an option in 1861 when suggested by Isabella Beeton.

Some believe that the dish may have been influenced by the Indian Mughlai dish "nargisi kofta" ("Narcissus meatballs"), where a boiled egg is encased in seasoned ground meat and then fried. This theory was proposed by food historian Annette Hope in 1987. Another theory suggests that they were originally called "scorch" eggs, as they were cooked over an open flame, though surviving recipes indicate they were deep-fried in lard.

The name "Scotch egg" is also thought to have originated from "Scotties," which were allegedly sold at an eatery called William J. Scott & Sons near the seafront. Over time, the term "Scotch eggs" was adopted.

The Scotch egg has evolved over the years, and its appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. It has become a popular snack, often enjoyed in pubs or at picnics, and has even achieved the status of a "British Snacking Icon".

Now, onto the recipe for making Scotch eggs in an air fryer:

Air Fryer Scotch Eggs

Air fryer Scotch eggs are a convenient and delicious way to make this classic dish without the mess and added fat of deep-frying. They are easy to prepare and make a perfect breakfast, brunch, or snack. Here's a simple recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

• Eggs (for boiling)
• Pork sausage meat
• Breadcrumbs (traditional, panko, or Italian)
• Flour
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by hard-boiling or soft-boiling your eggs to your desired level of doneness. You can use an air fryer or any other preferred method for boiling the eggs. Once done, peel the eggs and set them aside.
• Divide the raw sausage meat into evenly sized portions, aiming for one portion per egg. Flatten each portion into a thin patty or disc.
• Place a boiled egg in the center of each sausage patty and carefully wrap the meat around the egg, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat this step until all the eggs are wrapped.
• Set up three shallow dishes: one with whisked eggs, another with flour, and the last with breadcrumbs.
• Dip each sausage-wrapped egg first into the flour, then into the whisked egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating each time.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the coated eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the Scotch eggs for 12-18 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until the sausage layer is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown.
• Serve your air fryer Scotch eggs with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.

Enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and delicious air fryer Scotch eggs!

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