Air Fryer Egg Cooking: Whole Eggs, Perfectly Fried

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including eggs. You can cook hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or jammy eggs in an air fryer, and the process is simple and easy to do. This article will provide an introduction to using an air fryer to cook whole eggs, including the steps involved and some tips for getting the best results.

Can you put cold eggs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put cold eggs in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried eggs are a great option if you're looking for an easy, mess-free way to cook eggs with minimal cleanup. You can make fried, scrambled, poached, and boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make air-fried boiled eggs:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to a low setting, somewhere between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 135°C), to mimic a simmering pot of water. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs into the air fryer basket or rack, leaving some space between each egg to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook up to 12 eggs at once.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Close the air fryer and cook the eggs for the desired amount of time, depending on the consistency you want:

• Soft-boiled eggs: 9-11 minutes
• Jammy eggs: 11-13 minutes
• Hard-boiled eggs: 14-15 minutes

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with ice and cold water to create an ice bath. This will be used to stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

Once the eggs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them directly into the ice bath. Let them cool for about 4-5 minutes until they are cool but not completely chilled.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

Take the eggs out of the ice bath, crack the shells, and peel them. Start peeling from the bottom, where the air bubble usually forms. Your air-fried eggs are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• Experiment with cook times: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer's strength, temperature settings, basket size, and the size of the eggs. You may need to adjust the timing based on your specific air fryer.
• Center the yolks: To get centered yolks, place your carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• Don't freeze boiled eggs: While it's possible to freeze boiled eggs, they tend to become mushy and watery when defrosted. It's best to cook a fresh batch instead.

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

Yes, you can cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. It is a fast, hands-off approach for cooking eggs with no need for water. The cooking time depends on the number of eggs you are cooking, the strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, and the size and fullness of your basket.

For soft-boiled eggs, it is recommended to cook them for 9-10 minutes, while hard-boiled eggs will need 14-17 minutes. It is important to note that there is a learning curve to air frying eggs, and you may need to experiment with different times to find the ideal cook time for your desired level of doneness.

After cooking, it is recommended to place the eggs in an ice bath or run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.

What temperature should an air fryer be to cook eggs?

Yes, you can put a whole egg in an air fryer! It is a fast and easy alternative to stovetop cooking. You can make fried eggs, soft-boiled eggs, jammy eggs, and hard-boiled eggs.

The temperature and time differ depending on the type of egg you want to make. Here is a general guide for the temperature and time for cooking eggs in an air fryer:

Fried Egg

Preheat the air fryer at 400°F (204 °C) for 5 minutes. Air fry the egg at 350°F (177°C).

• Runny yolk: 3 minutes
• Medium egg yolk: 4 minutes
• Firm egg yolk: 5 minutes

Soft-boiled Egg

Preheat the air fryer to 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300° F, set it to this temperature.

• Soft-boiled eggs: 9-11 minutes
• Jammy eggs: 12-13 minutes

Hard-boiled Egg

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C).

Hard-boiled eggs: 14-17 minutes

Please note that the cooking time may vary depending on the strength and temperature settings of your air fryer, as well as the size and number of eggs you are cooking. It is recommended to experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal setting for your air fryer.

How do you prevent eggs from cracking in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook whole eggs in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent eggs from cracking while air frying:

Pre-Cooking Tips

Before you start cooking, there are a few things you can do to prevent your eggs from cracking:

• Pierce a small hole at the wide end of each egg using a thumbtack or a pin. This will prevent the eggs from cracking during the cooking process.
• Opt for eggs that are a few days old. Fresh eggs are notoriously hard to peel and older eggs tend to have a lower pH level, which can make the whites less sticky.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This will allow for proper heat circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can typically fit 4 to 6 eggs at a time.
• Don't stack the eggs on top of each other. This may result in uneven cooking and could lead to some eggs being overcooked while others may be undercooked.

Cooking Tips

During the cooking process, keep the following in mind:

• Preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your eggs cook evenly and avoid sticking.
• Experiment with cooking times. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time to get your desired level of doneness.
• Use an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once the cooking time is up, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to prevent overcooking and make them easier to peel.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your eggs from cracking while air frying and enjoy perfectly cooked eggs every time!

How do you store air-fried hard-boiled eggs?

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and hands-off approach to cooking eggs. They are easy to make and can be stored for later. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store air-fried hard-boiled eggs:

• Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Alternatively, you can run cold water from the tap.
• After cooking the eggs in the air fryer, immediately place them in the ice bath for 4-5 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
• Gently crack and peel the eggshells. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.
• Once peeled, do not cut the eggs. Leave them whole until you are ready to eat them.
• Place the peeled hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container or bag. Make sure they are covered and refrigerated.
• Stored this way, the eggs will last for up to 7 days in the refrigerator, according to the USDA.

You can also store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in any container, sealed or unsealed, in the refrigerator for up to a week.

It is not recommended to freeze boiled eggs as the whites tend to become mushy and watery, while the yolks can turn mealy. However, you can freeze the cooked egg yolks separately by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions