Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs: A Quick Breakfast Hack

Yes, you can soft boil an egg in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy method that doesn't require any water. The air fryer cooks eggs evenly and makes them incredibly easy to peel. The dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as the eggs cook.

To soft boil an egg in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 250 and 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for 9-11 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks. Finally, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

How long to soft boil an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can soft-boil eggs in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to somewhere between 250°F and 275°F (120°C and 135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300°F (148°C), set it to that temperature instead.

Next, place your eggs into the air fryer basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg. It's normal for them to roll a bit, but leaving space allows the air to circulate properly.

Now, it's time to cook your eggs! For soft-boiled eggs, cook them for 9-11 minutes. If you set your air fryer to 300°F (148°C), subtract about 1-2 minutes from the cooking time.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water.

Once the eggs are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them in the ice bath for 3-5 minutes. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Finally, gently crack and peel the eggs, starting from the bottom/fattest part where the air bubble usually forms. Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs as they are, or season them with salt and pepper.

It's important to note that 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 experiment a little to find the ideal cooking time for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, if you notice a green ring around the yolk, it means the eggs were cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, but they are still safe to eat.

Air fryer temperature for soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can soft-boil eggs in an air fryer!

To soft-boil eggs in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, somewhere between 250°F and 275°F. This mimics a simmering pot of water, which is what you'd usually boil eggs in.

Once preheated, add your eggs to the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring there is space between each egg to allow the air to circulate. Then, place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for 9-10 minutes for soft-boiled eggs.

After cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will ensure you have full control over the doneness of your eggs. Once they are cool, crack the shells and peel.

How to peel soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious treat, but they can be tricky to peel without destroying the egg. Here is a detailed and direct guide on how to peel soft-boiled eggs with minimal fuss.

Firstly, it is important to prepare an ice bath for your eggs. Fill a bowl with ice and cold water, which will be used to stop the eggs from cooking further once they are removed from the air fryer.

Now, you can begin the process of peeling. There are a few different methods to try, depending on how compliant your egg is being.

Method 1: Crack and Peel

If the eggshell is practically falling off, this method will work well. Use the back of a spoon to gently tap and crack the shell all over, being careful not to crush the egg and cause the runny yolk to spill out. You can also roll the egg against a kitchen counter or knock it against the side of a saucepan to create cracks. Once the shell is cracked, gently peel it away from the egg white. If there is an air bubble, start peeling from there as there should be a gap between the egg white and the shell.

Method 2: Open with a Spoon

If the shell begins to lift off but chunks of egg white are sticking to it, this method will give you more control. Use a small teaspoon to gently pry the shell off, starting from the larger, rounder end of the egg where there is usually an air pocket. Dig your spoon into any gaps and use it to leverage and separate the shell from the egg white.

Method 3: Cut and Scoop

If the egg is being particularly stubborn, you may need to resort to this method. Tap the centre of the egg with a spoon to crack the shell, then cut the egg in half with a knife. Use a spoon to scoop out the halves, being careful not to get any eggshell in your food.

Once you have successfully peeled your soft-boiled egg, you are ready to eat it! Try serving it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with toast, salsa, breakfast meat, or a steaming bowl of ramen. Enjoy!

Soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer vs on the stove

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious breakfast option, but achieving the perfect soft-boiled egg can be tricky. The air fryer vs stove debate centres around convenience, taste, and texture.

Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs

Air fryer soft-boiled eggs are convenient and easy to make. You can make them in just a few simple steps: preheat the air fryer, add the eggs, air fry for 9-10 minutes, and then transfer to an ice bath.

The air fryer method is mess-free and requires no water, making it a quick and convenient option. It also produces eggs that are easy to peel. However, it is important to note that air fryer models vary, so you may need to experiment with cooking times and temperatures to get your desired result.

Stove Soft-Boiled Eggs

Soft-boiled eggs on the stove are prepared in a more traditional way. To make them, you bring a pot of water to a boil, carefully lower the eggs into the water, and cook them for your desired amount of time.

This method requires more active time as you need to watch the pot to ensure the water doesn't boil over and the eggs don't overcook. Additionally, stove-boiled eggs can be more challenging to peel.

Both methods have their pros and cons, but if you're looking for convenience and ease of peeling, the air fryer may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach and don't mind the extra mess and effort, the stove-top method might be your preferred choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific results you're looking for.

What to serve with soft-boiled air fryer eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a great breakfast option and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with soft-boiled air fryer eggs:

• On Toast: Spread some avocado, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or butter on a slice of toast and top it with a soft-boiled egg. You can also add some garlic bread toast or an air-fried hash brown patty on the side.
• In a Breakfast Taco: Fill a taco with a soft-boiled egg, salsa, breakfast meat, cheese, fresh cilantro, and red onion.
• With a Salad: Add some protein and flavour to your salad by including a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk can also act as an extra dressing. Try it with a Cobb Salad or a grain bowl with rice or quinoa, sweet potatoes, and roasted veggies.
• In an Egg Salad: Mash up a soft-boiled egg and mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and any other desired ingredients for a creamy and delicious egg salad sandwich.
• On its Own: Sprinkle some sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, or hot sauce like Frank's Red Hot, Sriracha, or Tabasco on a soft-boiled egg for a simple and tasty snack.

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