Air Fryer Egg Boiling: Is It Possible?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free alternative to boiling them in water on a stove. It is also a great way to free up space on the stove when cooking a feast. You can make soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer by adjusting the temperature and cooking time.

How long to cook an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the type of eggs you want to make and the model of the air fryer.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-10 minutes at 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300° F (148°C), subtract 1-2 minutes from the cooking time.

For jammy eggs, cook for 12-13 minutes.

For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-15 minutes.

For sunny side up or over-easy eggs, cook for 3 minutes at 350°F (177°C). If you prefer a medium egg yolk, add 1 minute to the cooking time, and for a firm egg yolk, add 2 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and temperature of the eggs, as well as the strength and temperature settings of your air fryer. It is recommended to experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal doneness for your eggs.

How to peel an air-fried egg

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel an air-fried egg:

• Remove the eggs from the air fryer and set them immediately into an ice bath. An ice bath is a bowl filled with ice and cold water. This stops the eggs from cooking further and makes them easier to peel.
• When the eggs are cool but not yet chilled, crack the shells and peel. Start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms.
• Gently crack the egg shells, rolling them a bit along a hard surface to make cracks all over.
• If you are having trouble peeling the eggs, try using older eggs. Eggs that are at least a week old have more air inside, creating more space between the egg white and the shell.
• You can also try plunging the egg into ice water. The cold water will help to separate the shell from the egg.
• Another tip is to try rolling the egg on the counter, gently pressing on it to create cracks all over.

Remember, air-fried eggs are best peeled when they are still warm, so don't let them get too cold before attempting to peel them!

How to store air-fried eggs

Air-fried eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, the storage method differs depending on whether the eggs are peeled or unpeeled.

Storing Unpeeled Air-Fried Eggs

Unpeeled eggs should be stored in an airtight, hard-sided container, such as a resealable storage bag or a container. It is best to avoid using paper towels to prevent moisture loss, as the eggshells help to maintain moisture levels.

Storing Peeled Air-Fried Eggs

On the other hand, peeled eggs should be stored in a container with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. They can also be stored in a bowl of cold water, ensuring the water is changed daily.

Additional Tips

It is recommended to place the eggs in an ice bath or cold water immediately after cooking to expedite the cooling process. Hard-boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.

It is not advisable to freeze whole hard-boiled eggs, as the whites can become tough and rubbery upon defrosting. However, the cooked egg yolks can be frozen for up to three months.

How to soft-boil an egg in an air fryer

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

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a low temperature of around 250°F-275°F (120°C-135°C) to mimic a simmering pot of water. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F (148°C), you can still make soft-boiled eggs, but you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook anywhere from 4 to 12 eggs at once.

Step 3: Air Fry the Eggs

Close the air fryer and cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the ideal cooking time.

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 step is crucial to stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath and let them cool for about 3-5 minutes. They should be cool but not completely chilled for easier peeling.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

Gently crack the egg shells and carefully peel them. You can start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms. Cut the eggs in half, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Play around with the cooking time to achieve your desired level of doneness.
• Use an ice water bath to prevent overcooking and make peeling easier.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a basket, you can use a grill rack or mesh rack to place the eggs.
• For centered yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• Store peeled or unpeeled soft-boiled eggs in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Air fryer vs boiling water

Boiling eggs is a breakfast staple, but the traditional method of boiling water can be time-consuming and messy. Air fryers offer a quick, easy, and mess-free alternative for achieving the same result.

To "boil" eggs in an air fryer, simply preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, around 250-275°F, to mimic the simmering pot of water used in traditional boiling. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow for even cooking. The number of eggs you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer, but most recipes suggest you can cook up to 12 eggs at a time.

The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness, whether you prefer soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for around 9-10 minutes, while hard-boiled eggs will take closer to 14-15 minutes. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the strength and temperature settings of your air fryer, so you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your desired level of doneness.

Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in an ice bath, which is just a bowl filled with ice and cold water. This step helps to quickly stop the cooking process, ensuring your eggs are cooked exactly how you like them. After a few minutes in the ice bath, remove the eggs, crack the shells, and peel.

Using an air fryer to "boil" eggs offers several advantages over traditional boiling. Firstly, air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel, which can be a common frustration with boiled eggs. Secondly, air frying cooks the eggs evenly and without any mess, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Finally, there's no need to wait for water to boil, saving you time in the kitchen.

So, the next time you're looking to make boiled eggs, consider giving your air fryer a try. It's a quick, easy, and convenient way to enjoy perfectly cooked eggs every time.

Frequently asked questions