Braising Eggs In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and versatility. They can cook a wide range of dishes, from roasting vegetables to baking desserts. But can you braise eggs in an air fryer? Braising is a cooking technique that involves slow-cooking food in a liquid at a low temperature to develop a flavorful crust and tenderise the food. While air fryers are great for quick and high-heat cooking, achieving a crispy texture on foods, they are not designed for braising. This is because braising requires a slow cooking process at a lower temperature, which air fryers cannot achieve.

How to make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer

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

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a low temperature, somewhere between 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to 300° F (148°C).

Next, add your eggs to the air fryer basket or rack. Make sure to leave some space between each egg to allow the air to circulate properly. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. If you want them a little more well done, you can cook them for up to 15 minutes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the eggs, and other factors. So, you might need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your eggs.

Once the eggs are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Fill a bowl with ice and cold water, and submerge the eggs for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not chilled.

Finally, when the eggs are cool, remove them from the ice bath, crack the shells, and peel them. Start peeling from the bottom, where the air bubble usually forms, and be gentle and patient as soft-boiled eggs are more fragile than hard-boiled ones.

And that's it! You now have perfectly soft-boiled eggs cooked in your air fryer. You can sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or use them in other recipes like egg salad or breakfast tacos. Enjoy!

How to make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer

Making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is a fast and hands-off approach. It is a quick and easy method, and the eggs are easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F. You can skip this preheating step and just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if you prefer.

Next, place your eggs into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Close the air fryer. You can cook up to 12 eggs at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Now, you need to decide on your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-15 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-17 minutes. Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to experiment a little to find the ideal time for your appliance.

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and place them immediately into an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel. An ice bath is simply a bowl filled with ice and cold water. Alternatively, you can run the eggs under cold water for a minute.

Finally, when the eggs are cool but not yet chilled, crack and peel the shells. Start peeling at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as this is usually where the air bubble forms.

Your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to eat!

How to make fried eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, refrigerated
• A shallow, non-stick tray or a small low-setting bake pan
• Salt and ground black pepper (optional)
• A touch of coconut aminos or soy sauce with garlic chilli sauce or Thai dipping sauce (optional)

Method:

• Spray the pan with oil, place it in the fryer basket, and preheat it for 5 minutes.
• Crack the egg into a small cup or bowl and carefully pour it onto the hot pan or tray.
• Air fry for 3 minutes for a sunny side up or over-easy egg. If you prefer a medium egg yolk, add 1 minute to the cooking time. For a firm egg yolk, add another 2 minutes.
• If you want to make your egg over-easy, carefully flip it with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.
• Season with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning, to taste.

Tips:

• You can use olive oil or butter to grease the pan.
• Smaller and room-temperature eggs will have a shorter cooking time.
• Use a shallow, oven-friendly (heat-proof) bake tray/pan to allow the hot air to circulate efficiently.
• A mini cast-iron pan is also great for frying eggs.
• If you're using a ramekin, increase the total cook time by 1-2 minutes.
• In a 6-quart air fryer, you can make up to 2 large fried eggs in the same tray or pan at once.
• If you're using ramekins, you can make as many as fit in your unit (typically 2-4).
• Always keep a close eye on your food whenever you try new air fryer recipes.

How to make scrambled eggs in an air fryer

Making scrambled eggs in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to prepare a healthy breakfast with minimal cleanup. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious scrambled eggs using your air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Eggs (2 large eggs per serving)
• Butter or cooking spray
• Milk (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Vegetables or meat of your choice (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe pan or ramekin dish
• Small cup or bowl
• Fork or spatula

Instructions:

• Prepare your air fryer by preheating it to around 300-350°F (148-177°C). You can place butter in the pan and cook it until melted to combine preheating and melting butter into one step.
• In a separate cup or bowl, beat or whisk your eggs. You can add milk to create a creamier consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• If using butter, grease the air fryer-safe pan or ramekin dish and place it in the air fryer basket. If using cooking spray, lightly spray the dish before adding the eggs.
• Pour the beaten egg mixture into the dish. You can also add shredded cheese or any vegetables or meat of your choice at this point.
• Cook the eggs for about 3-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time.
• Open the air fryer and use a fork or spatula to scramble the eggs. Close the drawer and continue cooking for another 2-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Remove the eggs from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Whisking the raw eggs for about a minute will make them lighter and fluffier.
• If you prefer a crispy fried egg, use a shallow pan to allow hot air to circulate efficiently.
• Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces to prevent scratching or peeling.
• Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to find your favorite combinations.

How to make poached eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons hot water
• 2 fresh eggs (or as many as you want to poach)
• 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups

Method:

• Spray each ramekin or custard cup with non-stick cooking spray and place them into the basket of the air fryer.
• Add 3 tablespoons of water to each cup.
• Preheat the air fryer (with the cups of water in it) to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Carefully open the air fryer so that the water does not spill out of the cups. Crack one egg into each cup. The egg whites may begin to cook due to the hot water.
• Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how runny you want the yolk.
• Check the eggs when the cooking time is complete. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the hot water.
• Gently slide a small, pliable spatula around the edge of the egg and underneath it to release it from the cup.
• Use a spoon to gently lift the egg out of the cup and onto a plate or a piece of toast.

Tips:

• Fresh eggs are key for the best results.
• You can use a silicone egg cup instead of a glass custard cup, but the eggs may not cook the same way.
• Different brands of air fryers cook slightly differently, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• The size of the eggs and the temperature of the eggs (cold or room temperature) can also affect the cooking time.
• Poached eggs are best eaten as soon as they are prepared.

Frequently asked questions