Air Fryer Egg Cooking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to stovetop cooking, and they can be used to cook eggs in a variety of ways. From hard-boiled to soft-boiled, fried, poached, scrambled, and more, air fryers offer an easy and mess-free way to prepare eggs with minimal cleanup. The cooking time varies depending on the style of the egg, the size and temperature of the egg, and the model of the air fryer. This method of cooking eggs is also healthier, as it requires less oil, resulting in a reduction of fat and calories.

Air fryer fried eggs

Yes, you can cook fried eggs in an air fryer! It's a fast and easy alternative to stovetop cooking, and you'll have crispy fried eggs with creamy yolks in minutes with minimal cleanup. Air-fried eggs are also healthier, as they use a fraction of the oil required for stovetop frying.

How to Cook Air Fryer Fried Eggs:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. You can use any oven-safe, non-stick bakeware for air fryer fried eggs, as long as it fits inside the basket. A shallow, oven-friendly (heat-proof) bake tray/pan is recommended to allow hot air to circulate efficiently. A mini cast-iron pan or a non-stick, round cake pan can also be used. If you use ceramic bakeware, grease it with ghee butter. For non-stick pans, use an avocado oil spray or olive oil.

Next, crack your egg(s) into a small cup and slide the egg(s) onto the hot pan. For a 6-quart air fryer, you can cook up to 2 large fried eggs in the same tray or pan at once. If using ramekins, you can cook as many as fit in your unit (typically 2-4). If you are cooking more than one egg, leave some space between each egg to allow the air to circulate properly.

Now, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over-easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with a medium yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time. For over-easy eggs, cook as directed and then flip with a spatula and cook for an additional minute. For a runny yolk and cooked whites, cook at 360°F or 180°C for about 4 minutes.

Finally, use a spatula to remove the egg from the pan. Season the egg to taste, and serve.

Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and temperature of the egg, the model of the air fryer, and other factors. Start with one egg to test your air fryer's time and temperature before making a larger batch.
• For crispy egg whites, use a hot pan.
• To ensure your egg cooks evenly, turn the tin or dish around halfway through cooking.
• To quickly stop the cooking process, place the cooked eggs in an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water).

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs

To make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Some recipes suggest preheating to a higher temperature of 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. However, this may depend on the model of your air fryer and your desired outcome.

Once preheated, place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow proper air circulation. Set the timer according to your preferred yolk consistency: 12 minutes for soft-boiled, 14 minutes for medium, and 16 minutes for a well-done yolk.

After cooking, carefully remove the eggs from the air fryer basket using tongs and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step ensures you have control over the doneness of your eggs. Submerge the eggs in the ice bath for 8 to 10 minutes until fully cooled.

Finally, when the eggs are cool, remove them from the ice bath, crack the shells, and peel them. Start peeling from the bottom, the fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

Hard-boiled eggs made in the air fryer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be kept unpeeled in any container or peeled and stored in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily. Alternatively, cover the peeled eggs with damp paper towels and store them in a sealed container.

Air fryer soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer, including soft-boiled eggs.

Soft-boiled eggs are a bit tricky to master, as cooking the eggs for a minute or two longer or shorter can significantly affect the results. However, with a bit of practice and experimentation, you can make perfect soft-boiled eggs in your air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water. The ideal temperature range is between 270°F and 275°F (132-135°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature for 3-5 minutes.

Next, add your eggs to the air fryer basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg to allow proper air circulation. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for 9-11 minutes for soft-boiled eggs.

Once the eggs are done, immediately submerge them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Leave them in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes or until they are cool but not yet chilled. Then, carefully crack and peel the eggs, starting at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble forms.

Finally, cut the eggs in half and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs as a snack or use them as toppings for soups or salads.

Tips for Success:

• Every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with temperature and timing to find what works best for your specific model.
• The cooking time can vary depending on the size and temperature of the eggs, so try to use room-temperature eggs for more consistent results.
• Use a shallow, oven-friendly (heat-proof) bake tray or pan to allow hot air to circulate efficiently.
• For crispy egg whites, preheat your pan before adding the eggs.

Air fryer poached eggs

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer oven! There are several methods to do so, including frying, boiling, and poaching. This response will focus on air fryer poached eggs.

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Lightly oil the ramekins or custard cups with cooking spray, olive oil, or butter. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from sticking to the cups or ramekins.
• Add water to the ramekins or custard cups. Some recipes suggest using hot water, while others use room temperature water.
• Carefully crack an egg into each ramekin or custard cup. You can add your favourite herbs and spices to the raw egg and water mixture for extra flavour.
• Place the ramekins or custard cups into the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (177°C) or 360°F and cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired yolk consistency. Smaller eggs will likely require less cooking time.
• Carefully remove the poached eggs from the ramekins or custard cups and drain the water.
• Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the eggs, and the starting temperature of the eggs. It is recommended to monitor the cooking process and adjust as needed. Additionally, while silicone moulds can be used, glass or ceramic ramekins are preferred as they conduct heat better.

Air fryer frittata

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer oven. In fact, there are several ways to cook eggs in an air fryer, including hard-boiled, soft-boiled, fried, poached, and as a frittata.

An air fryer frittata is a quick, easy, healthy, and high-protein breakfast option. It is also low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free. You can use any model of air fryer and customise the ingredients to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• Cheese (cheddar, Mexican, feta, or cottage cheese)
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or dill) or dried herbs
• Red onion or spring onion
• Salt and pepper
• Any combination of vegetables (e.g. spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, green onion, mushrooms)
• Meat (e.g. chicken sausage, turkey, bacon)

Steps:

• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• Crack the eggs directly on top of the parchment paper.
• Add all your desired toppings and seasoning.
• Air fry for about 15 minutes at 350°F (180°C), or until the centre is set and starting to brown.
• Enjoy immediately, or serve cold.

Tips:

• You can also make the frittata in an oven-safe pan that fits inside the air fryer basket.
• You can reheat any leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• Tightly wrap any leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions