Hard-Boiled Eggs: Air Fryer Cooking Perfection

Cooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free method that delivers perfect eggs every time. It is a hands-off approach that does not require water, and the eggs are incredibly easy to peel. The cooking time depends on the level of doneness desired, ranging from 10 minutes for soft-boiled to 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. The air fryer should be preheated to around 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit, and the eggs are then placed in the basket to cook. This method is ideal for meal prepping, as the eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking hard-boiled eggs. While some sources claim that preheating is not necessary, preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature will ensure that your eggs are cooked evenly and efficiently.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking hard-boiled eggs is between 250°F to 275°F (120°C to 135°C). If your air fryer does not go below 300°F (148°C), you can set it to that temperature instead. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. Five minutes should be sufficient for most air fryers. This preheating time ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature and maintains a consistent cooking environment for your eggs.

It is worth noting that different air fryers may have specific preheating instructions or recommendations, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for any model-specific guidelines. Additionally, it is recommended to test cooking one egg first to determine the exact cooking time that works best for your air fryer and your personal preference.

After preheating, you can proceed to the next step of placing the eggs in the air fryer basket and setting the timer for your desired level of doneness. Remember to leave a little space between each egg to ensure even cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The first step to cooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer. Some sources suggest preheating to 250° F (120° C), while others recommend 270° F to 275° F (132-135° C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300° F (148° C), you can set it to that temperature.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 8 to 11 minutes. If you prefer your soft-boiled eggs on the firmer side, you can cook them for 12 minutes. Medium-boiled eggs should be cooked for 12 to 14 minutes, and well-done hard-boiled eggs will require 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and your personal preference for egg doneness. It might take some experimentation to find the perfect cooking time for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, if your air fryer is set to a higher temperature of 300° F (148° C), you should reduce the cooking time by about 1 to 2 minutes for each level of doneness.

After cooking, transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 2 to 10 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step also makes the eggs easier to peel. Once they are cool, gently crack and peel the eggs, starting from the larger end, which has an air pocket that facilitates easier peeling.

How to peel the eggs

Cooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy method, and the eggs peel very easily. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel the eggs:

Step 1: Prepare an ice bath

While your eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with ice water. This will be used to cool down the eggs after cooking, which will make them easier to peel.

Step 2: Remove the eggs from the air fryer

Once the eggs are done cooking, use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and place them in the prepared ice bath. Let them sit in the ice bath for 2 to 5 minutes, or until they are cool to the touch but not ice cold.

Step 3: Crack the eggshells

Take the eggs out of the ice bath and gently crack the eggshells. You can do this by tapping the egg lightly on a hard surface, such as a countertop. Then, roll the egg between your hands or on the hard surface to create cracks along all sides of the shell. For soft-boiled eggs, be very gentle as they are more delicate.

Step 4: Start peeling

Begin peeling the eggs from the larger end, where there is a small air pocket. This will help to separate the membrane and egg white, making it easier to peel the shell off.

Step 5: Rinse under cold water

If there are any small pieces of shell still stuck to the egg, hold the egg under cold running water and gently peel them away.

Storage

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in their shells in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you have already peeled the eggs, store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily. Alternatively, you can store them in a sealed container without water, covered with damp paper towels.

Storing the eggs

Storing your hard-boiled eggs correctly is essential to keeping them fresh and edible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Storing Unpeeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

Firstly, it is important to let your hard-boiled eggs cool down before storing them. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. Once cooled, dry them thoroughly with paper towels. It is important to keep moisture to a minimum. Then, place the unpeeled eggs in a sealed container or a resealable bag. Keeping them sealed helps prevent any odours from the fridge and harmful microorganisms from spoiling your eggs. Hard-boiled eggs with the shells on will stay good in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing, you can place them in a bowl of cold water, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days. Make sure to change the water daily to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can store peeled eggs in an airtight container or bag. Place a damp paper towel inside the container to prevent the eggs from drying out. The shelf life of peeled hard-boiled eggs is shorter, lasting up to three days in the fridge.

Signs of Spoilage:

Whether your hard-boiled eggs are cooked at home or bought from the store, always inspect them for any signs of spoilage. According to food safety experts, if your eggs develop a slimy or chalky texture, or if they emit an unpleasant odour, they should be discarded immediately.

Recipes using hard-boiled eggs

You can indeed cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. This is a fast and hands-off approach for cooking eggs, as you don't need to wait for water to boil and the eggs peel easily. Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C) and cook the eggs for 12 minutes for soft-boiled, 14 minutes for medium, or 16 minutes for a well-done yolk. Once cooked, plunge the eggs into an ice bath to cool them down.

• Egg Salad Sandwiches: Add avocado instead of mayonnaise to bind the salad together for a healthier option. You can also add cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein.
• Salads: Hard-boiled eggs are a great way to add protein to a salad. Try a classic Cobb salad, Nicoise salad, or a simple garden salad with avocado and/or hummus.
• Curries: Substitute hard-boiled eggs for chicken in a curry, or add them to a leftover curry for extra protein.
• Sandwiches: Try diced tomatoes, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs on toasted sourdough with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Alternatively, swap the tomatoes for smoked salmon and add everything bagel seasoning.
• Quesadillas: Get creative and use your hard-boiled eggs in a quesadilla.
• Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are super low in carbs and will stay good in the fridge for several days.
• Eggs Bechamel: Make a bechamel sauce, add in chopped hard-boiled eggs, and serve on toast with a sprinkle of paprika.

Frequently asked questions