Air Fryer Egg Hack: Cracking The Code

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including eggs. You can use an air fryer to make fried eggs, boiled eggs, poached eggs, and even omelettes. The process is simple: crack an egg or two into a small dish or directly into the air fryer basket, season, and air fry for a few minutes. The result is a perfectly cooked egg with a creamy yolk and crispy edges.

One of the benefits of using an air fryer for eggs is the convenience and ease of cooking. You can make multiple eggs at once without the need to monitor boiling water or stand over a hot stove. Air fryers also provide consistent temperatures, ensuring even cooking and making it easier to achieve your desired level of doneness. Additionally, air-fried eggs tend to be easier to peel, especially if you follow specific steps like using older eggs or cracking and rolling them before peeling.

Another advantage of cooking eggs in an air fryer is the minimal cleanup required. The air fryer method generally leads to less mess compared to traditional stovetop cooking or boiling eggs in a pot. You can also experiment with different types of cookware, such as silicone cups, ramekins, or non-stick pans, to find the best results for your air fryer model.

Whether you prefer fried, boiled, or poached eggs, the air fryer is a convenient and effective way to cook them to perfection. With a few simple steps and a short cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast, snack, or meal.

How to get the perfect fried egg in an air fryer

Frying the perfect egg in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast without the hassle of using a stovetop. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect fried egg every time.

Ingredients and Tools:

You will need the following:

• A shallow, non-stick tray, a small low-setting bake pan, or a mini pie/cake pan.
• Cooking oil spray (avocado, olive, or canola oil) or butter.
• One large egg (or more, depending on the size of your air fryer).
• Salt and ground black pepper or coconut aminos/soy sauce for seasoning (optional).

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Spray the pan with oil or grease it with butter, ensuring it is well-coated to prevent sticking. Place the pan in the air fryer basket.
• Preheat the air fryer with the pan inside. Set the temperature to 370-400°F (187-204°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
• Carefully crack an egg into a small cup or bowl, then gently pour it onto the hot pan.
• Air fry for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired yolk consistency:

• 3 minutes for a runny yolk.
• 4 minutes for a medium yolk.
• 5 minutes for a firm yolk.

• If you prefer your egg over-easy, flip it with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.
• Once the egg is cooked to your liking, use a spatula to remove it from the pan carefully.
• Season with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning to taste.

Tips for Success:

• It is important to use a shallow, non-stick pan to allow for proper air circulation during cooking.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and temperature of the egg, as well as the model of your air fryer. Start with one egg and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For over-easy eggs, simply flip the egg and cook for an additional minute.
• To make scrambled eggs, whisk the egg before adding it to the pan and whisk again halfway through the cooking process.
• Always keep a close eye on your food when using the air fryer, as cooking times may vary.

Boiling eggs in an air fryer

To make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F. You can skip the preheating step and add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Set the timer anywhere between 13 and 17 minutes, depending on how well you like your eggs done.

If you prefer your eggs soft-boiled, set the temperature to 250°F and the timer for 8 to 10 minutes.

For best results, leave a little space between each egg in the air fryer basket and ensure that the air fryer is not overcrowded. This allows the air to circulate properly and cook the eggs evenly.

Once the eggs are cooked, immediately place them in an ice bath for about 4 to 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.

You can then season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy them as they are or use them in other recipes such as egg salads or potato salad.

Tips for easy peeling

Start with Older Eggs

Eggs that are a few weeks old will be easier to peel than fresh eggs. This is because the pH level of eggs increases as they age, which helps the egg whites to separate from the inner shell membrane.

Use the Right Cooking Technique

Instead of boiling eggs in a pot of water, try the air fryer method. Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. It's almost like they peel themselves. The dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as the eggs cook.

If you do opt for boiling, drop the eggs into already-boiling water instead of bringing them to a boil in the pot. This will make them easier to peel, and it also allows for more precise timing.

Use an Ice Bath

After cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water) to stop the cooking process and help the shell release from the egg white. Leave them in the ice bath for around 2-15 minutes, until they are cool but not yet chilled.

Peel Under Water

Peel the eggs under running water or in the ice bath. This helps to contain the shells and encourages them to slide off. Start peeling at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble forms.

Use a Spoon

Try using a spoon to slip off the eggshells. The curved shape of a spoon is similar to the shape of the egg, so it can be a useful tool to help remove the shell and membrane.

Make a Small Hole

Use a thumbtack to make a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the egg before boiling. This can help the shell come off more easily.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan

When boiling eggs, be sure to use a pan that is large enough so that the eggs have room and are not crowded or stacked on top of each other. This will also help to prevent cracking.

Storing your boiled eggs

Cooling and Storing Unpeeled Eggs:

Firstly, it is important to cool your eggs quickly after boiling. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes to expedite the cooling process. This step is crucial as it helps prevent overcooking, makes the eggs easier to peel, and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to keep moisture to a minimum.

Next, place the unpeeled eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. It is best to use a sturdy container to keep the shells intact. Store the eggs in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf, where the temperature is most stable and consistent. Hard-boiled eggs with the shells on can be stored for up to one week in the fridge.

Storing Peeled Eggs:

If you prefer to peel your eggs before storing, there are a few extra steps to take. After boiling, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to cool them down, and then peel the eggs under running water. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Store the bowl, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days, replacing the water daily to keep it fresh.

Peeled hard-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life than unpeeled eggs and should be consumed within two to three days. It is important to note that freezing whole hard-boiled eggs is not recommended, as the egg whites can become tough and watery after thawing. However, if you wish to freeze only the egg yolks, you can do so by separating the yolks and whites, flash-freezing the yolks on a baking sheet, and then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to a month.

Food Safety Considerations:

According to food safety guidelines, perishable foods like hard-boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. After cooking, place the eggs in the refrigerator within two hours to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with the eggs to prevent cross-contamination.

Creative ways to use boiled eggs

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer! You can make them hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or even fried.

Now, here are some creative ways to use boiled eggs:

• The classic: egg salad. You can make it with mayo, celery, green onion, and a pinch of curry. Or, if you're a pickle freak, try adding some diced pickles!
• Avocado toast with shaved boiled eggs. This went viral a few years ago, but it's still a delicious and creative way to use boiled eggs.
• Vinaigrette. Chop up some boiled eggs and mix them with a tangy, briney dressing. This is amazing on goat cheese tartines.
• Cobb salad. A classic and easy salad to make. Just add the boiled egg, bacon, avocado, chicken breast, and some chives on top of mixed lettuces.
• Spinach gratin. This is a popular side dish in the south of France. It's made with fresh or frozen spinach, a simple béchamel sauce (butter, flour, and milk), Gruyère, and nutmeg, then topped with breadcrumbs and boiled eggs.
• Potato salad. A crowd favourite and for good reason! You can experiment with different ingredients to add to your potato salad, such as bacon, blue cheese, or even pickle juice!

Frequently asked questions