Hard-Boiled Eggs In An Air Fryer: Quick And Easy!

Air-frying hard-boiled eggs is a quick, easy, and versatile method that produces evenly cooked eggs that are easy to peel. The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, place the eggs inside, cook for 13-17 minutes, and then place the eggs in an ice bath to cool them down and prevent overcooking. The air fryer method is a convenient alternative to boiling, as it doesn't require any water and frees up stove space.

How long to cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how long to cook them for:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a low temperature, somewhere between 250°F and 275°F, to mimic a simmering pot of water. If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300°F, set it to this temperature instead.

Next, place your eggs into the air fryer basket or rack. It is best to cook between four and twelve eggs at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. Leave a little space between each egg so that the air can circulate properly.

For hard-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 13 to 17 minutes. However, this time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to experiment with different timings to find your preference. If your air fryer is set to 300°F, reduce the cooking time by about one to two minutes.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and then adding cold water.

Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them into the ice bath for around four to five minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled. This stops the cooking process, giving you full control over the doneness of your eggs.

Finally, crack and peel the eggs, starting at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

You can store your cooked, unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to peel hard-boiled eggs

Step 1: Prepare an ice bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, you'll want to place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Fill a bowl with ice and cold water to prepare for this step.

Step 2: Remove eggs from the air fryer

Use tongs or oven mitts to safely remove the hot eggs from the air fryer.

Step 3: Submerge eggs in the ice bath

Place the eggs in the ice bath and let them sit for about 4-8 minutes, until they are cool but not completely chilled. This will make them easier to peel.

Step 4: Crack and peel the eggs

Gently crack the egg shells by rolling them on a hard surface, then peel away a portion of the shell. The rest of the shell should come off easily. Start peeling at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

Step 5: Store peeled eggs

If you're not using the eggs right away, store them in the refrigerator. Peeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in an airtight container or bag and kept in the fridge for up to 7 days.

How to store hard-boiled eggs

Once your hard-boiled eggs are cooked and cooled, it's important to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store hard-boiled eggs:

Storing Unpeeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• It is recommended to store hard-boiled eggs with their shells on as the shells act as a protective barrier, and the eggs are also easier to peel once they have been chilled.
• Transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. Avoid putting them in cold water if you plan to store them with the shells on, as this can cause tiny cracks in the shell.
• Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to minimise moisture.
• Place the unpeeled eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. If using a bag, ensure it is sealed tightly.
• Store the container or bag of eggs in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf, where the temperature is most stable and consistent.
• Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Storing Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing, be aware that they will need extra protection from exposure to air, odours, and microorganisms.
• Place the peeled eggs in an airtight bag or container. You can include a damp paper towel inside the container to prevent the eggs from drying out, but be aware that this may make the eggs more pungent.
• Store the container or bag of peeled eggs in the refrigerator, again, preferably on the middle shelf.
• Peeled hard-boiled eggs will keep in the fridge for two to three days.

Additional Tips:

• Do not leave hard-boiled eggs, peeled or unpeeled, at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Freezing hard-boiled eggs is not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture of the egg whites, making them tough and rubbery. However, you can freeze just the hard-boiled yolks if desired.

What to do with leftover hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a great, nutritious snack to have on hand, but what do you do with leftovers? Here are some ideas to transform your leftover hard-boiled eggs into delicious meals:

Salads

Salads are a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs. Try a classic egg salad with mayo, celery, green onion, and a pinch of curry, or get creative with different ingredients like avocado, bacon, or mustard. You can also add hard-boiled eggs to a mixed green salad, Cobb salad, or Nicoise salad for extra protein.

Sandwiches

Egg salad sandwiches are a quick and easy option for lunch. Simply chop up your hard-boiled eggs and mix them with mayo, celery, and green onion. Spread the mixture on your choice of bread, add a lettuce leaf, and enjoy! For a trendy twist, try grated egg toast: smash ripe avocado on toast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grate a hard-boiled egg on top.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs. Get creative with different fillings like sour cream, bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic, chives, or even avocado for a creamy twist.

Pickled Eggs

Pickling hard-boiled eggs adds a lot of flavor and extends their shelf life to 30 days. Try red beet pickled eggs, jalapeño pickled eggs, or an Indian version with yellow curry.

Other Dishes

Hard-boiled eggs can also be used in a variety of other dishes. Try Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage), spinach gratin (a popular side dish in the south of France), or potato salad. You can even use them as a topping for avocado toast or goat cheese tartines.

How to soft boil eggs in an air fryer

Soft-boiled eggs are a great, tasty snack and can be made in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. Here is a guide on how to make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower in temperature than 300° F, set it to 300° F (148°C).

Next, add your eggs to the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Close the air fryer. For soft-boiled eggs, you will want to cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. However, air fryers can vary, so it is worth experimenting with the cooking time to get it just right.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and then adding cold water until the bowl is 3/4 filled.

Once the eggs are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath for around 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not cold. This will make them easier to peel.

Finally, gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a little along a hard surface to make cracks all over. Peel and enjoy your soft-boiled eggs!

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