Air-Fried Scotch Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish made with hard or soft-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, dipped in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried for a crisp exterior and tender middle. The air fryer method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, without sacrificing texture or flavour. This method is also quicker and less messy, and the results are just as delicious.

How long to cook scotch eggs in an air fryer

Air fryer Scotch eggs are a healthier alternative to deep-fried Scotch eggs without sacrificing taste and texture. The cooking time for Scotch eggs in an air fryer depends on the type of egg you want (soft or hard-boiled) and the air fryer model.

For soft-boiled eggs, the air fryer temperature should be set to between 380°F and 400°F (193°C and 200°C). The cooking time should be around 12 minutes, turning the eggs halfway through for even browning.

For hard-boiled eggs, the air fryer temperature should be set to 350°F (180°C). The cooking time should be around 12 minutes, again turning the eggs halfway through.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the size and type of eggs and sausage used. Therefore, it's recommended to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to achieve the desired doneness.

How to prepare the eggs

Preparing the eggs is the first step in making Scotch eggs in an air fryer. You can choose to boil the eggs in water on a stovetop or use the air fryer itself to soft or hard-boil them.

If you're using a stovetop, fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Place the eggs in the water, ensuring they aren't crowded, and reduce the heat. Cover the pan and simmer for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or up to 9 minutes for firmer eggs. While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath for them in a large bowl. After the allotted time, transfer the eggs to the ice bath for 10 minutes to halt the cooking process.

Alternatively, you can use the air fryer to boil the eggs. Set the air fryer to 250°F (125°C) or 130°C/270°F and place the eggs in the basket. Cook for 11-12 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Once done, plunge the eggs into ice-cold water to cool them down before peeling.

Once your eggs are boiled and cooled, you can proceed to the next steps of wrapping them in sausage meat and breading before placing them in the air fryer.

How to prepare the sausage meat

Preparing the sausage meat is a crucial step in making Scotch eggs in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare the sausage meat for this delicious treat:

Step 1: Choose Your Sausage Meat

Start by selecting good-quality sausage meat for your Scotch eggs. You can use pork sausage meat, which is the traditional choice, or opt for other varieties like turkey or chicken sausage. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own sausage meat by grinding your choice of meat and adding your favourite seasonings.

Step 2: Season the Sausage Meat (Optional)

While most recipes call for plain sausage meat, you can enhance the flavour by adding seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Step 3: Mix in Additional Ingredients (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavour and texture, you can mix in other ingredients with the sausage meat. For instance, you could add cream cheese, which makes the sausage layer lighter and even more delicious. You could also try adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients like chopped onions or cooked bacon bits.

Step 4: Divide and Shape the Sausage Meat

Once you have your seasoned sausage meat ready, it's time to divide it into portions. For a standard-sized batch of six Scotch eggs, divide the sausage meat into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a thin patty. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure that each portion is the same size, as this will help with even cooking.

Step 5: Wrap the Eggs with Sausage Meat

Now comes the fun part – wrapping the boiled eggs with the sausage meat! Place one sausage patty on a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Gently pat it down to form an oval shape that is roughly three eggs long and two eggs wide. Place the cooled, peeled egg on top of the sausage oval, with the ends of the egg perpendicular to the long sides. Carefully pull the sausage away from the parchment or plastic wrap as you wrap it around the egg, sealing all sides. Repeat this process for each egg.

Step 6: Smooth and Even Out the Sausage Layer

After wrapping each egg, take a moment to smooth out the sausage layer. Gently pass the egg between your hands to allow the warmth of your palms to even out any bumps or rough spots. This step ensures a uniform thickness of the sausage layer and helps create a nice, smooth surface.

Step 7: Refrigerate the Sausage-Wrapped Eggs (Optional)

At this stage, you can choose to refrigerate the sausage-wrapped eggs for a few minutes. This step is especially useful if you're finding the sausage meat too soft or sticky to work with. Chilling the eggs will help the sausage firm up and make it easier to handle during the breading process.

Remember, preparing the sausage meat for Scotch eggs is a versatile process, and you can customise it according to your taste preferences. Get creative, experiment with different ingredients and seasonings, and enjoy making your very own Scotch eggs in an air fryer!

How to coat the scotch eggs

To coat the Scotch eggs, you will need three small bowls. In the first bowl, place some seasoned flour (you can use Wondra instead of all-purpose flour for a crispier result) and garlic powder. In the second bowl, place two beaten eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (Panko crumbs are recommended for an even, crispy texture).

Roll each sausage-covered egg in the flour mixture first and shake off any excess. Then, dip the egg into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring the flour-covered egg is entirely coated. Finally, roll the egg in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process for each egg.

Some recipes suggest adding an extra step before coating the eggs. After wrapping the sausage around the boiled eggs, dip each egg in flour, then beaten egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs. This creates an extra layer of coating, sealing in the sausage and creating an even crispier texture.

Once all the eggs are coated, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked.

What to serve with scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a British dish that can be served hot or cold, as a snack, or as part of a larger meal. They are made by wrapping a boiled egg in sausage meat and breadcrumbs and then frying or baking. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Scotch eggs:

Hot Scotch Eggs

If you are serving Scotch eggs hot, with a runny yolk, you could accompany them with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Cabbage, perhaps cooked with bacon
• Potato wedges
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Baked beans
• Sausage rolls
• Chips
• Bacon
• Hash browns
• Gravy
• Salad
• Black pudding
• Fried bread

Cold Scotch Eggs

If you are serving Scotch eggs cold, perhaps as part of a picnic or packed lunch, you could serve them with:

• Potato salad
• A ploughman's platter, including salad, meats, cheeses, pickles, and dips
• Crisps
• Sausage rolls
• Baked beans
• Salad
• Cold cuts of meat, such as ham, bacon, chicken, beef, or pork
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Onion rings
• Banana bread
• Avocado fries
• Potato pancakes
• Hush puppies
• Sweet cornbread
• Coleslaw

Frequently asked questions