Air Fryer Egg Fix: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to stovetop cooking, allowing you to prepare fried eggs with minimal cleanup and less fat and calories. You can cook eggs in an air fryer in various ways, including hard-boiled, soft-boiled, fried, scrambled, and poached. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness and the model of your air fryer.

Boiling eggs

To boil eggs in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to between 120°C and 150°C (250°F and 302°F). Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Close the air fryer.

The amount of time you cook the eggs for will depend on how runny you want the yolks to be. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 7-11 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 11-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 14-17 minutes.

When the eggs are done, plunge them into an ice bath to stop them from cooking further. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, then resubmerge them in the ice bath. The water will flow between the shell and the egg, making the eggs easier to peel.

Frying eggs

How to Fry Eggs in an Air Fryer:

First, select the right cookware. You will need a non-stick, oven-friendly pan or tray that is shallow, allowing the hot air to circulate efficiently. You can also use a small cast-iron skillet, a ramekin, or even foil. Grease your chosen cookware with butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray.

Next, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature and time will depend on your desired yolk consistency and the model of your air fryer, but generally, you should preheat at 350-400°F (177-204°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Now, you can add the eggs. For sunny side up or over-easy eggs, cook at 350-400°F (177-204°C) for 3-5 minutes. For a medium yolk, add 1 minute, and for a firm yolk, add 2 minutes. If you want your eggs over-easy or over-medium, flip them with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.

Finally, remove the eggs from the air fryer and serve immediately. Season with salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices.

Tips:

• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook between 1 and 4 eggs at a time.
• For crispy fried eggs, select cookware with low walls to allow for better air circulation.
• To prevent your eggs from sticking to the pan, grease the cookware well, and use a spatula with a firm edge to remove them.
• Keep in mind that air fryers differ in power and airflow, so you may need to experiment to get your desired results.
• If you want to cook multiple eggs, there is no need to increase the cooking time.

Variations:

You can also use your air fryer to make soft-boiled, hard-boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs, as well as egg cups or a frittata.

Poaching eggs

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Ramekins

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (177-204°C) for 3-5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your ramekins by greasing them with cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil. You will need one ramekin for each egg you plan to poach.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Crack an egg into each greased ramekin. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of hot or room-temperature water to each ramekin. The water will help cook the egg whites more quickly and prevent them from becoming crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350-360°F (177-182°C). Set the timer for 4 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a runny yolk, cook for 5-6 minutes. For a medium-runny yolk and nicely cooked whites, cook for 6-7 minutes. If you prefer a firmer but still soft yolk, cook for 7-8 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Remove and Serve the Eggs

Once the eggs are done, use a small silicone spatula or a rubber spoon to gently lift them out of the ramekins. You can also run a knife around the edge of the ramekin to loosen the eggs if they are stuck. Transfer the poached eggs to a plate or directly onto your prepared toast. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Poached Eggs:

• Use room temperature water instead of pre-boiled water to save time without compromising on cooking time or texture.
• Submerge the eggs fully in water to ensure even cooking and prevent crispy egg whites.
• Remove the eggs from the air fryer slightly earlier than you think as they will continue to cook in the hot water even after being removed.
• Experiment with your own cook times and expect a little trial and error until you get used to your air fryer.
• Use a teaspoon or spatula to gently release the eggs from the sides of the ramekins during cooking.
• Be gentle when removing the poached eggs from the ramekins, as they are delicate.

Soft-boiling eggs

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

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a low temperature, around 270-275°F, to mimic a simmering pot of water. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to this temperature and subtract 1-2 minutes from the overall cooking time.

Next, add your eggs to the air fryer basket or rack. Leave some space between each egg to allow the air to circulate properly. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-11 minutes, depending on how soft you like your eggs.

Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them immediately into an ice bath. An ice bath is simply a bowl filled with ice and cold water. This stops the eggs from cooking further, allowing you to control how soft or hard you want your eggs. Leave the eggs in the ice bath for around 3-5 minutes, until they are cool but not completely chilled.

Finally, remove the eggs from the ice bath and gently crack and peel the shells. Start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as this is usually where the air bubble forms. Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs as they are, or season with salt and pepper to taste.

Some additional tips:

• If you want centred yolks, place your carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• If you are having trouble peeling the eggs, try leaving them in the ice bath for a little longer.
• For soft-boiled eggs with runnier yolks, cook for 9 minutes. For slightly firmer yolks, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes.
• You can store unpeeled soft-boiled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Making scrambled eggs

Air fryers are a great way to make scrambled eggs, requiring little oil and making the dish even healthier. Here is a simple recipe for making scrambled eggs in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 cup cheddar cheese

Method:

• Place butter in an oven/air fryer-safe pan and place inside the air fryer.
• Cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the butter is melted, which should take about 2 minutes.
• While the butter is melting, whisk together the eggs and milk in a separate bowl, then add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the egg mixture into the air fryer pan and cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After about 3 minutes, open the air fryer and push the eggs towards the inside of the pan. Stir them around using a small plastic or silicone spatula. Avoid using metal utensils as these can scratch the air fryer pan.
• Cook the eggs for another 2 minutes, then add the cheddar cheese and stir again.
• Finish cooking the eggs for a final 2 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Cooking scrambled eggs in an air fryer on lower heat is best to ensure the eggs are cooked thoroughly without burning.
• You can double or triple this recipe depending on the size of your air fryer pan. Just be sure to allow slightly more time for extra scrambled eggs to cook.
• For a creamier consistency, add milk to your scrambled eggs.
• You can also add vegetables to the mix to turn your eggs into a full breakfast.

Frequently asked questions