Air-Fried Dippy Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including eggs. You can make dippy eggs in an air fryer by cooking them at a low temperature for a short period of time, usually between 7 to 15 minutes depending on the desired level of doneness. This method is convenient and mess-free, as it does not require preheating or boiling water. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the eggs perfectly, resulting in a smooth and easy peeling process.

How long to cook dippy eggs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make dippy eggs in an air fryer!

To make dippy eggs in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300° F, set it to that temperature instead. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Close the air fryer and cook for 9-10 minutes for soft-boiled eggs with dippy yolks. If you set your air fryer to 300° F (148°C), reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 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 done, immediately place them in the ice bath for 3-5 minutes. This will stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

Finally, gently crack and peel the eggs, starting at the bottom/fattest part of the egg where the air bubble forms. Enjoy your dippy eggs right away, or store them in the refrigerator for later.

How to peel air fryer eggs

Air fryer eggs are incredibly easy to peel. Here are some tips for how to do it:

Prepare an ice bath

Make sure you have a bowl of ice-cold water ready before you start cooking your eggs. As soon as the eggs are done in the air fryer, you'll want to place them in the ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

Remove the eggs from the ice bath

Once the eggs are cool but not yet chilled, remove them from the ice bath and get ready to crack the shells. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms. Gently crack the egg on a hard surface and roll it along the surface to make cracks along all sides.

Peel slowly and carefully

Peeling the eggs is a delicate process that requires patience. Start from the larger, rounder end of the egg, where there is typically an air pocket that will help you get those nice big peels. Use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to help you peel it off in bigger pieces.

Final touches

After you've completely peeled off the shell, run the egg under some water to get rid of any remaining shell pieces. Store the peeled eggs in an airtight container or bag and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Air fryer temperature for dippy eggs

Yes, you can make dippy eggs in an air fryer! Dippy eggs, also known as soft-boiled eggs, are eggs with runny yolks and set whites.

To make dippy eggs in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 270° F to 275° F (132-135°C). If your air fryer does not go below 300° F, set it to that temperature instead. Place your eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg, and cook for 9-11 minutes.

Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 2-5 minutes to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Gently crack the egg shells and peel them carefully. Your dippy eggs are now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving suggestions for dippy eggs

Dippy eggs, also known as soft-boiled eggs, are a delightful breakfast option. The perfect dippy egg has a firm white and a runny yolk, ideal for dipping into toast or "soldiers". Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dippy egg experience:

Presentation and Serving Ideas:

• Use a stylish egg cup to hold the dippy egg for an elegant presentation.
• Pair the egg with a colourful garnish, such as fresh herbs or microgreens, for added visual appeal.
• Serve the egg with a slice of artisanal bread or toast points for a touch of sophistication.
• Present the egg alongside a small dish of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing guests to season to their taste.

Ideal Accompaniments:

• Crispy bacon or pancetta provide a savoury, meaty contrast to the creamy dippy eggs.
• Grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach add a nutritious and fresh touch to balance the richness of the eggs.
• Freshly sliced tomatoes and avocado make for a refreshing and healthy addition to the meal.
• For a touch of indulgence, serve the eggs with truffle-infused hash browns or roasted potatoes.

Seasoning and Condiments:

• Sprinkle the eggs with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for a classic flavour boost.
• For an extra kick of flavour, use everything bagel seasoning or red pepper flakes.
• Hot sauce lovers can reach for the Frank's Red Hot, Sriracha, or Tabasco.

Breads and Spreads:

• Spread some avocado, cream cheese, or cottage cheese on a slice of toast and top it with a dippy egg for a delicious breakfast.
• For a more indulgent option, try garlic bread toast or an air-fried hash brown patty.
• Dippy eggs also go well with traditional buttered toast "soldiers" for dipping into the runny yolk.

Breakfast Combinations:

• Create a breakfast taco by pairing the dippy eggs with salsa, breakfast meat, cheese, fresh cilantro, and red onion.
• For a heartier meal, serve the eggs with bacon, sausage links, hash browns, or breakfast potatoes.
• Add some fresh fruit like grapefruit, oranges, cantaloupe, or berries to round out the breakfast experience.

How to store leftover air fryer eggs

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days, either with their shells on or peeled. Make sure the eggs are refrigerated within two hours of cooking and don't cut into them until you're ready to eat.

Soft-boiled eggs, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life due to their creamier yolks and more liquid content. According to the Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) website, soft-boiled eggs will last for up to two days in the fridge before they expire. As with hard-boiled eggs, make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and refrain from cutting into them until you're ready to eat.

For fried eggs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that any leftovers be refrigerated and consumed within three to four days.

When storing leftover eggs, it's important to use airtight containers or bags to maintain freshness and prevent odour transfer in the fridge. Additionally, it's best to store the eggs unpeeled, as the shells provide a natural barrier against bacteria and help retain moisture, resulting in longer-lasting eggs.

If you plan to store boiled eggs for more than a few days, it's advisable to keep them in their shells. This will help maintain their quality and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

It's worth noting that while you can freeze boiled eggs, it's generally not recommended due to the textural changes that occur during thawing. The whites tend to become mushy and watery, while the yolks can turn mealy. Instead, it's best to cook a fresh batch or consume leftover eggs within the recommended storage times.

Frequently asked questions