Hard-Boiled Eggs: Air Fryer Style?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, and for good reason. They can cook a variety of foods with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. But can you make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and convenient way to cook eggs without the need for boiling water. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer to around 250°F, place the desired number of eggs in the basket (up to 12 at once), and set the timer for 13-17 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness. Once they're done, place the eggs in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. So, if you're looking for a new way to make hard-boiled eggs, give your air fryer a try!

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

Yes, you can make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water. The ideal temperature is between 250°F and 275°F (120°C and 135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300°F (148°C), you can still cook the eggs, but you may need to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the eggs

Place 4-12 large eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. If your eggs are straight from the fridge, let them sit on the counter for about 20 minutes beforehand so they can come up to room temperature.

Step 3: Cook the eggs

For hard-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 13-17 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your machine.

Step 4: Prepare an ice bath

While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl halfway with ice and then add cold water until the bowl is about 3/4 full. This ice bath will be used to stop the eggs from overcooking and make them easier to peel.

Step 5: Cool the eggs

Once the eggs are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them in the ice bath for about 4-10 minutes, until they are cool but not completely chilled. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 6: Peel and enjoy

When the eggs are cool, crack and peel the shells. Start peeling at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms. Then, enjoy your perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs!

How to peel hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a great, versatile snack and can be used in a variety of dishes, but peeling them can be frustrating. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to peel hard-boiled eggs:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking, fill a bowl with ice and cold water to prepare an ice bath. This will stop the eggs from overcooking and make them easier to peel.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

Use a slotted spoon or a strainer to transfer the eggs to the ice bath and leave them submerged for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are cool enough to handle but still warm.

Step 3: Gently Crack the Egg

Tap the egg gently on a hard surface, such as your kitchen counter, to create a crackled pattern all over the shell. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you may cause the egg to crack.

Step 4: Roll the Egg

Gently roll the egg between your hands or on a hard surface to help loosen the shell and create fractures across the entire shell. Again, be careful not to use too much pressure, as you may break the egg white.

Step 5: Peel the Shell

Start peeling the shell from the egg's larger end, as there is an air pocket there that will make it easier to peel. Gently lift and peel away the thin membrane beneath the shell. If you are still having trouble removing the shell, hold the egg under cold running water while peeling or submerge it in a bowl of water.

Tips for Easier Peeling:

• Use slightly older eggs that have been in your fridge for a few days, as fresh eggs tend to be harder to peel due to their tighter membrane.
• Start with boiling water instead of cold water when cooking your eggs.
• Add a splash of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice, a teaspoon of baking soda, or a pinch of salt to the water when cooking. These additions can help make the eggs easier to peel.

How to store hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, their shelf life decreases to about three days once they are peeled. Here are some ways to store hard-boiled eggs:

Storing Unpeeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster.
• Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
• Place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag.
• Store the unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for up to one week.
• You can also store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in their original egg carton. Just make sure to label it as hard-boiled to avoid confusion.

Storing Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking and peel them under running water.
• Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the eggs.
• Store, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days. Replace the water every day to keep it fresh.
• You can also place the peeled eggs in an airtight bag or container. Add a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid freezing whole hard-boiled eggs as it can make the egg whites tough and rubbery. However, you can freeze the cooked egg yolks for up to three months.
• Do not put hot eggs directly into the refrigerator as they can warm up other items, creating an environment for bacteria to multiply. Instead, wait until they have cooled or place them in an ice bath to expedite the cooling process.

What to serve with hard-boiled eggs

There are many ways to serve hard-boiled eggs, from salads to sandwiches and even as a side dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Egg Salad

This is a classic choice and for good reason! Egg salad is simple to make and can be tailored to your taste. You can add mayonnaise, mustard, relish, or even bacon for a savoury dish. It's a great option for make-ahead lunches or picnics.

Avocado Egg Salad

For a healthier twist on the classic egg salad, try adding avocado. The creamy texture of avocado pairs well with the hard-boiled eggs, and you can add some lemon juice and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve it on toast or with crackers for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is another classic side dish that goes well with hard-boiled eggs. You can make it with firm or soft-boiled eggs, and it's a great way to use up any leftover eggs from Easter or other holidays.

Shaved Egg Avocado Toast

This unique take on avocado toast was made famous by a food blogger who enjoyed it on a babymoon in Maine. It's a simple yet delicious combination of shaved hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and toast. You can also add some lemon juice and red pepper flakes for extra flavour.

Healthy Egg Salad, Avocado Egg Salad or Cauliflower Potato Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can pair your hard-boiled eggs with a healthy salad. Try a traditional egg salad or mix things up with an avocado egg salad or a cauliflower potato salad. These options are not only tasty but also provide a good source of protein and vitamins.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a fun and elegant way to serve hard-boiled eggs. Simply mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and your choice of spices, then pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg white halves. You can garnish them with paprika, chives, or bacon bits for an impressive appetiser or snack.

Breakfast Guac

For a heartier breakfast option, try making "breakfast guac." Smash a hard-boiled egg and mix it with avocado, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and everything bagel seasoning. Serve it with toast or crackers for a filling and flavourful start to your day.

Scotch Eggs

Scotch eggs are a more intricate but impressive option. They involve wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat, rolling it in breadcrumbs, and then deep-frying it. It's a delicious and satisfying option for a picnic or a hearty snack.

Pickled Eggs

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try pickling your hard-boiled eggs. Simply submerge them in a jar of pickled beet juice or jalapeno juice, and they will take on a tangy, briny flavour. Pickled eggs are a great snack on their own or can be sliced and added to salads or sandwiches.

Bagel with Cream Cheese and Egg

For a simple and satisfying breakfast, try spreading cream cheese on a bagel and topping it with sliced hard-boiled egg. You can add some everything bagel seasoning or smoked salmon for extra flavour. It's a quick and nutritious option to start your day.

Egg Vinaigrette

Egg vinaigrette is a unique and tasty way to use hard-boiled eggs. Simply chop the boiled eggs and mix them with a tangy, briney dressing. It's a wonderful topping for goat cheese tartines or can be used as a salad dressing.

Asian-Inspired Dishes

Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile ingredient in Asian cuisine. You can try marinating them in soy sauce and serving them over rice, or making ramen eggs by soaking them in a soy sauce marinade. Tea eggs, which are eggs simmered in a spiced tea broth, are also a delicious and visually appealing option.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Hard-boiled eggs are a convenient and nutritious addition to any meal, and with a little creativity, you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine.

Tips for making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer

Making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Preheat the air fryer

Although not all recipes require preheating, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 250°F–275°F (120°C–135°C) for the best results. This will ensure that your eggs cook evenly.

Cook the eggs

Place the eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Close the air fryer and cook for 13–17 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For softer yolks, cook for 13–15 minutes, and for firmer, dryer yolks, cook for 15–17 minutes.

Prepare an ice water bath

As soon as the eggs are done cooking, plunge them into an ice water bath or run them under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel. You can also just run them under cold running water for a minute if you don't have ice.

Peel the eggs

Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently tap them with a spoon to crack the shell. Resubmerge the eggs in the ice bath, then take them out and finish peeling. The eggs are easiest to peel right away, but they can be stored unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Adjust for your air fryer

Different air fryers have different power levels, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time to find what works best for your machine. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature and subtract a few minutes from the cooking time.

Remove the eggs carefully

Use tongs, preferably silicone-coated, to remove the eggs from the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can use a large serving spoon or ladle.

Frequently asked questions