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

It is possible to make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. The process is simple: place the desired number of eggs in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and timer, and wait. The eggs will be ready in 13 to 17 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Once cooked, place the eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

How long does it take to hard-boil eggs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer! The process is straightforward and can be adjusted to make soft-boiled or jammy eggs.

To hard-boil eggs in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each egg. Depending on your air fryer, cook the eggs for 13 to 17 minutes.

Once the eggs are cooked, transfer them to a cold-water bath for 8 to 10 minutes to stop the cooking process. The eggs are now ready to be peeled and eaten or stored in the refrigerator for later.

Tips for Making Hard-Boiled Eggs in an Air Fryer

• If your yolks have a green ring around them, they have been cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. They are still safe to eat, but you may want to reduce the cooking time next time.
• To centre the yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before boiling. This will help the yolks stay centred during cooking, which is ideal for presentation in recipes like deviled eggs.
• For easy peeling, some people recommend adding a little water to a Tupperware container with the eggs and shaking, or cracking the eggshells and placing them back in the air fryer for a short time.
• If you are using very fresh eggs, such as those from backyard chickens, you may find that they are harder to peel. Try leaving fresh eggs for a few weeks before cooking to make peeling easier.

How to prevent eggs from exploding in an air fryer?

It is a common misconception that eggs will explode in an air fryer. This myth likely originated from the fact that eggs can explode when cooked in a microwave oven due to the rapid heating of water molecules, which generates steam that cannot escape, leading to a build-up of internal pressure.

However, air fryers use hot air technology to cook food evenly from the outside and inside, without the intense boiling that occurs inside an egg in a microwave. This controlled heating method minimises the risk of steam build-up and pressure inside the egg, preventing any chance of an explosion.

To ensure that your eggs don't explode in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to the optimal temperature for cooking eggs, which is between 250°F and 380°F.
• Place the eggs carefully into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them for even cooking.
• Set the timer according to your desired level of doneness: 9-10 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 12-13 minutes for jammy eggs, and 14-15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
• Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, explosion-free eggs made in your air fryer!

How to store hard-boiled eggs?

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be cooked in an air fryer. But how do you store them?

Firstly, it's best to store hard-boiled eggs with the shells on, as the outer layer serves as a protective barrier. Plus, they're easier to peel once they've chilled in the fridge for a while. 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. It's important to keep moisture to a minimum. Place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container. You can use a resealable storage bag if that's all you have, but it's best to opt for something sturdier to keep the shells intact.

Store the unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for up to one week. If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing, you'll need to take a few extra steps. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. Peel the eggs under running water. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill the bowl 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.

According to the USDA, perishable foods should never be left in the "danger zone"—any temperature between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F—for more than two hours. This includes hard-boiled eggs. If you accidentally left your eggs at room temperature for two hours or more, throw them out to prevent food poisoning.

Spoiled hard-boiled eggs often have a slimy or chalky film on the shell. They also can give off an unpleasant, rotten smell.

How to prevent overcooking eggs in an air fryer?

Timing is Key

The cooking time for your eggs will depend on the type of eggs you want to make and the model of your air fryer. For a soft-boiled egg, cook for around 9-10 minutes. For a jammy egg, cook for 12-13 minutes. And for a hard-boiled egg, cook for 13-15 minutes. If you want a fried egg with a runny yolk, cook for 3 minutes. For a medium yolk, add a minute to the cooking time, and for a firm yolk, add another minute.

Monitor the Eggs

It's important to keep an eye on your eggs as they cook. Start checking them a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking. Depending on the specific model of your air fryer, the cooking times and temperatures may vary, so it's a good idea to monitor the eggs and adjust the timing as needed.

Experiment with Cook Times

There are many factors that can influence air frying cooking times, such as the strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, the size and fullness of your basket, and the size of the eggs. Use the suggested cooking times as a guide, but be prepared to experiment and adjust the timing to find the ideal cook time for your desired level of doneness.

Use an Ice Bath

After removing the eggs from the air fryer, immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Fill a bowl halfway with ice and then add cold water until the bowl is about three-quarters full. Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for about 4-5 minutes before peeling and serving.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the eggs. This helps ensure consistent cooking temperatures and prevents overcooking.

Use the Right Cookware

Use non-stick, oven-friendly cookware that is shallow and allows for proper airflow. A shallow baking tray, mini cast-iron skillet, or a small, oven-safe dish or ramekin can work well. Greasing the cookware with cooking spray, oil, or butter can also help prevent the eggs from sticking.

How to prevent eggs from cracking in an air fryer?

To prevent eggs from cracking in an air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 140°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps to avoid overcooking, which can cause cracking.

Secondly, when adding the eggs to the air fryer basket, leave some space between each egg. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and increase the chances of cracking.

Thirdly, be mindful of the cooking time. Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the eggs for 9-15 minutes for soft-boiled, 11-13 minutes for jammy, and 13-17 minutes for hard-boiled. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences for yolk consistency. Check the eggs a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking, as this can also increase the likelihood of cracking.

Additionally, using room temperature or slightly cooler eggs can help prevent cracking. If your eggs are cold, let them sit on the counter for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Finally, after cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath or run them under cold water. This helps to stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.

By following these steps, you can help prevent eggs from cracking in your air fryer and enjoy perfectly cooked air-fried eggs.

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