Making Scotch Eggs In An Air Fryer: A Healthy Twist

Scotch eggs are a traditional British recipe, often enjoyed at picnics, pubs, and parties or as a snack. They feature a hard-boiled egg wrapped in minced meat (usually pork sausage) and coated in breadcrumbs. Traditionally, they are deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a modern, healthier alternative.

How to make scotch eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 pound of ground pork sausage
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• Breadcrumbs (traditional, Italian, or panko)
• Olive oil or non-stick oil spray
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: mustard or other dipping sauce

Method:

First, you'll want to soft or hard-boil your eggs. You can do this in an air fryer by placing 4 eggs in the basket and cooking them for around 8-13 minutes at 250-270°F. Then, plunge them into ice-cold water and leave to cool before peeling.

Next, prepare your sausage meat. You can mix in other ingredients like bacon, sage, mixed herbs, or cream cheese for extra flavour. Divide the mixture into 4-6 evenly-sized balls and flatten each into a disc or patty.

Place a boiled egg in the centre of each disc and mould the meat around the egg, sealing all sides. Repeat until all eggs are covered.

Now, prepare your breading trays. You'll need three trays or shallow bowls: one with flour or breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs (either traditional, Italian, or panko).

Dip each sausage-wrapped egg first into flour or breadcrumbs, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the second portion of breadcrumbs.

Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer without overcrowding (you may need to cook in batches). Spray the eggs with olive oil or non-stick oil spray.

Air fry at around 390-400°F for 12-20 minutes, turning the eggs over halfway through, until the sausage layer is cooked and the coating is golden brown.

Serve warm or cold with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as mustard, hot sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or air fry for 4-5 minutes.

What temperature to cook scotch eggs in an air fryer

Scotch eggs are a British pub classic, and cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to avoid the mess and added fat of deep-frying. The air fryer will give your Scotch eggs a crispy crust, making them a perfect snack or quick breakfast.

The temperature you cook your Scotch eggs in an air fryer will depend on the model and manufacturer of your air fryer, as well as the ingredients you use. However, a general temperature guide is as follows:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Cook your Scotch eggs in the air fryer for 12 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes, while others suggest a higher temperature of 400°F (205°C) for 15-18 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the type and amount of sausage and eggs you use.

For soft-boiled or runny yolks, it's recommended to boil your eggs for 6 minutes before frying. If you prefer a firmer yolk, increase the boiling time to 7-9 minutes. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook in the air fryer, so it's easy to overcook the centre.

To ensure your Scotch eggs are cooked through, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage layer. For pork sausage, the safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).

How long to cook scotch eggs in an air fryer

There are a few different methods for cooking Scotch eggs in an air fryer, depending on the type of egg you want and the ingredients you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them, with timings included.

Firstly, you will need to boil your eggs. For a soft-boiled egg, place your eggs in a saucepan of boiling water and simmer for 6 minutes. If you want a firmer yolk, simmer for up to 9 minutes. Prepare an ice bath and, once the eggs are cooked, plunge them into the ice-cold water to halt the cooking process.

Next, peel your eggs carefully. If you are using soft-boiled eggs, be very gentle as the yolk will still be soft. Rinse the peeled eggs and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Now, it's time to wrap your eggs in sausage meat. Divide your sausage meat into equal portions—you will need enough to cover each egg. Place a portion of the meat onto a sheet of plastic wrap and flatten it into a patty. Place a peeled egg in the centre of the patty and use the plastic wrap to help you mould the meat around the egg. Repeat this process until all your eggs are covered.

Then, prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour (or Wondra, if you have it). In the second bowl, beat a raw egg. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work well). Season the breadcrumbs with salt, herbs, or spices, if desired. Working with one egg at a time, coat it completely in flour, then egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Return the egg to a wire rack and repeat with the remaining eggs.

Now, it's time to cook your Scotch eggs. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-200°C). Place the eggs into the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one for the air to circulate. Spray the eggs with cooking oil or olive oil mist. Air fry for 12-18 minutes, turning halfway through. The eggs are ready when the sausage layer is cooked and the coating is golden brown.

Your Scotch eggs will be hot, so allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Scotch eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy your homemade Scotch eggs!

What sauces go with scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a British treat, often served cold as a picnic food. They are also a popular item on pub menus. The traditional sauce to serve with Scotch eggs is mustard, and you can make a creamy mustard sauce by combining butter, half-and-half, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan.

However, Scotch eggs are versatile, and you can serve them with any number of sauces. Other popular options include hot sauce, ranch dressing, and a mango chutney dipping sauce. You could also try a tangy, slightly spicy mustard sauce, made with mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper sauce.

How to store leftover scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a delicious snack, but what should you do with leftovers? Here's a guide to storing your leftover scotch eggs:

Firstly, it is important to note that scotch eggs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 3-4 days when stored this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, but this is not recommended as the crispy crust will likely become soft during the freezing and thawing process.

When storing scotch eggs, it is best to let them cool completely before placing them in the container. You can line the container with paper towels to help absorb any excess moisture and keep the scotch eggs fresh.

If you plan to reheat your scotch eggs, it is best to avoid microwaving them as they may explode. Instead, you can reheat them in a frying pan with a little oil, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

Now you know how to properly store your leftover scotch eggs, you can enjoy them for a few days after your feast!

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