Air Fryer Boiled Eggs: Is It Possible?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, simple, and efficient way to cook eggs. It is also a great alternative to the traditional method of boiling eggs on a stovetop. The air fryer cooks the eggs evenly, making them incredibly easy to peel. The dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as the eggs cook. The cooking time depends on the type of boiled egg you want. For soft-boiled eggs, the eggs should be cooked for 8-11 minutes, for jammy eggs, 11-13 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, 14-16 minutes. The temperature should be set to 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, the eggs should be placed in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

How long to cook boiled eggs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook boiled eggs in an air fryer! Here's how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water, like what you'd set eggs in when boiling them. Preheat the air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 135°C). You can skip the preheating step and just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Next, add your eggs to the air fryer basket or rack. Leave some space between each egg as this allows the air to circulate properly. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook.

The cooking time will depend on how runny you want the yolks to be. For soft-boiled eggs, with slightly runny yolks, cook the eggs for 9-10 minutes. For "jammy" eggs with half-set yolks, cook for 11-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with solid yolks, cook for 13-17 minutes.

When the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath or cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Leave them in the water for 4-10 minutes, until they are cool but not chilled. This will make them easier to peel.

Finally, crack and peel the eggs. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms. Enjoy the eggs right away or store them in the fridge for later.

How to stop boiled eggs cooking after using an air fryer

To stop boiled eggs from continuing to cook after using an air fryer, you can use one of two methods: an ice bath or cold running water.

Using an Ice Bath to Stop Eggs Cooking

As soon as your eggs are done in the air fryer, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Leave them in the ice bath for at least a minute, and up to 15 minutes to cool them completely.

Using Cold Running Water to Stop Eggs Cooking

Transfer your eggs to a colander and place it under cool running water to stop the cooking process.

Additional Tips

• It is important to stop the cooking process quickly, so the eggs don't overcook.
• If you are planning to eat your eggs right away, peel them and enjoy! If not, store them in the refrigerator.
• Hard-boiled eggs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if peeled, or up to 1 week if unpeeled.
• It is recommended to peel the eggs before storing them, as they are easier to peel when first cooked than after being chilled.
• If you want centred yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• If you want to avoid a green ring around the yolk (caused by overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature), use the ice bath method to stop the cooking process as soon as the eggs come out of the air fryer.

How to store boiled eggs after using an air fryer

Once you've boiled your eggs in an air fryer, you'll want to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store boiled eggs after using an air fryer:

Cooling the Eggs:

First, it's important to let the eggs cool down before storing them. Place the freshly boiled eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes to expedite the cooling process. This step is crucial as it helps stop the cooking process and prevents the eggs from warming up other items in the refrigerator, which can create a temperature danger zone where bacteria can multiply.

Storing Unpeeled Eggs:

It is generally recommended to store boiled eggs with the shells intact, as the outer layer serves as a protective barrier. Here are the steps to store unpeeled boiled eggs:

• Once the eggs have cooled, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to keep moisture to a minimum.
• Place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store the container or bag of unpeeled eggs on the middle shelf of your refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent.
• Consume the unpeeled boiled eggs within one week for optimal freshness and food safety.

Storing Peeled Eggs:

If you prefer to peel your boiled eggs before storing them, follow these steps:

• After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to help them cool down faster, and then peel the eggs under running water.
• Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and cover them with just enough cold water.
• Store the bowl of peeled eggs, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
• Change the water daily to keep it fresh.
• Consume the peeled boiled eggs within two to three days.

Additional Tips:

• It is not recommended to freeze whole boiled eggs as the egg whites can become tough and watery after thawing. However, you can freeze just the yolks by separating them from the whites and following the freezing instructions for yolks.
• To extend the shelf life of boiled eggs, you can pickle them by storing them in a brine solution or leftover pickle juice.
• Always inspect boiled eggs for any signs of spoilage, such as a slimy or chalky texture or an unpleasant odour, before consuming them.

How to peel boiled eggs after using an air fryer

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve perfectly cooked eggs. But what's the best way to peel them once they're done? Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

First, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice. This step is crucial, as it will help stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 250°F to 275°F (some sources recommend a lower temperature of 250°F, while others suggest 270°F to 275°F). Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and set the timer for 15 to 17 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Step 3: Transfer Eggs to the Ice Bath

Once the eggs are cooked, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to the prepared ice bath. Let them sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes to cool down and stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Tap and Crack the Eggshell

After the eggs have cooled, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to create small cracks all over the shell. This will make it easier to peel off the shell.

Step 5: Peel the Eggs

Starting from the wide end of the egg, carefully peel off the shell. You can do this under running water or in the ice bath to help remove any stubborn shell pieces.

Step 6: Store or Enjoy

Once your eggs are peeled, you can store them in the refrigerator for later use or enjoy them right away! Sprinkle some salt and pepper on them, add them to salads or sandwiches, or use them for deviled eggs.

Tips for Peeling Air-Fried Eggs:

• Use older eggs: Fresh eggs can be harder to peel, so consider using eggs that have been sitting in the refrigerator for a week or two.
• Experiment with cooking times: Every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your preferences and your air fryer's performance.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Always leave space between the eggs to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.

What to do with boiled eggs after using an air fryer

So, you've just cooked some boiled eggs in your air fryer – now what? Well, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your eggs are safe to eat and stay fresh for as long as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do with boiled eggs after using an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking, you'll want to stop the cooking process immediately. The best way to do this is by preparing an ice bath. Fill a bowl with ice and cold water, and set it aside until you're ready to use it.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

Once your eggs are done cooking, carefully transfer them to the ice bath. Leave them in the ice bath for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooled. This will stop the cooking process and ensure your eggs are safe to eat.

Step 3: Peel the Eggs

After your eggs are cooled, it's time to peel them. Start by gently cracking the egg shells, rolling them a bit along a hard surface to make cracks along all sides. Then, peel the shells off and discard them.

Step 4: Store the Eggs

If you plan on eating your boiled eggs within a few hours, you can simply leave them out on the counter. However, if you want to save them for later, you'll need to store them in the refrigerator. Transfer the peeled eggs to an airtight container or bag and store them in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Step 5: Get Creative with Recipes

Now that you have a batch of perfectly boiled eggs, the possibilities are endless! You can enjoy them as-is with a sprinkle of seasoning, or get creative with recipes like egg salad, deviled eggs, Scotch eggs, or a potato salad. You can also use them as a quick and easy protein source for breakfast or lunch.

Frequently asked questions