Air-Fryer Eggs: Whole Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including eggs. You can make hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or jammy eggs in an air fryer, and the process is simple. First, preheat your air fryer to around 250-270°F (120-130°C). Then, place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg. Cook for 9-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Finally, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, and peel when cool.

Air fryer temperature and timing for whole eggs

Air-frying eggs is a fast, easy, and hands-off approach to cooking eggs. It is also a healthier alternative as it requires less oil. Here is a guide to help you get the perfect egg every time.

Soft-boiled eggs:

• Temperature: 270°F-280°F (132°C-138°C)
• Timing: 9-11 minutes for a soft yolk, 10-13 minutes for a medium yolk
• Post-cook: Cool in cold water for 5 minutes

Hard-boiled eggs:

• Temperature: 270°F-280°F (132°C-138°C)
• Timing: 12-17 minutes
• Post-cook: Transfer to an ice bath for 5-10 minutes

Poached eggs:

• Temperature: 350°F-360°F (175°C-182°C)
• Timing: 8-12 minutes
• Post-cook: Let the eggs sit for a minute before serving

Fried eggs:

• Temperature: 350°F (177°C)
• Timing: 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, 4 minutes for a medium yolk, 5 minutes for a firm yolk

Scrambled eggs:

• Temperature: 300°F (150°C)
• Timing: 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally

How to peel air-fried eggs

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel your air-fried eggs:

• Prepare an ice bath: As soon as your eggs are done cooking, you will want to immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Fill a bowl with lots of ice cubes and cold water. The bowl should be cold enough and the water level should be high enough to fully cover the eggs.
• Remove the eggs from the air fryer: Using a large spoon, carefully lift the eggs out of the air fryer basket and transfer them to the ice bath.
• Let the eggs cool: Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes. This will make them easier to peel.
• Gently crack the eggshells: Once the eggs are removed from the ice bath, gently tap the wide end of the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. You can also roll the egg on the counter, gently pressing on it to create cracks all over.
• Peel the eggs: Start peeling from the larger, rounder end of the egg, where the air pocket is located. Be very gentle and move slowly, especially if the eggs are soft-boiled as they are more fragile. Use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to help you peel off the shell in bigger pieces.
• Rinse the eggs: After you have completely peeled off the shell, run the egg under some water to get rid of any remaining shell stragglers.
• Store the eggs: If you are not planning to eat the eggs right away, it is best to store them unpeeled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 5-7 days. Peeled soft-boiled eggs will only keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.

How to prevent air-fried eggs from exploding

Air fryers are a convenient and safe way to cook eggs without creating a mess. However, there is a small chance that eggs may explode in an air fryer due to a rapid build-up of steam. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Follow the Proper Guidelines and Temperature Recommendations

By following the manufacturer's instructions and cooking your eggs at the recommended temperature, you can minimise the risk of an explosion. The ideal temperature range for cooking eggs in an air fryer is between 120°C and 275°F (132-135°C). Cooking at moderate temperatures reduces the chance of rapid steam build-up, so you're more likely to have perfectly cooked eggs.

Leave Space Between Eggs

When placing eggs in the air fryer basket, ensure that you leave adequate space between them. This allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking. It also helps prevent the eggs from rolling around and cracking, reducing the risk of explosion.

Use Room Temperature Eggs

It is recommended to use eggs at room temperature for more even cooking in the air fryer. Starting with cold eggs may affect the cooking time and increase the risk of uneven heating, potentially leading to explosions.

Experiment with Cooking Times

Cooking times can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and freshness of the eggs. It is a good idea to do a trial run with one or two eggs to determine the ideal cooking time for your specific air fryer and egg size. This will help you avoid overcooking, which can increase the risk of explosions.

Avoid Overcooking

Overcooking eggs can increase the risk of explosions due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Follow the recommended cooking times based on your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, aim for 9-11 minutes, for jammy eggs, cook for 12-13 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, cook for 14-15 minutes.

Use an Ice Bath to Stop Cooking

After removing the eggs from the air fryer, immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This not only helps prevent overcooking but also makes the eggs easier to peel.

Store Cooked Eggs Properly

If you're not consuming the eggs immediately, it's best to store them in the refrigerator. Hard-boiled eggs with shells on can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. If the eggs have been peeled, place them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel above and below to keep them fresh and moist.

By following these tips, you can minimise the risk of air-fried eggs exploding and confidently enjoy perfectly cooked eggs without the fear of a messy eruption.

How to store air-fried eggs

Air-fried eggs are best enjoyed fresh, as they don't store or reheat well and can become rubbery. However, if you do need to store them, here is a detailed guide on how to store air-fried eggs:

Firstly, it is important to note that air-fried eggs should be peeled before storing. The eggs can be tricky to peel if they are cold, so it is best to peel them immediately after cooking. Gently crack the egg shells and roll them along a hard surface to create cracks all over. Then carefully peel off the shell.

Once peeled, do not cut the eggs until you are ready to eat them. Cutting them too soon can affect their texture and make them dry out.

To store the peeled, uncut eggs, place them in an airtight container or bag. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing the container or bag. Then, store them in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, air-fried eggs can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

If you want to store the eggs for longer than a week, freezing is an option, although it is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the eggs, making the whites mushy and watery, and the yolks mealy. If you do choose to freeze them, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before using them, and only use them for scrambling or baking, rather than refrying.

In summary, for optimal taste and texture, it is best to eat air-fried eggs fresh. However, if you need to store them, peel and place them in an airtight container or bag, then refrigerate for up to 7 days. Avoid freezing if possible, but if necessary, thaw frozen eggs in the refrigerator before using them for scrambling or baking.

How to cook air-fried eggs in different styles

Yes, you can cook whole eggs in an air fryer! Here are some tips and tricks for cooking air-fried eggs in different styles.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

To make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F (120°C-135°C). Place 4-6 eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each egg. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-15 minutes. Then, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Remove the eggs from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath for about 4-5 minutes. Finally, gently crack and peel the eggs.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

Follow the same instructions as for hard-boiled eggs, but cook the eggs for 9-10 minutes for soft-boiled, or 11-13 minutes for "jammy" eggs.

Fried Eggs

To make fried eggs in an air fryer, you will need a small, round, air fryer-safe pan, such as a mini cake pan, a small ramekin, a round glass bowl, or a disposable aluminum pan. Spray your chosen pan with oil or cooking spray, and break one egg into each pan. Season with salt and pepper, or your favourite seasoning. Air fry the eggs at 350°F-370°F (177°C-190°C) for 3-5 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks.

Poached Eggs

For air fryer poached eggs, spray a non-stick, oven-safe pan with oil and preheat it in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Carefully crack an egg into a small cup or bowl and pour it into the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a runny yolk, 4 minutes for a medium yolk, or 5 minutes for a firm yolk.

Frequently asked questions