Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs: Is It Possible?

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious treat, but achieving that perfect runny yolk can be tricky. Air fryers are a popular alternative to boiling eggs in water, and many people swear by them for the perfect soft-boiled egg. But can you really get the same results as the traditional boiling method?

Well, it seems that you can! Air fryers can cook soft-boiled eggs in around 9-11 minutes, depending on the model and your desired level of runniness. The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, add the eggs, and then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The ice bath also makes the eggs easier to peel, which is often the most challenging part of preparing boiled eggs.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook soft-boiled eggs, give your air fryer a go! Just remember that every air fryer is different, so you might need to experiment with the timing to get your perfect egg.

How long to soft boil an egg in an air fryer

Yes, you can soft boil eggs in an air fryer! Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for soft-boiled eggs is between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 135°C). If your air fryer does not go below 300°F, set it to that temperature and reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Next, place your eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring there is some space between each egg. This allows the air to circulate properly and cook the eggs evenly. Close the air fryer.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the specifics of your air fryer, so you might need to experiment a little. If you prefer your eggs a little more well done, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This will be used to stop the eggs from cooking further once they are done.

Once the eggs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath for about 4-5 minutes. This will make them easier to peel.

After they have cooled down, gently crack and peel the eggs. Start peeling from the wider end, where there is usually an air pocket, as this facilitates easier peeling.

And that's it! Your soft-boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, or get creative with seasonings like everything bagel seasoning, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.

Air fryer temperature for soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can soft-boil eggs in an air fryer. The temperature and timing will depend on the type of egg you want.

For soft-boiled eggs, you should air fry your eggs between 9 and 10 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks. If you prefer your eggs to be very dippy with runny yolks, air fry your eggs at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. For slightly firmer eggs with jammy yolks, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes.

If your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300° F, set it to this temperature and subtract about 1-2 minutes from the cooking time.

It's important to note that there are many factors that will influence the cooking time, such as the strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, and the size of your eggs. As such, you may need to experiment to find the ideal cooking time for your desired level of doneness.

Once the eggs are done cooking, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Allow them to cool for at least 3-5 minutes before peeling.

How to peel soft-boiled eggs

Yes, you can soft boil an egg in an air fryer. Here's how to peel soft-boiled eggs:

The key to peeling soft-boiled eggs is to first cool them down. You can do this by transferring them to an ice bath as soon as they're cooked. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to handle.

Once the eggs are cool, you can start peeling. Gently tap the egg against a hard surface to crack the shell all around it. You can also try giving the egg a gentle squeeze to create small cracks all over.

The next step is to roll the egg gently between the palms of your hands to loosen the shell even more. It's important to be gentle and smooth with your movements to avoid the egg breaking or becoming misshapen.

Now, you can start peeling the shell off the egg. Start on the larger end, where the air bubble usually forms, and work your way down. It's best to use the membrane, not the shell, to peel the egg. The membrane is the thin, translucent layer between the shell and the egg white.

Finally, once the shell is completely removed, rinse the egg to get rid of any remaining shell pieces.

With these steps, you'll be able to peel soft-boiled eggs like a pro!

Soft-boiled eggs serving suggestions

Soft-boiled eggs are a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soft-boiled eggs:

On Toast

A classic way to enjoy soft-boiled eggs is on a slice of toast. Simply pop the egg into an egg cup, crack the top quarter of the shell, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favourite seasoning. You can also add some buttered toast strips, also known as "soldiers", for dipping into the runny yolk.

In a Salad

Soft-boiled eggs make a great addition to any salad, providing a boost of protein and healthy fats. Try them on a bed of greens with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes. You can also add them to a Niçoise salad or a deconstructed potato and egg salad.

In a Grain Bowl

Create your own grain bowl by pairing a soft-boiled egg with a base of rice, quinoa, farro, or wheat berries. Top it off with your choice of vegetables and a punchy sauce, such as sesame ginger dressing or peanut sauce.

In Ramen or Soup

Add a soft-boiled egg to a bowl of ramen to take it to the next level. You can also try it in other soups, such as miso soup or spicy kimchi miso soup. The runny yolk will blend beautifully with the broth, creating a rich and creamy texture.

In a Breakfast Sandwich

For a hearty breakfast, combine a soft-boiled egg with bacon, cheese, tomato, mayonnaise, and your choice of greens. You can also experiment with different proteins and sauces to make it your own.

As a Topping

Soft-boiled eggs can be used as a tasty topping for larger dishes. Try adding one to avocado toast, a breakfast bowl, or even a lentil salad.

On Their Own

Sometimes, the simplest way to enjoy soft-boiled eggs is on their own. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, or your favourite seasoning, and dig in!

How to store soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days if kept in their shell in an airtight container. If you want to store them for longer, you can try coating them in fat or wax, as this creates a protective layer that bacteria struggle to penetrate.

If you want to reheat soft-boiled eggs, it is best not to use a microwave, as this can cause the eggs to explode. Instead, peel the eggs and submerge them in a mug of hot water for two minutes. This will give you a warmed egg white and a jammy or runny yolk, depending on how long you boiled them for initially.

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