Ella Walter
Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off approach that delivers evenly cooked eggs with minimal mess. The cooking time depends on the desired outcome, ranging from 8 to 17 minutes for soft-boiled to hard-boiled eggs. This method eliminates the need to wait for water to boil and allows for easy peeling, making it a convenient option for meal preparation. Air-fried eggs can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and snacks, providing a simple way to add protein to your meals.
Cooking Boiled Eggs in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 250°F (120°C) to 275°F (135°C) |
| Egg Temperature | Room temperature or cold |
| Egg Placement | In the air fryer basket, preferably on a wire rack |
| Egg Spacing | Leave a little space between each egg |
| Cooking Time | 8-17 minutes, depending on desired outcome |
| Post-Cooking | Place eggs in an ice bath for 4-10 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to one week |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 250-275°F (120-135°C)
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the process of making boiled eggs. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, others recommend setting your air fryer to a temperature between 250°F and 275°F (120°C and 135°C). This temperature range is important because it mimics the gentle heat of a simmering pot of water, which is the traditional method for boiling eggs. By preheating your air fryer to this temperature range, you create an environment that will cook your eggs evenly and effectively.
When preheating your air fryer, it's important to remember that the temperature settings on different models can vary. Some air fryers might have a minimum temperature setting that is higher than the desired range. In such cases, you can set your air fryer to 300°F (148°C). However, keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, reducing it by about 1-2 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
The preheating process not only ensures that your air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking boiled eggs, but it also helps to create a consistent cooking environment. This consistency is key to achieving your desired level of doneness, whether you prefer soft-boiled, jammy, or hard-boiled eggs. By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you set the stage for even cooking and better control over the final outcome.
Additionally, preheating your air fryer can help you avoid overcooking or undercooking your eggs. It provides a stable temperature environment, allowing you to more accurately follow the recommended cooking times for your desired level of doneness. This is especially important when making boiled eggs, as the difference between a soft, runny yolk and a hard, fully cooked yolk can be a matter of just a few minutes.
In summary, preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range of 250°F to 275°F (120°C to 135°C) is a crucial step in the process of making boiled eggs. It ensures even cooking, helps you achieve your desired level of doneness, and prevents overcooking or undercooking. By taking the time to preheat your air fryer, you're setting yourself up for success in creating delicious and perfectly cooked boiled eggs.
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Place eggs in the air fryer basket
When placing the eggs in the air fryer basket, it is important to leave a little space between each one. This is because cooking them stacked on top of each other can cause them to crack. It is also recommended to use a wire rack to prevent the eggs from moving around and potentially cracking. You can cook the eggs without a rack, but this is best avoided to prevent any damage to the eggs.
Before placing the eggs in the basket, you should preheat your air fryer. While some sources suggest preheating to 270° F (132° C), others recommend a lower temperature of 250° F (120° C). If your air fryer does not go below 300° F, you should set it to this temperature. It is also worth noting that you should test one egg first to find the exact time and temperature that work for your air fryer and personal preference.
When placing the eggs in the basket, they should be cold. This is because the eggs will not need as long to cook if they are at room temperature.
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Cook for 9-17 minutes
The cooking time for your boiled eggs will depend on the type of boiled egg you want to make. For a soft-boiled egg, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. If you prefer your soft-boiled eggs on the firmer side, you can cook them for 12-13 minutes. This is also the recommended cooking time for jammy eggs.
If you want a medium-boiled egg, set the timer for 14 minutes. For a well-done or hard-boiled egg, you can leave the eggs in the air fryer for 15-17 minutes. If you want a stiffer egg yolk, you can leave the eggs in for an additional 1-2 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. For example, if your air fryer's minimum temperature is 300° F (148°C), you should reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes.
While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Once the eggs are done, place them in the ice bath for at least 4-5 minutes to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
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Prepare an ice bath
Preparing an ice bath for your boiled eggs is a crucial step in the cooking process. It helps to immediately halt the cooking, preventing overcooking and the dreaded rubbery egg whites and green-tinged yolks. It also makes the eggs easier to peel.
To prepare an ice bath, grab a bowl that is large enough to accommodate a generous amount of ice, water, and the eggs themselves, allowing them room to move around and cool evenly. It's essential to use a lot of ice because the hot eggs will start melting the ice immediately. Add just enough water to cover the ice. The ice bath can be prepared ahead of time and placed near the stove, ensuring easy access once the eggs are done cooking.
Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked eggs from the air fryer to the ice bath. Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for at least 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool to the touch but not ice-cold. This usually takes around 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of eggs and their temperature. The eggs can remain in the ice bath for as long as needed, but they should not be left in for an extended period, as this could make them soggy.
The ice bath works by shocking the eggs with cold water, which causes the egg whites to contract and pull away from the shell, making the eggs easier to peel. This method is a game-changer for achieving perfectly boiled eggs with smooth, intact yolks and whites.
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Peel and serve
Once your eggs are boiled in the air fryer, it's time to peel and serve them. Air fryer eggs are incredibly easy to peel. The dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as they cook. The eggs practically peel themselves!
To peel the eggs, gently crack the egg shells, rolling them a bit along a hard surface to create cracks all over. You can then use your thumbs to peel away the shell. If you're having trouble, try running the eggs under cold water as you peel to help separate the shell from the white.
Once peeled, you can serve the eggs as they are, with just a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or sea salt. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try an egg salad with bacon, chicken Caesar salad, or smoked salmon and eggs. You could also make a fun potato salad or dip slices of hard-boiled egg into hummus.
If you're not serving the eggs right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. For unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, you can store them in any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled hard-boiled eggs, store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily, or in a sealed container without water, covered with damp paper towels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, preheat your air fryer to 250-275° F (120-135°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300° F, set it to 300° F (148°C).
For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-12 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 12-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-17 minutes.
Place the eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. If possible, use a wire rack to prevent the eggs from moving.
Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Place the eggs in the ice bath for 4-5 minutes until cool to the touch.
Yes, you can cook up to 12 eggs at once in your air fryer.
