Air-Frying Hard-Boiled Eggs: How Long Should You Fry?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that produces evenly cooked eggs that are easy to peel. The length of time you boil your eggs depends on the type of boiled egg you want. For a soft-boiled egg, cook your eggs for 9-10 minutes at 250°F. For a jammy egg, cook for 11-13 minutes at the same temperature. And for a hard-boiled egg, cook for 14-15 minutes.

How long to boil eggs for soft- boiled eggs

How Long to Boil Eggs for Soft-Boiled Eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a delight, with firm whites and a silky, creamy yolk. Here's a detailed guide on how long you should boil your eggs to achieve that perfect soft-boiled consistency.

The ideal boiling time for soft-boiled eggs depends on several factors, including your personal preference for yolk consistency, the size of the eggs, and the boiling method. Let's break it down:

Boiling Time for Soft-Boiled Eggs:

• If you prefer your egg whites fully set but still want a runny yolk, boil large eggs for 6 minutes.
• For slightly softer whites and a very runny yolk, reduce the boiling time to between 3 and 5 minutes.
• For a "jammy" yolk with an almost set white, boil for 7 minutes.
• If you want a soft and set white but a slightly firmer yolk, go for 8 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• The boiling times mentioned above are for large eggs, typically weighing between 56 and 62 grams. If you're using medium eggs, reduce the time by 30 seconds. For extra-large eggs, add 30 seconds, and for jumbo eggs, add a full minute.
• The starting temperature of your eggs matters. Cold eggs straight from the refrigerator may take slightly longer to boil, so consider letting them sit at room temperature for a bit before boiling.
• Different boiling methods, such as using a full pot of water or the steaming method, can also impact the cooking time. The steaming method, for example, typically takes 6 minutes for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk and firm whites.
• To achieve your desired level of doneness, it's crucial to experiment and adjust the boiling time based on your specific stove, cookware, and the number of eggs you're boiling.
• Always cool your soft-boiled eggs in an ice bath or under cold running water as soon as they're done to prevent overcooking and to make peeling easier.

How long to boil eggs for jammy eggs

If you're looking to make jammy eggs in your air fryer, the timing will depend on a few factors, including your desired level of doneness, the strength of your air fryer, and the size of your eggs. However, a good starting point is to preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F (some sources recommend 350°F for soft-boiled eggs). Then, cook your eggs for 11 to 13 minutes for jammy results.

It's important to leave some space between each egg in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. Additionally, you may need to experiment with cooking times to find the perfect sweet spot for your desired level of doneness.

Once the eggs are done cooking, immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Leave them in the ice bath for about 4 to 10 minutes, until they are cool but not completely chilled.

Now you're ready to enjoy your jammy eggs! You can serve them as-is or use them in recipes like egg salad, avocado egg salad, or cauliflower potato salad.

Tips for Boiling Eggs in an Air Fryer

• Experiment with cook times: The ideal cooking time for your eggs may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the number of eggs you're cooking, and their size. It's recommended to start with a lower temperature and adjust as needed.
• Use an ice bath: An ice bath helps stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. If you don't have ice, simply run the eggs under cold water for a minute.
• Use a grill or mesh rack: If your air fryer doesn't have a basket, you can use a grill rack or mesh rack to allow air to circulate around the eggs.
• Cook in batches: Air fryer hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can cook a large batch at once for meal prep.

How long to boil eggs for hard- boiled eggs

How Long to Boil Eggs for Hard-Boiled Eggs

There are several ways to make hard-boiled eggs, including using an air fryer or boiling them in water on a stove.

Air Fryer

If you're using an air fryer, you can make hard-boiled eggs in about 13 to 17 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Preheat your air fryer to around 250°F (some sources recommend 270°F to 275°F). Then, add your eggs to the fryer basket and cook them for 13 to 15 minutes for hard-boiled consistency.

Stove

If you're boiling eggs on a stove, the process will be slightly different. Here are the steps to follow:

• Place your desired number of eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water by at least one inch.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
• Once the water is boiling rapidly, cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat.
• Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how hard you like your boiled eggs.
• After the allotted time, carefully drain the water or use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs.
• Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or run cold water over them to stop the cooking process and cool the eggs.
• Peel the eggs by tapping them all over to crack the shell, then remove it.

Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

• Use older eggs: Older eggs are easier to peel than fresh eggs. If you want your hard-boiled eggs to be easy to peel, use eggs that are at least a week old.
• Avoid overcooking: Overcooked eggs will have powdery, dry yolks and rubbery whites. Stick to the recommended cooking times to avoid overcooking.
• Use an ice bath: An ice bath or running cold water over the eggs helps to stop the cooking process and makes peeling the eggs easier.

How to prevent overcooking

To prevent overcooking, it is important to monitor the temperature and duration of cooking. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking when boiling eggs in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure consistent cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 250°F to 275°F (120°C to 135°C). However, some air fryers may not go below 300°F (148°C). In this case, you can set the temperature to 300°F and reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness of your eggs and the model of your air fryer. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 8 to 11 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 12 to 13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13 to 17 minutes. It is important to experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal setting for your air fryer.
• Use an ice water bath: After cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice water bath or run them under cold water. This helps to stop the cooking process and prevents overcooking. It also makes the eggs easier to peel.
• Avoid overcrowding: Leave some space between each egg in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.
• Experiment with different techniques: Some people suggest shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Others recommend not opening the air fryer during cooking to avoid letting out hot air. Find the technique that works best for your air fryer through experimentation.
• Monitor the yolk: If the yolk of your boiled egg has a green ring around it, it means the egg has been cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. Next time, shorten the cooking time or reduce the temperature.

How to store boiled eggs

Boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, there are different ways to store peeled and unpeeled eggs to ensure maximum freshness.

Storing Unpeeled Hard-Boiled Eggs

It is best to store hard-boiled eggs with their shells on as the outer layer serves as a protective barrier. Plus, they're easier to peel once they've chilled in the fridge. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels. It's important to keep moisture to a minimum. Place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container. You can use a resealable storage bag if that's all you have, but it's best to opt for something sturdier to keep the shells intact.

Storing Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs

Some people prefer to peel their hard-boiled eggs before storing, but this requires a few extra steps. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. Peel the eggs under running water. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the eggs. Store, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days. Replace the water every day to keep it fresh.

Additional Tips

• It is not recommended to store hard-boiled eggs in the freezer as once defrosted, the egg white will turn tough with a watery texture and become inedible.
• Spoiled hard-boiled eggs often have a slimy or chalky film on the shell. They also can give off an unpleasant, rotten smell.

Frequently asked questions