Boiling Eggs In An Air Fryer: How Long?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a fast, hands-off approach that doesn't require any water. The cooking time depends on the consistency you want to achieve. For soft-boiled eggs, you should air fry them for 9-13 minutes, for jammy eggs, fry for 11-13 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, fry for 14-17 minutes. After frying, it is important to place the eggs in an ice bath to stop them from overcooking.

How to achieve the perfect soft-boil

Soft-boiled eggs are a great option for a quick and nutritious meal. Here is a guide to help you achieve the perfect soft-boil using an air fryer:

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 250°F and 275°F (120°C-135°C). If your air fryer does not go below 300°F (148°C), set it to that temperature instead. Place your eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow proper air circulation.

Cooking Time

For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the strength and model of your air fryer, so you might need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your device.

Cooling and Peeling

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them in an ice bath or a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently crack and peel the shells. Start peeling from the larger end, as there is a small air pocket that can make it easier to separate the membrane and egg white.

Storage

If you have any leftover soft-boiled eggs, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. It is best to keep them in their shells until you are ready to eat them.

Tips

• Use older eggs if you want an easier peeling process.
• If you want centred yolks, turn the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• To prevent the eggs from cracking during cooking, use an air fryer rack or mesh rack to keep them in place.
• If you don't have an ice bath or cold water, simply run the eggs under cold running water for about a minute to stop the cooking process.

How to achieve the perfect hard-boil

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F (120°C and 135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature instead.

Cooking

Place your eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Close the air fryer and cook for 13 to 17 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. If your air fryer is set to 300°F, reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes.

Cooling

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. When the eggs are done, immediately place them in the ice bath for 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not cold. This will make them easier to peel.

Peeling

Gently crack the egg shells by rolling them along a hard surface to create cracks all over. Peel and enjoy right away, or store for later.

Storage

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For unpeeled eggs, use any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled eggs, store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily, or in a sealed container covered with damp paper towels.

Tips

• Use an air fryer rack to prevent your eggs from cracking during cooking.
• Use older eggs for easier peeling.
• Use an ice bath to prevent overcooking and to stop the cooking process as soon as the eggs are done.
• Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for a stiffer egg yolk.
• Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.
• Experiment with cooking times, as different air fryer models may vary in strength and wattage.

How to peel air-fried eggs

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. It's almost like they peel themselves! This is likely due to the dry heat and convection naturally pulling the shell from the membrane as they cook.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to peel air-fried eggs:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This step is crucial as it helps to quickly cool down the eggs and stop the cooking process, ensuring you have full control over the doneness of your eggs.

Step 2: Submerge Eggs in the Ice Bath

Remove the eggs from the air fryer and immediately place them in the ice bath. Let them sit for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled. This step further ensures the cooking process is halted, and it also makes the eggs easier to peel.

Step 3: Crack the Shells

Gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a bit along a hard surface to create cracks along all sides.

Step 4: Peel the Eggs

Starting from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble typically forms, carefully peel away the shell. Enjoy your perfectly peeled, air-fried eggs!

Remember, it is best to peel and eat the eggs immediately. If you need to store them, it is recommended to keep them unpeeled and refrigerated for up to a week.

How to prevent overcooking

To prevent overcooking, it is important to know the right temperature and time to air fry your eggs. The ideal temperature for air frying eggs is between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 148°C). The duration depends on the type of boiled egg you want. Soft-boiled eggs should be cooked for 9 to 11 minutes, while jammy eggs should be cooked for 11 to 13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, air fry for 13 to 17 minutes.

It is also important to note that different air fryers have varying strengths and wattages, so you may need to experiment with different timings to find the perfect setting for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, the size of the eggs and the number of eggs in the air fryer can also affect the cooking time.

To prevent overcooking, it is recommended to use an ice bath or cold water to stop the cooking process. Prepare a bowl of ice water while your eggs are cooking, and once the eggs are done, immediately submerge them in the ice bath for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will cool the eggs and prevent them from continuing to cook.

If you are cooking a large batch of eggs, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.

How to store air-fried eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends storing them in the refrigerator for up to two days before consuming them. This is because soft-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life due to their creamier yolks and higher moisture content. Make sure to refrigerate the eggs within two hours of cooking and only peel them when you are ready to eat.

For hard-boiled eggs, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that they can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. This applies to both unpeeled and peeled eggs. If you choose to freeze your hard-boiled eggs, the FDA states that only the yolks can be frozen, as freezing the whites will make them tough and rubbery. The yolks can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When storing unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, you can use any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled hard-boiled eggs, it is recommended to either store them in a bowl of cold water, making sure to change the water daily, or in a sealed container without water, covering the eggs with damp paper towels.

It is important to note that the storage times mentioned above may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer, the temperature settings, and other factors. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for your particular air fryer model.

Frequently asked questions