Dippy Eggs In The Air Fryer: Timing Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make boiled eggs without the hassle of boiling water. You can make soft-boiled eggs, also known as dippy eggs, in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The cooking time depends on how runny you want the yolk to be. For very runny yolks, cook the eggs for 6 minutes at 300°F. For slightly firmer whites and still runny yolks, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. For even firmer yolks, you can cook the eggs for up to 12 minutes.

How long to air fry boiled eggs

Air frying boiled eggs is a quick and easy way to cook eggs with minimal mess and preparation. The length of time you air fry boiled eggs depends on how runny you want the yolk to be.

Dippy Eggs

For dippy eggs, or soft-boiled eggs, air fry your eggs for between 6 and 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). For very runny yolks, air fry for closer to 6 minutes, and for slightly firmer yolks, air fry for closer to 10 minutes.

Jammy Eggs

For jammy eggs, air fry your eggs for between 9 and 13 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

Hard-Boiled Eggs

For hard-boiled eggs, air fry your eggs for between 12 and 17 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

Tips

• For soft-boiled eggs, use an ice bath to cool the eggs after air frying. This will make the eggs easier to peel and will also stop the cooking process.
• For best results, use room temperature eggs.
• If you are using a larger egg, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• For runny eggs, make sure to leave space between the eggs in the air fryer so that the hot air can circulate.
• For hard-boiled eggs, you can rotate the eggs during cooking to ensure the yolk is set in the middle of the whites.
• To prevent your eggs from exploding, do not cook them at a temperature higher than 400°F (205°C).

Ice bath technique

The Ice Bath Technique

The ice bath technique is a crucial step in achieving the perfect soft-boiled or "dippy" eggs in your air fryer. It ensures that the cooking process is stopped immediately, giving you full control over the doneness of your eggs. It also makes the peeling process hassle-free and helps achieve a perfect texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ice Bath Technique:

• Prepare the Ice Bath: While your eggs are cooking in the air fryer, fill a bowl halfway with ice and then add cold water until the bowl is about three-quarters full. Make sure the water is very cold by using lots of ice cubes. You can also use only ice-cold water from the tap if ice cubes are not available.
• Transfer Eggs to the Ice Bath: As soon as the eggs are done cooking, use kitchen tongs or similar utensils to gently remove them from the air fryer and place them directly into the prepared ice bath. Be careful not to drop or throw the eggs, as you don't want to break the shells.
• Cool the Eggs: Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for 2-5 minutes. The exact time depends on your preference for egg temperature and texture. A shorter time will give you warmer eggs that are easier to peel, while a longer time will result in cooler eggs. Do not leave the eggs in the ice bath for more than 5 minutes, as they may become too cold.
• Crack the Shells: After removing the eggs from the ice bath, gently tap them on a hard surface to create small cracks all around the shell. Be careful not to smash the shell, just tap it lightly.
• Peel the Eggs: Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, where there is usually an air pocket. The shell should come off easily, leaving you with a smooth, perfectly peeled egg. If needed, use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to help with the peeling process.
• Final Touches: Once the eggs are peeled, run them under cool water to remove any remaining shell pieces. If desired, slice off about half an inch of the egg white from the top to expose the yolk and enjoy your dippy eggs with your favourite dippers!

Tips for the Ice Bath Technique:

• Prepare the ice bath in advance so that it is ready as soon as the eggs are done cooking. This is important because you want to stop the cooking process immediately to control the doneness of your eggs.
• Use high-quality ice cubes or very cold water for the ice bath. If using tap water, let it run until it's very cold, and consider refrigerating it for a few minutes before using it.
• Be gentle and patient when peeling the eggs, as they are more fragile when they are soft-boiled.
• If you plan to store the eggs, it is best to keep them unpeeled in their shells to maintain freshness. They will last for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

How to serve dippy eggs

Dippy eggs are a fun and delicious breakfast option, and you can make them in your air fryer in just a few simple steps! Here is a detailed guide on how to serve dippy eggs:

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Before you start, decide how many eggs you want to cook. If this is your first time, it's a good idea to start with just one or two eggs to test out the timings and perfect your technique. If you're storing your eggs in the fridge, take them out and let them come to room temperature. Using room-temperature eggs may lead to slightly faster cooking times.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 270°F and 275°F (132-135°C). However, some air fryers may not go lower than 300°F, so adjust accordingly. You can preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer is ready for the eggs.

Step 3: Place the Eggs in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the desired number of eggs into the air fryer basket or a small dish/ramekin. Make sure to leave some space between the eggs to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the air fryer can result in uneven cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Eggs

Now it's time to air fry your eggs! The cooking time will depend on how runny you want your yolks to be. For very runny yolks, aim for 6-9 minutes. If you prefer your whites to be slightly firmer, go for 9-10 minutes. Remember that every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment a bit to find your perfect timing.

Step 5: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and making the peeling process easier.

Step 6: Cool the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Let them sit for about 2-3 minutes. This step stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. Be careful not to leave them in the ice bath for too long, as you don't want them to get too cold.

Step 7: Peel and Serve the Eggs

After the eggs have cooled down, it's time to peel them. Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to create small cracks all around the shell. Start peeling from the wider end, where there is usually an air pocket. The shell should come off smoothly, leaving you with a perfectly peeled egg.

Now, your dippy eggs are ready to serve! You can enjoy them as-is with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with some of these serving suggestions:

• Toast: Spread avocado, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or butter on a piece of toast and top it with your dippy egg.
• Salads: Add some sliced soft-boiled eggs to your favourite salad for an extra protein boost and a delicious, creamy touch.
• Ramen: Soft-boiled eggs are a classic topping for ramen, adding richness and flavour to the broth.
• Seasoning: Enhance your dippy eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, truffle oil, soy sauce, or fresh herbs like chives or dill.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking dippy eggs in an air fryer will depend on the type of egg you want.

For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks and firm whites, you should air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 9-10 minutes. If you prefer slightly firmer yolks, increase the cooking time to 10-11 minutes.

For "jammy" eggs, cook for 11-13 minutes.

For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 14-15 minutes.

If your air fryer does not have a temperature setting below 300°F, set it to 300°F (148°C) and reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

It is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, the size of your eggs, and the number of eggs you are cooking. Therefore, you may need to experiment a bit to find the ideal cooking time for your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the eggs. This can be done by setting the air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water.

Once the desired cooking time has been reached, it is important to immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. The ice bath is simply a bowl filled with ice and cold water. The eggs should be submerged in the ice water for 2-3 minutes, but no longer than 3 minutes to prevent them from becoming too cold.

After the eggs have cooled, you can gently crack and peel the shells. It is recommended to start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where there is usually an air pocket, and to be gentle and slow during the peeling process.

How to peel air fryer eggs

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

Step 1: Prepare an ice bath

As soon as the eggs are done cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water. This step is crucial as it helps to immediately stop the cooking process and makes the peeling process hassle-free. The cold water helps separate the egg membrane from the shell, resulting in a smooth peel.

Step 2: Transfer the eggs to the ice bath

Place the eggs in the ice bath for at least 2-3 minutes. This cooling step is essential to achieving the perfect texture. Remember not to leave them in the ice bath for more than 3 minutes, as you don't want the eggs to become too cold.

Step 3: Gently crack the egg shells

Once the eggs have cooled down, gently tap them on a hard surface to create small cracks all around the shell.

Step 4: Find the air pocket and start peeling

Boiled eggs typically have an air pocket at the wider end, where the shell usually comes off easily. Start peeling from that end, and the shell should come off smoothly, leaving you with a perfectly peeled egg.

Step 5: Peel slowly and carefully

This is the most important tip for peeling air fryer eggs. The process requires patience, as the eggs are delicate and can easily break. Use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to help you peel away larger pieces of the shell.

Step 6: Rinse the egg

After removing the shell, run the egg under some water to get rid of any remaining shell stragglers.

Tips for Easier Peeling:

• Use high-quality, fresh eggs that are organic, pasture-raised, and USDA grade A or AA.
• Prepare the ice bath in advance, as you need to move quickly once the eggs are done cooking.
• Pay attention to timing. A minute can make a difference between a soft-boiled and hard-boiled egg.
• Use room-temperature eggs for more consistent results.
• Use older eggs, as they tend to be easier to peel than fresh eggs.

Frequently asked questions