Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs: How Long To Cook?

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and convenient way to cook eggs without needing to boil water. They are also easy to peel. The cooking time depends on the desired consistency of the yolk. For soft-boiled eggs, the eggs should be cooked for 9-13 minutes, for medium-boiled eggs 12-13 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs 14-17 minutes. The temperature should be set to 250-270°F (120-130°C). After cooking, the eggs should be placed in an ice bath to stop them from overcooking and make them easier to peel.

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs. While some recipes suggest that you can skip preheating and simply add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C) before adding your eggs. This ensures that your eggs cook evenly and efficiently.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the desired doneness of your hard-boiled eggs. By preheating to 250°F, you create the optimal cooking environment for your eggs. This temperature mimics a simmering pot of water, which is the traditional method for boiling eggs. Setting your air fryer to this temperature ensures that your eggs cook through gradually, resulting in a hard-boiled consistency.

When preheating your air fryer to 250°F, it's important to allow sufficient time for the appliance to reach the desired temperature. Depending on your air fryer model, the preheat time may vary. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the set temperature, especially if they have a higher wattage or a larger capacity. Therefore, it's advisable to refer to your air fryer's user manual or instructions to determine the recommended preheat time for your specific model.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 250°F, you can proceed with the next steps of making hard-boiled eggs. Remember to place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Then, set the timer for your desired cooking duration, typically between 13 and 17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.

By following these instructions and preheating your air fryer to 250°F, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious and evenly cooked hard-boiled eggs.

Cook the eggs for 15-17 minutes

Cooking your eggs for 15-17 minutes will give you a hard-boiled finish. This is the ideal cooking time for those who like their egg whites fully cooked and their yolks firm and dry.

If you're using a 3.5-quart air fryer, preheat it to 270 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, set it to its lowest temperature. Place the eggs in the fryer basket, ensuring they're in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. Close the air fryer and cook for 15-17 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, immediately remove the eggs from the air fryer and plunge them into an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel. Leave the eggs in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes, or until they're cool enough to handle.

If you're not planning to eat the eggs right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For unpeeled eggs, you can 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.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is an essential step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs. It is a simple yet effective technique that helps to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing an ice bath:

• Fill a Bowl with Ice: Start by finding a suitable bowl, preferably made of metal as it retains the cold temperature better. Fill the bowl halfway with ice.
• Add Cold Water: Once you have added a generous amount of ice, pour in cold water. The water should be enough to cover the eggs completely when they are submerged. You can adjust the water level accordingly.
• Submerge the Eggs: After cooking your eggs in the air fryer, carefully transfer them to the prepared ice bath. Make sure the eggs are completely covered by the ice water.
• Let the Eggs Cool: Keep the eggs in the ice bath for a sufficient amount of time to ensure they are completely cooled. This can take around 8 to 15 minutes. The cold temperature will halt the cooking process, preventing the eggs from becoming overcooked and rubbery.
• Peel the Eggs: Once the eggs are cooled, you can remove them from the ice bath. Gently crack and peel the shells. The ice bath helps make the peeling process easier by creating a separation between the egg membrane and the shell.
• Store the Eggs: If you are not planning to consume the eggs immediately, you can store them in the refrigerator. Peeled or unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be refrigerated for up to 5 to 7 days. For unpeeled eggs, you can store them in any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled eggs, place them in a sealed container and cover them with damp paper towels, or store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily.

Lightly crack the eggshell

Once your eggs are cooked, plunge them into an ice bath. This will prevent your eggs from continuing to cook after you’ve removed them from the air fryer.

Now, you're ready to peel your eggs. Start by lightly cracking the eggshell. You can do this by gently tapping the egg with the back of a spoon. Then, re-submerge the egg in the ice bath and take it out again to finish peeling. You can also roll the egg along a hard surface to create cracks all over the shell.

If you're finding it difficult to peel the egg, try running it under cold water. The water will flow between the shell and the egg, making it easier to peel.

Peel from the wider end

So, you've cooked your hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer—now it's time to peel them.

First, you'll want to crack the egg on your counter or another hard surface. Tap the wider end of the egg on the counter, and you should see some cracks start to form. You can also try rolling the egg gently between your hands to loosen the shell.

Next, starting at the wider end, begin to peel away the shell. You can try peeling the egg under running water or dipping it in a bowl of water, which can help with the removal process.

If you're having trouble, try the "crack and roll" method. After cracking the wider end of the egg, roll it across a hard surface while applying gentle pressure with your palm. This will create lots of little fractures in the shell, which you can then peel off.

Another method is to use a spoon. After cracking the wider end, insert the tip of a teaspoon between the shell and the egg, and rotate the spoon around the egg. Work the spoon down and around the egg until the shell comes off in one piece.

With any of these methods, your hard-boiled eggs should be peeled and ready to eat or use in your favourite recipes!

Frequently asked questions