Air Fryer Runny Eggs: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook eggs, whether you like them runny, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled. The cooking time for runny eggs in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of runniness, but generally, it takes around 8 to 10 minutes to achieve a runny yolk. Some recipes suggest cooking for as little as 3 minutes, while others recommend up to 11 minutes for a very runny yolk. It's important to note that the timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your eggs as they cook to avoid overcooking.

Air fryer temperature for runny eggs

Air-fried eggs are a quick, easy, and healthy way to make soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs. They are also a great option for those busy mornings when you don't want to deal with boiling water and messy stovetops.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for runny eggs in an air fryer is between 300°F and 375°F. The timing depends on the desired level of runniness, but it typically ranges from 8 to 10 minutes for soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks.

It is important to note that different air fryers may have varying results, so it is recommended to experiment with the timing to find the perfect cook time for your desired level of runniness. Additionally, when making fried eggs, it is suggested to check on the eggs after 3 minutes as some air fryers cook faster than others.

Tips for Success

• Space out the eggs in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For soft-boiled eggs, air fry at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
• Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice cubes and cold water. This helps to quickly cool down the eggs and makes peeling easier.
• Serve air-fried eggs with hot sauce, bacon, fresh fruit, or as part of an egg salad or Cobb salad.

Other Air-Fried Egg Recipes

You can also use the air fryer to make fried eggs, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. For fried eggs, crack the eggs into a small aluminum pan or mini pie tins and air fry at 325°F to 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired doneness.

For scrambled eggs, whisk the eggs before air frying in a small oiled ramekin. Halfway through the cooking time, whisk the eggs again and adjust the timing as needed.

To make poached eggs, crack the eggs into a small dish and air fry at 300°F for about 8 minutes.

With a bit of experimentation, you can use your air fryer to create a variety of delicious egg dishes with ease and minimal cleanup!

Air fryer runny eggs cooking time

A runny egg in an air fryer will take anywhere between 3 and 10 minutes, depending on the type of runny egg you want and the model of your air fryer.

Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are runny eggs with set whites. To make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 270–300° F. Then, add your eggs to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for 9–10 minutes.

Air Fryer Fried Eggs

For fried eggs with runny yolks, you will need a small, round, air fryer-safe pan, such as a mini cake pan or ramekin, to hold the eggs. Crack an egg into the pan, season, and cook in the air fryer at 370° F for 4 minutes.

If you want a runnier yolk, you can cook the egg for 3 minutes. For a firmer yolk, cook for up to 7 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Eggs in an Air Fryer

• Always use an ice bath to cool your eggs after cooking and before peeling. This will make the eggs easier to peel and prevent overcooking.
• Be aware that the cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and your preference for how runny you like your eggs. You may need to experiment to get the perfect cooking time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each egg to ensure even cooking.
• For fried eggs, use a mister spray bottle or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan.
• For soft-boiled eggs, use room temperature eggs for more consistent results.
• For fried eggs, crack the eggs into a bowl first, then pour them into the pan to reduce the chance of breaking the yolk.
• For soft-boiled eggs, prepare the ice bath in advance. As soon as the eggs are cooked, they need to be placed in the ice bath to stop them from overcooking.
• For fried eggs, serve with toast to mop up the runny yolk!

How to prevent eggs from exploding in the air fryer

Eggs are a breakfast staple, and preparing them in an air fryer is a convenient and mess-free alternative to boiling. However, some people are concerned about the possibility of eggs exploding in the air fryer, similar to what happens in a microwave. Rest assured, there are several reasons why eggs won't explode in an air fryer if used correctly, and there are also some simple steps you can follow to ensure perfect runny eggs every time.

Reasons Eggs Won't Explode in an Air Fryer

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between how microwaves and air fryers work. Microwaves use radiation to vibrate water molecules inside food at high intensity, which is why water can reach its boiling point incredibly quickly and cause steam to build up inside an egg, leading to a messy explosion if there's a small crack in the shell.

On the other hand, air fryers use hot air technology to heat up all parts of the food evenly and consistently, not just the water. This controlled heating method prevents steam build-up and pressure inside the egg, so there's no risk of an explosion.

Tips to Prevent Eggs from Exploding in Your Air Fryer

Now that you understand why eggs won't explode in an air fryer, here are some tips to ensure your breakfast goes smoothly:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a low temperature (270°F to 275°F) to mimic a simmering pot of water when boiling eggs.
• Leave space between eggs: Allow air to circulate properly by leaving a little space between each egg. This also ensures even cooking.
• Experiment with cook times: The ideal cook time for runny eggs may vary depending on factors such as the strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, and the size of the eggs. Start with one or two eggs and adjust the timing as needed.
• Prepare an ice bath: After cooking, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water) to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
• Peel carefully: When the eggs are cool but not chilled, remove them from the ice bath and start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where an air bubble usually forms.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked runny eggs from your air fryer without any worries of explosions.

How to peel air fryer runny eggs

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

• Prepare an ice bath: As soon as the eggs are done cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This will be used to stop the eggs from cooking further and make them easier to peel.
• Remove the eggs from the air fryer: Use a spoon to carefully take the eggs out of the air fryer and place them in the ice bath. Let them sit for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled.
• Crack the egg shells: Take the eggs out of the ice bath and gently crack the shells by rolling them along a hard surface. Make sure to create cracks along all sides of the egg.
• Peel the eggs: Start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms. Be very gentle and move slowly, as runny eggs are more fragile than hard-boiled eggs. Use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to help you peel.
• Final touches: After removing the shell, run the egg under some water to get rid of any remaining shell pieces. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, if desired, and enjoy!

It is important to note that the timing and temperature for air-frying runny eggs may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preference. Experiment with different timings to find the perfect cook time for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, always be careful when handling hot eggs and use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands.

Air fryer runny eggs serving suggestions

Air fryer runny eggs are a quick and easy breakfast option. They can be served in a variety of ways, including:

On Toast

A classic way to serve fried eggs is on toast. The runny yolk acts as a delicious, natural sauce for the toast. You could add a smear of avocado, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or butter. Or, for extra flavour, try everything bagel seasoning, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

In a Breakfast Taco

Runny eggs are perfect for breakfast tacos as the yolk acts like an extra sauce. Pair with salsa, breakfast meat, cheese, fresh cilantro, red onion, and any other desired toppings.

On a Burger

For lunch or dinner, fried eggs are a tasty addition to a burger. The runny yolk will complement the meat and act as an extra sauce.

In a Salad

Salads such as a Cobb Salad or a Burger Salad can be enhanced by the addition of a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk will create a natural dressing and add extra protein and flavour.

With Hash Browns

Air fryer eggs are a great breakfast option, especially when served with hash browns, either from the air fryer or cooked by traditional means.

In an Egg Salad

Soft-boiled eggs are a great addition to an egg salad. The creamy, runny yolk adds extra creaminess without the need for lots of mayonnaise.

With Meat

Air fryer eggs are a great side for breakfast meats such as bacon, sausage links, or breakfast potatoes.

With Fruit

For a well-rounded breakfast, serve your air fryer eggs with fresh fruit such as grapefruit, oranges, cantaloupe, or berries.

Frequently asked questions