Soft-Boiled Eggs In Air Fryer: Quick And Easy Breakfast

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious breakfast option, but getting the timing right can be tricky. If you're using an air fryer, the process is much simpler, and you can have your eggs ready in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg in your air fryer.

How long to air fry soft-boiled eggs

Air-frying soft-boiled eggs is a quick and easy way to prepare them without the need for a stove or pot. Plus, air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel!

The length of time it takes to air fry soft-boiled eggs depends on the consistency you want to achieve and the model of your air fryer.

Consistency

For soft-boiled eggs with slightly runny whites, air fry your eggs for around 9 minutes. If you prefer your eggs a little more cooked but still soft, go for 10 minutes, which will give you a very runny yolk with slightly jammy edges.

Air Fryer Model

The model of your air fryer will also impact the cooking time. For example, if your air fryer doesn't go lower than 300° F, you should subtract around 1-2 minutes from the recommended cooking time.

Tips

• It's important to preheat your air fryer before adding the eggs.
• Make sure to leave space between each egg in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• After cooking, immediately transfer your eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
• Gently crack the eggs on a hard surface and carefully peel, starting from the larger, rounder end of the egg, where there is usually an air pocket.

Experimenting

It may take some experimenting to find the perfect cooking time for your desired consistency, so be sure to start with just one or two eggs until you get a handle on it.

Happy air frying!

How to peel soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious breakfast staple, but they can be tricky to peel without ruining them. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to peel soft-boiled eggs with ease:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

Having an ice bath ready is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it helps to immediately stop the cooking process, ensuring your eggs don't overcook and remain soft-boiled. Secondly, the ice bath makes the eggs easier to peel. Prepare the ice bath by filling a bowl with lots of ice cubes and cold water. The colder the water, the better.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, cook your eggs in the air fryer for around 9-10 minutes at a temperature of 270-275°F (132-135°C). The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and personal preference, so you might need to experiment a little. Remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the eggs.

Step 3: Transfer Eggs to the Ice Bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking, carefully transfer them to the prepared ice bath. Leave them in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps cool the eggs and makes peeling easier.

Step 4: Crack the Shell

Once the eggs have cooled down, gently tap or crack the shell all around the egg on a hard surface. Be careful not to use too much force, as soft-boiled eggs are more delicate than hard-boiled ones.

Step 5: Roll the Egg

After cracking the shell, gently roll the egg between the palms of your hands to loosen the shell even further. This step helps create more cracks in the shell, making it easier to peel.

Step 6: Start Peeling

Begin peeling the egg under cold running water, starting from the larger end. This end usually has an air pocket that makes it easier to initiate the peeling process. Use the thin membrane that separates the egg white from the shell to your advantage. Peeling the membrane can help you remove the shell in larger pieces.

Step 7: Rinse and Enjoy

Once you've removed all the shell, give the egg a final rinse under cold water to get rid of any remaining shell fragments. Now your soft-boiled egg is ready to be enjoyed!

Additional Tips:

• Use high-quality, fresh eggs that are at room temperature for best results.
• Older eggs tend to peel more easily than fresh ones, so consider using eggs that are a few days old.
• Adding vinegar to the cooking water can also help make the eggs easier to peel.

How to serve soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to serve soft-boiled eggs:

Preparing the Eggs

Before serving soft-boiled eggs, it is important to prepare them properly. Here are some key steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 250°F and 275°F.
• Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow for even cooking.
• Cook the eggs for 9 to 10 minutes for a soft-boiled consistency. Adjust the time according to your preference and the characteristics of your air fryer.
• Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Let them sit in the ice bath for at least 3 minutes.
• Gently crack and peel the eggs, being careful not to damage the delicate whites.

Serving Options

Once your soft-boiled eggs are ready, here are some serving suggestions:

• Egg Cup: Traditionally, soft-boiled eggs are served in an egg cup, which is a small container that holds the egg upright. Tap or whack the top of the egg with a spoon or knife to create an opening, and use a spoon to scoop out the egg and enjoy.
• Ramekin or Bowl: If you don't have an egg cup, you can use a ramekin or a small bowl. Simply scoop out the egg from its shell and serve it in the ramekin.
• Toast: Spread the soft-boiled egg on a piece of toast. You can add some butter, avocado, cream cheese, or cottage cheese to the toast for extra flavour.
• Breakfast Taco: Use the soft-boiled egg as a filling for a breakfast taco, pairing it with salsa, breakfast meat, cheese, fresh cilantro, and red onion.
• Salads and Grain Bowls: Add soft-boiled eggs to salads or grain bowls, such as a Cobb Salad or a rice bowl with sweet potatoes and roasted veggies. The runny yolk will act as an extra dressing, adding both protein and flavour to your bowl.
• Egg Salad: Mash up the soft-boiled eggs and use them to make a creamy egg salad. The runny yolks will add extra creaminess without the need for too much mayonnaise.
• Seasonings: Enhance the flavour of your soft-boiled egg by sprinkling it with sea salt, black pepper, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also add some hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot, Sriracha, or Tabasco.

Remember, soft-boiled eggs are best enjoyed fresh, so serve them immediately after cooking for the best experience.

How to store soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days if unpeeled, and 3-4 days if peeled. However, it is recommended that they are consumed within a couple of days as, even if they look and smell fine, they may not be safe to eat if stored for too long.

To store soft-boiled eggs, first, cool them down quickly to prevent the growth of bacteria. The best way to do this is to place them in a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the date, so you know how long you have to consume them. Make sure your fridge is set to the correct temperature—between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you are ready to eat your stored soft-boiled eggs, gently warm them in a bath of hot water. Be careful not to overcook them, or you will lose that perfect velvety centre.

Air fryer temperature and timings

The air fryer temperature and timings will depend on the type of boiled egg you want to make. For soft-boiled eggs, most sources recommend cooking the eggs for around 9-10 minutes at a temperature of 270-280°F (132-138°C). However, if you prefer your eggs to be a little more cooked, you can go for a "jammy" consistency by cooking them for 11-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, increase the cooking time to 14-15 minutes. It's important to note that the timings may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the eggs, so you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect timing for your desired level of doneness.

When cooking eggs in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer first. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to ensure even cooking. After cooking, it is important to immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process. This step also helps make the eggs easier to peel. Leave the eggs in the ice bath for at least 2-3 minutes before peeling them carefully.

Some additional tips for cooking eggs in an air fryer include:

• Using an oven mitt to handle the hot eggs and air fryer basket.
• Experimenting with your air fryer by cooking one or two eggs at a time until you find the perfect timing for your desired level of doneness.
• Not overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Using room temperature eggs for consistent results, although this step is not crucial.

Frequently asked questions