Air-Fryer Scotch Eggs: Perfect Timing, Perfect Taste

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish, often served at picnics, pubs, parties, or as a snack. They are made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat and coating it in breadcrumbs before frying. While they are typically deep-fried, they can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier and less messy alternative. The air fryer Scotch egg cooking time varies depending on the desired level of doneness for the eggs and the sausage meat, but on average, they take around 12-25 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature you should set will depend on the stage of the Scotch egg-making process you are at.

Firstly, when boiling the eggs, a temperature of 130°C/270°F is recommended. At this temperature, the eggs should be cooked for 11 minutes to soft-boil them.

Secondly, when cooking the Scotch eggs, the air fryer temperature should be set higher. Most recipes recommend cooking the Scotch eggs at 200°C for 20 minutes. However, one recipe suggests cooking at 390°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, turning the eggs over halfway through.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures may vary depending on the make and model, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some recipes recommend spraying the Scotch eggs with oil before placing them in the air fryer, as this can help with the cooking process and ensure even browning.

Finally, when it comes to serving, it is best to serve Scotch eggs hot and straight out of the air fryer, as this is when they are at their crispiest and most delicious.

Boiling the eggs

Preparing the Eggs for Boiling:

Start by gathering 4-6 eggs, depending on how many servings you want to make. It is recommended to use eggs that are at room temperature to ensure even cooking. You can use fresh eggs or older eggs, but keep in mind that fresher eggs might be slightly more challenging to peel after boiling.

There are different methods you can use to boil the eggs, such as steaming or using an air fryer. Here are the instructions for both methods:

Steaming the Eggs:

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring it is above the water level. Carefully place the eggs in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam the eggs for around 12 minutes for a soft-boiled yolk. Adjust the timing based on your desired yolk consistency. Remember that the yolks will continue to cook slightly once you remove them from the heat, so it's better to undercook them slightly.

Place the eggs in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 130°C/270°F. Cook the eggs for approximately 11 minutes for a soft-boiled result. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

Stopping the Cooking Process:

To prevent overcooking and achieve the desired yolk consistency, it's essential to stop the cooking process at the right time. Once the eggs are done steaming or air frying, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water. This will cool the eggs rapidly and prevent further cooking. Leave the eggs in the ice water for about 5 minutes to ensure they are completely cooled.

Peeling the Eggs:

After the eggs have cooled down, carefully peel off the shells. Start by tapping the eggs gently on a hard surface to create small cracks all over the shell. Then, use your fingers or a spoon to gently peel away the shell, starting from the wider end of the egg. Try to keep the egg whites intact as much as possible during this process.

Once the eggs are peeled, you can proceed to the next steps of making Scotch eggs, which include preparing the sausage mixture, coating the eggs, and air frying the Scotch eggs until they're cooked to perfection!

Preparing the sausage mixture

To prepare the sausage mixture, start by removing the skins from the sausages. Place the sausage meat in a bowl and add any herbs and spices you wish to include. For example, you could add dried mixed herbs, garlic powder, sage, or Italian herb mix. You could also add chopped bacon, as suggested by one source. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, using your hands to combine.

Next, divide the mixture into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on how many eggs you are using. For example, if you are making six Scotch eggs, divide the mixture into six portions. Take one portion at a time and flatten it into a thin, round patty.

Place a hard-boiled egg in the centre of each patty and mould the sausage meat around the egg, ensuring it is evenly coated and there are no gaps. Repeat this process until all your eggs are wrapped in the sausage mixture.

Some recipes suggest adding breadcrumbs to the sausage mixture. For example, you could add two tablespoons of seasoned stuffing mix and mix in two tablespoons of hot water to hydrate it.

Coating the eggs

To coat the Scotch eggs, you will need three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place some seasoned flour. In the second bowl, add beaten eggs. And in the third bowl, pour your breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt, cayenne pepper, sesame seeds, or any other herbs and spices you like.

Now, take your boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat and dip them first in the flour bowl. Make sure to dust off any excess. Then, dip the eggs into the beaten egg bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs. Set the coated eggs aside on a plate or wire rack and repeat this process for the remaining eggs.

You can prepare the Scotch eggs up to this stage in advance and store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them. Just remember to let the breading dry for about five minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking time

The cooking time for Scotch eggs in an air fryer varies depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. However, on average, the total cooking time is around 20 to 25 minutes.

To make Scotch eggs in an air fryer, the first step is to soft-boil or hard-boil the eggs. This can be done in the air fryer itself, which takes around 8 to 11 minutes at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 270°F. Boiling them for 8 minutes will result in a soft-boiled egg, while a longer boiling time will lead to a harder yolk. After boiling, transfer the eggs to ice-cold water to cool them down before peeling.

The next step is to prepare the sausage mixture and assemble the Scotch eggs. This involves mixing the sausage meat with herbs, spices, and other optional ingredients like bacon or bread chunks. The boiled eggs are then coated with flour, dipped in beaten egg, and rolled in breadcrumbs before being wrapped in the sausage meat.

Once the Scotch eggs are assembled, they are placed in the air fryer basket, which has been preheated to around 180°C to 200°C. They are then cooked for approximately 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer model. It is recommended to turn the eggs over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest spraying the Scotch eggs with oil before placing them in the air fryer, which can enhance the crispness of the breadcrumb coating. Additionally, using an oil sprayer or pastry brush to apply a layer of cooking oil to the eggs before air frying can also improve the cooking process and final texture.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and number of eggs being prepared, as well as individual preferences for doneness. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the eggs during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

Frequently asked questions