Air Fryer Egg Boiling: How Long Should You Fry?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare this breakfast staple. The process is simple: set your air fryer to a low temperature, add your eggs, and let them cook for 7 to 15 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks. Once they're done, transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process, then crack and peel. This method works for soft, jammy, or hard-boiled eggs, and it's a great way to cook eggs in bulk for meal prep.

Soft-boiled eggs: 7-11 minutes

Soft-boiled eggs are a great option for a quick and easy breakfast, and an air fryer is a convenient way to cook them. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect soft-boiled eggs using your air fryer:

Preparation:

Before you start, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your eggs and the type of air fryer you're using. As a general rule, aim for refrigerated eggs that weigh between 60g to 70g for the best results. If your eggs are at room temperature, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

First, preheat your air fryer to 150ºC (302ºF). Most air fryers will only need about 1-2 minutes to reach this temperature. It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Eggs:

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the eggs. Place the eggs directly into the air fryer drawer or basket without using any liners, trays, or other surfaces. Make sure to leave some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation.

For soft-boiled eggs, set the temperature to 150ºC (302ºF) and cook the eggs for 7 to 11 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your eggs and your desired level of doneness. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• For a 60g egg, cook for 7-8 minutes.
• For a 65g egg, cook for 8 minutes.
• For a 70g egg, cook for 8-9 minutes.

Serving Soft-Boiled Eggs:

If you're serving soft-boiled eggs, also known as "dippy eggs," place the egg in an egg cup and slice off the top. Serve immediately with toast for dipping.

Cooling and Peeling:

If you've cooked your eggs past the soft-boiled stage, it's important to cool them down quickly to prevent overcooking. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Once your eggs reach the desired level of doneness, gently crack the shell all over and place the eggs into the ice bath for about 10 minutes. This step will also help prevent the unsightly green tinge that can form around the yolk.

Once the eggs are cold, carefully peel them under running water. This makes the process easier and helps ensure you don't end up with big chunks of egg white missing!

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with cook times: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer's strength, temperature settings, and the size of your eggs. Expect a bit of a learning curve, and don't be afraid to experiment to find the ideal cook time for your desired level of doneness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Make sure to leave space between each egg in the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use room temperature eggs: While some recipes suggest using refrigerated eggs, others recommend bringing your eggs to room temperature before cooking. This can help ensure more consistent results.
• Weigh your eggs: The cooking time may depend on the weight of your eggs. Weighing them beforehand will help you determine the appropriate cooking time.

Jammy eggs: 9-13 minutes

If you're a fan of jammy eggs, then the air fryer is a great option for you. Not only is it cheaper than boiling, but it's also a more hands-off approach. So, how do you make jammy eggs in an air fryer?

First, preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, somewhere between 132-135°C (270-275°F) or 150°C (302°F). This will mimic a simmering pot of water. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, just set it to that temperature.

Next, place your eggs directly into the air fryer drawer or basket. Make sure to leave some space between each egg so that the air can circulate properly. Don't put them on anything like baking paper or a tray, as this will affect the cooking time. You can cook as many eggs as you like, but if it's your first time, it's best to start with just one or two to get the hang of it.

For jammy eggs, you'll want to cook your eggs for 9-13 minutes, depending on the size of your eggs and your air fryer. Here's a more detailed guide:

• 60g eggs: Not recommended for jammy eggs
• 65g eggs: 9 minutes
• 70g eggs: 10 minutes

Once the timer goes off, gently crack the shell all over and place the eggs in a bowl of very cold water for about 10 minutes. This will prevent the unsightly green tinge from forming around the yolk. You may need to change the water once or twice if it warms up too much.

After the eggs have cooled down, carefully peel them under water. Then, slice and serve however you like!

And that's it! You've now got yourself some delicious jammy eggs, cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Hard-boiled eggs: 12-16 minutes

Hard-boiled eggs are a great, healthy and easy breakfast option. They are also perfect for snacking, salads, and egg mayo. Here is a simple guide on how to make hard-boiled eggs using an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

If this is your first time making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, it is recommended to start with just one or two eggs to test out the timings. You can use eggs straight from the refrigerator, but if they are stored in the fridge, it is best to remove them and let them come to room temperature before cooking.

Step 2: Place Eggs in the Air Fryer

Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space between them. This allows room for the hot air to circulate properly. Do not overcrowd the basket. Most air fryers come with a trivet or wire rack to place the eggs on, but if yours does not, you can simply place the eggs directly in the basket.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Timer

Set the temperature of your air fryer to between 250°F (121°C) and 275°F (135°C). The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference, as some recommend a lower temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water.

For hard-boiled eggs, you should air fry for 12 to 16 minutes. Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and number of eggs you are cooking.

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This will be used to stop the cooking process and cool the eggs after they are done.

Step 5: Transfer Eggs to Ice Bath

Once the timer goes off, carefully transfer the eggs from the air fryer to the ice bath. Let them sit in the ice bath for a few minutes until they are cool but not completely chilled. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

After the eggs have cooled down, remove them from the ice bath and gently crack and peel the shells. Your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• Every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature depending on your model.
• The size and shape of your eggs may also affect the cooking time, so it is recommended to weigh your eggs and adjust the time accordingly.
• For centered yolks, try turning the carton of eggs on its side in the refrigerator for about a day before cooking.
• To store leftover hard-boiled eggs, place them in an airtight container or bag and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making boiled eggs. While some air fryers do not require preheating, it is crucial to check your air fryer manual to determine if preheating is necessary for your specific model. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and properly, so it is worth taking the time to do so.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to your desired level. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 250° F to 275° F (132-135° C). However, it is important to note that the ideal temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of boiled egg you are aiming for. For instance, one source suggests preheating to 150° C (302° F) for soft, jammy, or hard-boiled eggs.

Once you have set the temperature, allow your air fryer to preheat for a short period. Typically, preheating should only take about 1-2 minutes. During this time, you can prepare your eggs by taking them out of the refrigerator and bringing them to room temperature. It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on whether you use refrigerated or room-temperature eggs.

After preheating, you can proceed to place your eggs directly into the air fryer basket or drawer. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket and leave some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, avoid placing the eggs on any liners, trays, or other objects, as this can alter the cooking time.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to making delicious boiled eggs in your air fryer. Remember to refer to your air fryer manual for specific instructions and always exercise caution when handling hot appliances.

Plunge into an ice bath after cooking

Once your air fryer eggs are done, it's time to plunge them into an ice bath. This step is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps stop the cooking process, ensuring your eggs don't overcook and allowing you to control the doneness of the yolks. Secondly, it makes the eggs easier to peel. The ice bath causes the eggs to contract and shock, making the shells easier to remove.

To prepare an ice bath, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. As soon as your eggs are done in the air fryer, carefully transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon or tongs. Make sure the eggs are fully submerged and leave them in the ice bath for at least 4-5 minutes, or even up to 10 minutes, until they are cool to the touch. This step is important for food safety as it helps bring down the temperature of the eggs quickly, preventing bacterial growth.

While the eggs are in the ice bath, you can prepare another bowl of cold water to make peeling easier. Some people even recommend running cold water over the eggs as you peel them. The cold water helps further shock the eggs and makes the shells easier to remove.

If you don't have ice on hand, don't worry. You can achieve a similar effect by running cold tap water over the eggs or submerging them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water a few times to keep it cool, or use a bowl of water from the fridge. The key is to achieve a sudden temperature change to halt the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Once your eggs have cooled down, you can start peeling them. Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to create cracks all over the shell, then use your thumbs to gently push the shell away from the egg. The eggs should peel quite easily after the ice bath.

Frequently asked questions