Boiling Eggs In An Air Fryer: How Long?

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free method. It is also a convenient way to make soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs without having to wait for water to boil. The number of eggs you can cook at once depends on the size of your air fryer, but it can be up to a dozen. The cooking time varies depending on the desired yolk consistency, but it typically ranges from 9 to 17 minutes.

How to achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg consistency

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile treat. They can be enjoyed as a quick, protein-rich snack or added to salads and sandwiches for a creamy texture. Achieving the perfect soft-boiled egg consistency using an air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this easy cooking method and enjoy perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Before you start cooking, ensure you have fresh eggs straight from the refrigerator. Gently rinse them with water and dry them with a paper towel. This initial step is important as it helps to remove any dirt or residue from the eggshell, ensuring a safe and hygienic cooking process.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic the gentle heat of simmering water. The ideal temperature range for soft-boiled eggs is between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 135°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps you achieve the desired yolk consistency.

Step 3: Place Eggs in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving some space between each egg. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may cook up to a dozen eggs at once.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, set the timer on your air fryer between 9 and 14 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer's model, wattage, and temperature settings. Experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal duration for your specific air fryer. Remember, you can always cook for a shorter duration if you prefer a runnier yolk.

Step 5: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. The ice bath is crucial for achieving the perfect soft-boiled consistency. As soon as the eggs are done, place them in the ice bath to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking. Allow the eggs to cool in the ice bath for about 4 to 10 minutes.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently crack and peel the shells. Start peeling from the larger end, where there is a small air pocket that makes it easier to separate the membrane and egg white. Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs as a snack or use them in your favourite recipes.

Tips for Success

• Use an air fryer rack if available to hold the eggs in place and prevent them from rolling around or cracking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with cooking times to find the perfect duration for your desired yolk consistency.
• Store unpeeled soft-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The best way to peel air fryer eggs

Air fryer eggs are a quick, convenient, and mess-free way to cook eggs. They are also incredibly easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide to peeling air fryer eggs:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

As soon as your eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, you will need to place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water and set it aside.

Step 2: Transfer Eggs to the Ice Bath

Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs and place them in the prepared ice bath. Leave them in the ice bath for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool to the touch.

Step 3: Crack and Peel

After the eggs have cooled, remove them from the ice bath and gently crack the shells. You can roll them gently on a hard surface to create cracks along all sides. Then, start peeling the eggs, starting from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

Tips for Peeling Air Fryer Eggs:

• It is best to peel the eggs when they are still warm, as this makes the process easier.
• If you find it difficult to peel the eggs, try this trick: break the bottom of the egg first to ensure the membrane tears, and then run some water into the crack. The water will get between the membrane and the egg, making it easier to peel.
• If you are using very fresh eggs, you may find it harder to peel them. In this case, let the eggs sit in the refrigerator for a few weeks before cooking, as older eggs tend to peel more easily.

Storing Your Air Fryer Eggs:

You can store your boiled eggs in the refrigerator, either peeled or unpeeled, for up to one week.

• For unpeeled eggs, simply keep them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
• For peeled eggs, place them in a sealed container and cover them with damp paper towels to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily.

Now that you know the best way to peel air fryer eggs, go ahead and give it a try! Enjoy your perfectly cooked and easily peeled eggs.

How to store air fryer boiled eggs

To store air fryer boiled eggs, you should first let the eggs cool down. You can do this by transferring the eggs to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes.

Once the eggs are cool, you can either peel them or leave the shells on. If you choose to peel the eggs, place them in an airtight container or bag. It is recommended to place a damp paper towel inside the container to prevent the eggs from drying out. Store the peeled eggs in the refrigerator for two to three days.

If you choose to leave the shells on, dry the eggs thoroughly with paper towels, as it is important to keep moisture to a minimum. Then, place the eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. Store the unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator for up to one week.

It is important to note that hard-boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, freezing whole hard-boiled eggs is not recommended, as the whites can become tough and rubbery.

How to prevent air fryer eggs from cracking

To prevent your eggs from cracking in the air fryer, you can take a few simple precautions. Firstly, consider using a wire or grill rack in your air fryer basket to keep the eggs in place and prevent them from moving around. This will help to avoid any cracks caused by the eggs rolling or bumping into each other. It is also recommended to cook the eggs in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent them from stacking on top of each other, which can also cause cracks. If you need to cook more eggs, it is best to do so in batches.

Another tip to avoid cracking is to use older eggs, as these tend to be easier to peel and are less likely to crack during the cooking process. Fresh eggs can be more challenging to peel and may require a longer soaking time in the ice bath after cooking. Additionally, make sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the eggs, as this will help ensure even cooking and reduce the risk of cracking.

Finally, be careful not to overcook the eggs, as this can also increase the chances of cracking. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery, and the yolks may turn green. To avoid this, use a timer and follow the recommended cooking times for your desired level of doneness. Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the number of eggs, and their size.

How to boil eggs in an air fryer without an air fryer basket

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that doesn't require any water. The eggs are also much easier to peel than boiled eggs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to boil eggs in an air fryer without an air fryer basket:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to somewhere between 250°F and 275°F. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature instead.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Take 4-12 eggs, depending on the size of your air fryer, and place them in the air fryer. If you don't have an air fryer basket, you can use a grill rack or mesh rack instead. Make sure to leave some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-10 minutes. For jammy eggs, cook for 11-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-17 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and then adding cold water until the bowl is about three-quarters full.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath. Let them cool for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Step 6: Peel the Eggs

When the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently crack the egg shells and peel them. Start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, where the air bubble usually forms.

And that's it! You now have perfectly boiled eggs without having to use a pot of water. Enjoy your eggs as they are or use them in your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions