Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a quick and easy method for cooking eggs. They are a fast and hands-off approach as there is no need to wait for the water to boil. The cooking time depends on how firm you like the centre of your eggs, but generally, it takes around 15 minutes to make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F-275°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making hard-boiled eggs. While some recipes suggest that you can skip this step, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure the best results. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 250°F and 275°F. This temperature range mimics a simmering pot of water, which is the traditional method for boiling eggs.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. Different models of air fryers may have specific temperature settings and recommendations. Some air fryers may not go below 300°F, in which case you should set the temperature to that level. It is also essential to consider the size of your air fryer and the number of eggs you plan to cook. Leave some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next step of adding the eggs to the air fryer basket. Remember to use a rack or basket that allows adequate air circulation around the eggs. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can then set the timer for cooking your hard-boiled eggs.

Preheating your air fryer at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the best results when making hard-boiled eggs. By following the recommended temperature range and allowing for proper air circulation, you can ensure that your hard-boiled eggs turn out perfectly every time.

Cook for 13-17 minutes

To make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, you'll need to cook them for 13-17 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. This is a general timeframe, and the exact cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. It's recommended to experiment with different cooking times to find the perfect setting for your desired outcome.

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 250°F and 275°F (120°C to 135°C). Preheating is optional, but it helps ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the eggs: Place the desired number of eggs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the eggs: Place the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 13 to 17 minutes. The longer the cooking time, the firmer the yolks will be.
• Prepare an ice bath: While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with ice and cold water. This ice bath will be used to stop the cooking process and cool the eggs after they are done.
• Cool the eggs: Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them into the prepared ice bath. Let them sit for about 4-10 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.
• Peel the eggs: Gently crack the eggshells and peel them off. Start peeling from the larger end, as there is a small air pocket that can make it easier to separate the membrane from the egg white. If needed, run the eggs under cold water to help remove any stubborn shell pieces.
• Enjoy or store: Your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed! If you're not using them immediately, store them unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Some additional tips for making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer:

• Experiment with cooking times: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the number of eggs, and your personal preference for yolk doneness. It's a good idea to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Use an ice bath: The ice bath helps stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. It is recommended to use it, especially if you want a softer, less cooked yolk.
• Leave space between eggs: Ensure there is some space between the eggs in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Store unpeeled eggs: If you're not using the hard-boiled eggs right away, it's best to store them unpeeled in the refrigerator. Peeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but they are more prone to drying out.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is a crucial step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. An ice bath is a simple yet effective technique to halt the cooking process and ensure your eggs are perfectly cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare an ice bath:

• Gather your supplies: You will need a bowl, ice, and cold water. The bowl should be large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you are cooking.
• Fill the bowl with ice: Take your chosen bowl and fill it halfway with ice. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, ensuring that there is enough ice to thoroughly cool the eggs.
• Add cold water: Once you have a sufficient amount of ice in the bowl, start adding cold water. Continue adding water until the bowl is about three-quarters full. The water and ice combination creates an ice bath that will rapidly cool the eggs.
• Submerge the eggs: As soon as your eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, carefully remove them and place them directly into the prepared ice bath. It is important to act quickly to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
• Cool the eggs: Allow the eggs to remain in the ice bath for around 4 to 5 minutes. This duration gives the eggs time to cool down but not chill completely. The cooling process makes peeling the eggs significantly easier.
• Peel the eggs: After the eggs have cooled, gently crack the egg shells. You can roll them on a hard surface to create cracks along the sides, making it easier to peel. Start peeling from the bottom or fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms.

Preparing an ice bath is a simple yet crucial step in achieving perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs in your air fryer. This technique ensures you have full control over the cooking process and the final doneness of your eggs.

Lightly crack the eggshell

Once your hard-boiled eggs are ready and cooled, it's time to peel them. Start by lightly cracking the eggshell. You can do this by gently tapping the egg on a hard surface, such as your kitchen counter. This will create small cracks all over the shell.

After cracking the shell, you can begin the process of peeling it away from the egg. Start from the larger end of the egg, as this is where the air pocket is located, making it easier to separate the membrane from the egg white. Gently slide your thumb between the shell and the membrane, and slowly start to peel away the shell. If the shell is still too attached to the egg, try rolling the egg gently between your hands to create more cracks and loosen the shell.

If you're having trouble getting the shell off, try running the egg under cold water as you peel. The water will help to loosen the shell and make it easier to remove. You can also try submerging the egg in an ice water bath for a few seconds, which will help shock the shell and make it easier to remove.

With a little patience and practice, you'll be able to peel your hard-boiled eggs like a pro!

Peel from the larger end

Once your hard-boiled eggs are ready, the next step is to peel them. But before that, you should transfer the eggs to a cold water bath or an ice bath and let them sit for about 2-10 minutes. This will help to immediately stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Now, to peel the eggs, start by rolling the egg back and forth on a hard surface until the shell is completely cracked. Then, start peeling from the larger end of the egg, as this will help separate the thin skin or membrane from the egg's surface. You can also peel under cold running water, which will help if you're still having trouble.

It's worth noting that using older eggs makes a difference when it comes to peeling. The closer the egg is to its "Use By" date, the less likely the shell will stick to the egg white. So, if you want an easier peeling experience, don't use fresh eggs straight from the hen!

Frequently asked questions