Tillie Doyle
Boiled eggs are a handy snack to have in the fridge, whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a low-carb bite, or a protein-filled addition to a salad or sandwich. While the traditional method of boiling water and cooking the eggs on a hob is tried and true, it can be time-consuming and messy. Luckily, there's another way to cook your eggs: with an air fryer! Air-fried eggs are quick, easy, and mess-free, and they peel like a dream. You can make soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs in your air fryer, and they'll come out perfectly cooked every time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 250°F (120°C) to 275°F (135°C) |
| Cooking temperature | 270°F (132°C) or 300°F (148°C) |
| Cooking time | 8-16 minutes |
| Ice bath | 4-5 minutes or until cool |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to a week |
| Notes | No preheating required; easy to peel |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making boiled eggs. While some sources claim that preheating is not necessary, others recommend it to ensure even cooking. If you decide to preheat your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the temperature setting. Different recipes suggest different temperatures for preheating. Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 250° F (120° C) or as low as your air fryer will go to mimic a simmering pot of water. Others suggest a higher temperature range of 270° F to 275° F (132-135° C). If your air fryer does not go below 300° F (148° C), you can set it to that temperature. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly for higher temperatures.
Next, think about the timing. Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes. However, it's important to note that the preheat time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model. As each air fryer is unique, it's a good idea to test one egg first to determine the ideal time and temperature settings for your appliance. This will help you achieve the desired doneness and consistency for your boiled eggs.
Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, ensure that the eggs are at room temperature. Taking them out of the refrigerator and letting them sit for a while before placing them in the air fryer can help ensure even cooking. This step is especially important if you want to avoid overcooking the eggs or ending up with brown spots on the shells due to rapid temperature changes.
Finally, while preheating your air fryer is not mandatory, it can help ensure consistent results, especially when cooking multiple batches of eggs. By preheating, you create a stable cooking environment, reducing the likelihood of undercooked or overcooked eggs. This is especially useful when preparing boiled eggs for meal prep, as it ensures that each batch turns out perfectly.
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Cooking times for soft, jammy, and hard-boiled eggs
The cooking time for soft, jammy, and hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer varies depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness. It's important to cook eggs below 300ºF in your air fryer to prevent them from exploding. Here are the general cooking times for different levels of doneness:
Soft-boiled eggs:
For soft-boiled eggs with a soft yolk, cook the eggs in the air fryer for 9 to 11 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC). If your air fryer's minimum temperature is 300ºF (148ºC), set it to that temperature and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
Jammy eggs:
For jammy eggs with a partially set yolk, cook the eggs for 12 to 13 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC). If using an air fryer with a minimum temperature of 300ºF (148ºC), subtract 1 to 2 minutes from the cooking time.
Hard-boiled eggs:
For hard-boiled eggs with a fully set yolk, cook the eggs for 13 to 15 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC). If your air fryer's minimum temperature is 300ºF (148ºC), cook the eggs for around 14 to 16 minutes.
It is recommended to test with one egg first to determine the exact cooking time that works best for your air fryer and your preference. Additionally, it's important to note that egg size can also affect cooking time, so adjust the time by 1 to 2 minutes for small, medium, or jumbo eggs.
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How to peel air-fried eggs
Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. It is almost like they peel themselves! The dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as the eggs cook.
To peel your air-fried eggs, first, remove them from the air fryer with tongs and place them in an ice bath for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool to the touch but not ice-cold. This makes them easier to peel. Then, gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a bit along a hard surface to make cracks along all sides. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, because that’s usually where the air bubble forms.
Once the eggs are peeled, you can store them in a bowl of cold water, making sure to change the water daily. Alternatively, store them in a sealed container without water, covering the eggs with damp paper towels. Hard-boiled eggs can be refrigerated for up to one week, whether they are peeled or unpeeled.
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Storing boiled eggs
Allow the boiled eggs to cool before storing them. Placing hot items in the refrigerator can raise the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment where bacteria multiply. You can place the eggs in a cold water bath to cool them down.
If you plan to peel the eggs, it is recommended to do so right after cooking, as this can save you the struggle of peeling them later. Store peeled eggs in an airtight container or bag. Protect them from exposure to air, odours, and microorganisms by placing a damp paper towel inside the container. Alternatively, you can place the peeled eggs in a bowl of cold water, making sure to change the water daily.
If you are storing unpeeled eggs, you can place them in any container, sealed or unsealed, and they will last for up to a week in the refrigerator. It is recommended to keep them in the middle shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable.
One unique storage method is to glue the eggshells back onto the peeled eggs and store them in the original egg carton. This method helps keep the eggs fresh and is a clever way to reuse the egg carton.
Hard-boiled eggs can be a convenient way to add protein to your meals, and they can last for up to a week in the refrigerator. However, always check for signs of spoilage, such as a slimy or chalky texture or an unpleasant odour, and discard the eggs if they show any of these signs.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a great option for meal prepping, as they can last up to a week in the fridge. Here are some serving suggestions for your air fryer hard-boiled eggs:
On Toast
Slice your hard-boiled eggs over buttered toast, or try something more elaborate like avocado toast with egg, a little salt and pepper, and maybe some hot sauce.
Egg Salad
Mix things up by making an egg salad. You can keep it simple or try variations like avocado egg salad, egg salad sandwiches, macaroni egg salad, or cottage cheese egg salad.
Salads
Hard-boiled eggs are a great way to add protein to your salad. Chop them up and throw them into any salad, like a Cobb salad, Nicoise Salad, or a simple garden salad.
With Hummus
Try dipping slices of hard-boiled egg into hummus for a unique flavour combination.
Deviled Eggs
Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are also great for making deviled eggs. Keep a dozen in your fridge for a quick snack or to serve as a side.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish, and you can easily incorporate hard-boiled eggs into the mix. Try a Whole30-compatible and Keto-friendly version with bacon, chicken Caesar salad, or smoked salmon.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook boiled eggs in an air fryer is between 250°F to 300°F (120°C) to 148°C.
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you prefer. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 8-11 minutes. For medium-boiled eggs, cook for 12-14 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-15 minutes.
For unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, store them in any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled hard-boiled eggs, store them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water daily, or in a sealed container without water, covered with damp paper towels. Refrigerated boiled eggs can be stored for up to one week.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking boiled eggs. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for 5 minutes. However, some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary.
