Air-Fryer Boiled Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Perfectly Cooked

Boiled eggs are a nutritious and tasty snack, but cooking them on a stove can be a hassle. Enter the air fryer—a fast and hands-off approach to boiling eggs with no need for water. This method is quick, easy, and reliable, producing perfectly cooked eggs every time. The whites are firm, and the yolks are just barely soft, without any burned spots. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using an air fryer to boil eggs, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips for achieving the desired level of doneness, from soft-boiled to hard-boiled. We will also suggest some delicious recipes that make use of air-fried boiled eggs.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking boiled eggs. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, preheating your air fryer can help mimic the warm environment that eggs are introduced to when added to a pot of hot water. This can ensure that your boiled eggs turn out just right.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking boiled eggs in an air fryer is around 250-280°F (120-140°C). However, if your air fryer does not go below 300°F (148°C), you can still cook boiled eggs successfully. Simply adjust the cooking time by subtracting 1-2 minutes from the total cooking time.

Once you have set the temperature, you can set the timer for preheating. Preheat your air fryer for 2-5 minutes, depending on the model and your preference. A longer preheat time will ensure that the air fryer basket is thoroughly heated, creating a more consistent cooking environment for the eggs.

It is important to note that different makes and models of air fryers may have variances in cooking times. Therefore, it is recommended to test one egg first to determine the exact time and temperature that works best for your specific air fryer and your desired level of doneness.

Cooking times for soft, medium, and hard-boiled eggs

The cooking time for soft, medium, and hard-boiled eggs depends on the air fryer model and the desired yolk consistency. It's important to cook eggs below 300ºF in your air fryer, as cooking above this temperature could cause the eggs to explode.

For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300ºF (148ºC), set it to this temperature and subtract about 1-2 minutes from the cooking time. You can also try cooking for 12 minutes at 240ºF, but be aware that eggs may explode at this temperature if cooked for too long.

For medium-boiled eggs, cook for 12 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC) or 14 minutes at 240ºF.

For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-15 minutes at 270ºF (132ºC) or 16 minutes at 240ºF.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary between air fryers, so it's recommended to test one egg first to determine the ideal cooking time for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, if you are using small, medium, or jumbo eggs, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

How to peel air-fried eggs

Air-fried eggs are incredibly easy to peel. It is almost like they peel themselves! This is likely because the dry heat and convection naturally pull the shell from the membrane as they 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, 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 all around. Start at the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that is usually where the air bubble forms. Finally, peel and enjoy your eggs!

If you want to store your boiled eggs, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, whether peeled or unpeeled. For unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, store them in any container, sealed or unsealed. For peeled hard-boiled eggs, keep them moist by placing a damp paper towel in the bottom of the container. Place the boiled egg on the damp paper towel and then place another damp paper towel over the top before covering it with the lid. Make sure to refrigerate your eggs within 2 hours of cooking.

Storing air-fried eggs

It is not recommended to freeze whole boiled eggs as the whites tend to become mushy and watery, and the yolks can turn mealy. However, if you wish to freeze only the yolks, you can place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, where they will stay good for up to 3 months.

If you are storing your eggs in the fridge, it is important to refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. It is also a good idea to let the eggs sit on the counter for around 20 minutes before cooking so that they are at room temperature.

Air-fried eggs are great for meal prepping as they can be cooked in bulk and stored for up to a week. They are a convenient way to add protein to your meals, such as on toast, in salads, or with hummus.

Air fryer temperature settings

Firstly, it's important to preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature range for preheating is between 250°F (120°C) and 275°F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, you can set it to 300°F (148°C). Preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

The cooking temperature for boiled eggs in an air fryer should ideally be set to 270°F (130-132°C). This temperature setting allows the eggs to cook evenly while retaining a creamy texture. It's important to maintain a lower temperature compared to traditional boiling to reduce the risk of cracking the eggs.

Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can adjust the cooking time. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 9-11 minutes at 270°F (132°C). If your air fryer is set to 300°F (148°C), reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes. For medium-boiled eggs, aim for 12-14 minutes. If you prefer your eggs well-done, cook them for 15-17 minutes.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on factors such as the size of the eggs, the strength of your air fryer, and the fullness of the basket. Therefore, it's recommended to experiment with a single egg first to determine the ideal cooking time for your specific air fryer and preferences.

Additionally, always handle the eggs with care to avoid accidents, and monitor the cooking time and temperature to prevent overcooking. Remember to use tongs to remove the eggs from the air fryer, and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.

Frequently asked questions