Air-Fried Scotch Eggs: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish made with hard or soft-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, dipped in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried for a crisp exterior and tender middle. Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it's easy to make Scotch eggs in an air fryer.

How to boil eggs for Scotch eggs

Boiling the eggs for your Scotch eggs is a crucial step. You can opt for soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, depending on your preference. Here is a detailed guide on how to boil eggs for Scotch eggs:

Soft-Boiled Eggs:

To achieve the perfect soft-boiled eggs for your Scotch eggs, follow these steps:

• Place the desired number of eggs in a pot and cover them with salted water by about one inch.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
• As soon as the water reaches a boil, cover the pot and remove it from the heat.
• Let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 4 minutes.
• After 4 minutes, carefully transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Allow the eggs to cool for around 5 minutes before carefully peeling them.

Hard-Boiled Eggs:

For those who prefer their Scotch eggs with hard-boiled centres, follow these instructions:

• Place the desired number of eggs in a pot and add enough water to cover them by about one inch.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Once the water is boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat.
• Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes for hard-boiled consistency.
• After the allotted time, remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool.
• Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs, and they are ready to be used in your Scotch egg recipe.

Remember, the key to successfully boiling eggs for Scotch eggs is timing. Whether you prefer soft or hard-boiled eggs, use a timer for consistent results. Additionally, chilling the eggs in ice water after boiling helps stop the cooking process and makes them easier to peel.

How to wrap eggs in sausage meat

To wrap eggs in sausage meat, start by dividing the raw sausage meat into evenly sized portions. You will need enough sausage meat to completely cover each egg. Shape each portion of sausage meat into a flat patty, then place an egg in the centre and wrap the sausage around it. Repeat this process until all the eggs are covered.

Some recipes suggest flattening the sausage into a disc or oval shape before placing the egg in the centre. This can help to ensure the sausage meat is evenly distributed around the egg. You can also use your hands to smooth out any bumps or rough spots on the surface of the sausage.

If you are using soft-boiled eggs, remember that they require a delicate touch. The yolk inside is too soft to offer any resistance, so be careful when peeling the shell and applying the sausage.

Some recipes recommend wetting your hands before forming the sausage into balls or patties. This will prevent the sausage from sticking to your hands as you work. You can also try drying the peeled eggs with a paper towel before wrapping them in sausage meat. This will help the sausage stick to the egg.

How to coat Scotch eggs

To coat your Scotch eggs, you will need three small bowls. In the first bowl, place some seasoned flour and garlic powder (optional). In the second bowl, place two beaten eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (panko or traditional).

Take your sausage-wrapped eggs and roll them in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll the eggs in the breadcrumbs until they are completely covered.

Some recipes suggest double-coating the eggs in flour and beaten egg before rolling them in the breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

If you are preparing your Scotch eggs in advance, place the coated eggs in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air-frying.

How to cook Scotch eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Eggs (4-6 large eggs)
• Sausage meat (500g-1 pound)
• Breadcrumbs (200g-2 cups of panko breadcrumbs)
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: onion, chives, garlic, thyme, sage, flour, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, curry powder, cayenne pepper, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, ranch dressing, or any other sauce of your choice

Method

• Boil your eggs: Place 4 eggs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-11 minutes. You can also boil them on the stove for 6-9 minutes. Then, place them in ice-cold water to cool them down.
• Prepare the sausage meat: Mix the sausage meat with any spices and herbs you like. You can add onion, chives, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, dried mixed herbs, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, curry powder, cayenne pepper, or any other spices of your choice.
• Divide the meat: Divide the meat into 4-6 equal portions and flatten each into a disc or patty.
• Coat the eggs: Dip each boiled egg in flour, then place it in the centre of a sausage disc and mould the meat around the egg. Roll it in flour again, then dip it into a beaten egg, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs.
• Air-fry the Scotch eggs: Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C (350-390°F). Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray them with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Air-fry for 12-20 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until the sausage is cooked and the coating is golden.
• Serve: Scotch eggs can be served hot, warm, or cold. You can serve them with a variety of sauces such as mustard, hot sauce, ranch dressing, or a dipping sauce made with Greek yogurt, mango chutney, mayonnaise, curry powder, and cayenne pepper.

What to serve with Scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be served with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Scotch eggs:

As a Snack or Appetiser

Scotch eggs are often served as a snack or appetiser, and can be paired with a variety of dips and sides. Some popular options include:

• Piccalilli
• Crisps
• Pork pie
• Pickles
• Mustard
• Beer
• Sausage rolls
• Crisps and a pint of beer
• Gravy
• Salad with arugula, lemon juice, and zest

As a Main Course

If you're serving Scotch eggs as a main course, you might want to pair them with some heartier sides. Some options to consider:

• Chips
• Hash browns
• Baked beans
• Bacon
• Fried bread
• Mashed potatoes with butter, cream, or wholegrain mustard
• Cabbage, steamed or with cream, carrots, and butter
• Pickles, such as gherkins or cornichons
• Onion rings
• Potato salad
• Cold cuts of meat, such as ham, bacon, chicken, beef, or pork, with tomatoes and parsley
• A ploughman's platter with salad, meats, cheeses, pickles, and dips

Other Side Dish Ideas

• Shoestring fries
• Avocado fries
• Caesar salad
• Potato pancakes
• Hush puppies
• Banana bread
• Garden salad
• Potato wedges
• Fruit platter
• Grilled asparagus
• Sweet cornbread
• Coleslaw
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

Frequently asked questions