Air-Fried Deviled Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Deviled eggs are a common appetiser in America, with a long history that dates back to Ancient Roman times. They are hard-boiled eggs where the yolk is mixed with other ingredients and then put back into the egg white. The traditional method of making deviled eggs involves boiling the eggs in water, but you can also make them in an air fryer. This method is easier and results in eggs that are incredibly easy to peel. To make deviled eggs in an air fryer, set your air fryer to between 250°F and 275°F, and cook the eggs for around 15 minutes. Then, place the eggs in an ice bath to stop the cooking process, before peeling and rinsing them. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise, removing the yolks and placing them in a bowl. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and any other desired ingredients to create the filling. Finally, scoop the filling back into the egg whites and serve.

How to boil eggs in an air fryer

To make delicious deviled eggs, you'll first need to boil the eggs. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to boil eggs in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 270°F and 275°F (132-135°C). If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, set it to that temperature. This mimics a simmering pot of water, the traditional method for boiling eggs.

Next, place your eggs in the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring there's a little space between each egg. This allows the air to circulate properly and cook the eggs evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook between 4 and 12 eggs at a time.

Now, it's time to cook the eggs. The timing will depend on how you like your eggs:

• Soft-boiled eggs: 9-11 minutes
• Jammy eggs: 12-13 minutes
• Hard-boiled eggs: 13-15 minutes

If your air fryer is set to 300°F, reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes. It's a good idea to experiment with different timings to find your preferred doneness, as air fryer models, temperatures, and basket sizes can vary.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and adding enough cold water to cover the eggs. When the eggs are done, carefully place them in the ice bath for around 4-5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.

Finally, gently crack and peel the eggs. Starting at the bottom/fattest part of the egg is recommended, as this is usually where the air bubble forms, making it easier to begin peeling.

And that's it! You've now successfully boiled eggs in your air fryer. You can store the unpeeled, boiled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you plan to use them for deviled eggs, follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. Enjoy your air-fried deviled eggs!

How to make the filling for deviled eggs

Now that you've hard-boiled and peeled your eggs, it's time to make the filling!

Slice your eggs in half lengthwise. Then, remove the yolk (the yellow part) and put it in a bowl. Use a fork to mash the yolk, and then add your desired combination of wet ingredients. Common choices include mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, relish, and hot sauce. Mix well. If you want to add fresh herbs, dice them finely and mix them into the filling. If you're a fan of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some wasabi. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a drizzle of honey.

Once your filling is mixed, use a spoon to scoop it back into the egg white halves. You can also use a disposable piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off to pipe the filling into the eggs for a fancier presentation.

Now, your deviled eggs are almost ready to serve! You can sprinkle them with paprika for a classic look, or get creative with toppings like cooked bacon, fresh herbs, hot sauce, or even fried shrimp with cocktail sauce.

How to peel boiled eggs easily

While making devilled eggs in an air fryer is easy and convenient, the worst part of the process is peeling the boiled eggs. Here are some tips to make the egg shells slide off easily:

Use the ice water method

Place the boiled eggs in a bowl of ice water for 5 to 15 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes the shells easy to remove. You can also add a teaspoon of vinegar or baking soda to the ice water. The vinegar will help break down the shell, while the alkaline baking soda will weaken the bond between the egg's inner membrane and the white.

Start with hot water

Instead of starting with cold water and bringing it to a boil, it is better to begin with hot water. Bring a pot of water to a full boil, then gently lower the eggs into the water. Keep the burner on high for 30 seconds, then turn the burner to the lowest setting for a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and wait for 13 minutes.

Use older eggs

Fresh eggs are more likely to crack and are harder to peel. So, it is best to use eggs that are a few weeks old. If you buy your eggs at a grocery store, they are likely already a few weeks old and will work great.

Make a tiny hole

Use a thumbtack to make a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the egg before boiling. This will make the shells slightly easier to peel.

Roll the eggs

After the eggs have cooled, roll them on a flat surface. This will help loosen the shell before you begin peeling.

How to bread deviled eggs

To make delicious, crunchy, and creamy deviled eggs in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare the egg whites and the yolk filling separately. Here's a detailed guide on how to bread deviled eggs:

Preparing the Egg Whites:

• Start by boiling your eggs. Place 6 eggs in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 250°F. Air fry for about 16-17 minutes.
• Once the eggs are cooked, carefully transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool down enough to handle, then peel the shells.
• Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and set them aside in a bowl. Place the egg whites on a plate or baking sheet.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or trays:

• Tray 1: Fill with flour or Hooters wing breading.
• Tray 2: Beat eggs with a small amount of hot sauce or water.
• Tray 3: Fill with Panko breadcrumbs. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, parsley, and cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

• Now, it's time to bread the egg whites. Heavily coat each egg white half with the flour or wing breading from Tray 1.
• Next, dip the coated egg white into the egg mixture in Tray 2, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, move the egg white to Tray 3 and generously coat it with the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto all sides of the egg white to ensure an even coating.
• Arrange the breaded egg whites on a baking sheet or platter. Spritz or spray both sides of each egg white with a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil.
• Place the breaded egg whites back into the air fryer basket. Cook at a higher temperature, around 350-390°F, for 4-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are deeply golden and crispy.

Preparing the Yolk Filling:

• While the egg whites are air frying, you can prepare the yolk filling. Mash the yolks with a fork or whisk until they form a fine crumble.
• To the mashed yolks, add your desired combination of wet ingredients such as mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard (Dijon, yellow, or hot German mustard), relish, hot sauce, and/or Greek yogurt.
• Season the yolk mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and/or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, or basil for extra flavour.
• Mix all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more mayonnaise.
• Transfer the yolk filling to a small piping bag or a zip-top bag. You can also use a disposable piping bag or a simple spoon to fill the egg whites.

Assembling the Deviled Eggs:

• Once the egg whites are done air frying and have cooled down slightly, it's time to fill them. Place them on a serving platter.
• Pipe or spoon the yolk mixture into the cavity of each egg white half. You can also cut the corner of a ziplock bag to create a makeshift piping bag.
• Sprinkle the deviled eggs with a final garnish of paprika, dill, or chopped bacon for an extra touch.
• Serve and enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and creamy deviled eggs!

Note: Deviled eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the components ahead of time and store them separately. Hard-boiled eggs can be stored unpeeled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The yolk filling can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before filling the egg whites.

How to store leftover deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer and can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. But what do you do with leftovers? Here's a detailed guide on how to store leftover deviled eggs:

Timing is Key:

Leftover deviled eggs should be stored promptly to maximize their shelf life. According to the USDA, deviled eggs are best consumed within 4 days if refrigerated properly and promptly. However, some sources suggest that deviled eggs can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Storing Assembled Deviled Eggs:

If your deviled eggs are already filled and assembled, cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container or a designated egg carrier. They can be refrigerated for up to 24-48 hours. To minimize drying, ensure the plastic wrap is loose and covers just the tops of the eggs.

Storing Unassembled Deviled Eggs:

If you have leftover hard-boiled egg whites and yolk filling separately, store them in different containers. The filling will last 2 to 3 days in a zip bag, and the hard-boiled egg whites will stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Transporting Deviled Eggs:

When transporting deviled eggs, it's best to use a deviled egg carrier or an airtight container. If you want to be creative, you can use mini muffin tins or ice cube trays, placing one deviled egg half in each cup and covering them loosely with plastic wrap.

Garnishing:

If you plan to garnish your deviled eggs, it's recommended to fill them with the yolk mixture and add the garnishes just before serving. This ensures they look and taste their best.

Food Safety:

During preparation, ensure that the eggs are not left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours at any point, including cooling and filling. If serving outdoors where the temperature is 90°F or above, reduce the non-refrigerated period to 1 hour. Always check for signs of spoilage and give them a sniff before consuming leftover deviled eggs.

Frequently asked questions