Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs: Quick, Easy, Perfect!

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and convenient way to cook eggs without the need for water. They are also incredibly easy to peel. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer to around 250-275°F, place your eggs in the basket, and cook for 13-17 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, place the eggs in an ice bath to halt the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

Preheat the air fryer to 250-275°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs. While some recipes suggest that you can skip this step and simply add a couple of minutes to the overall cooking time, preheating ensures that your eggs cook evenly and efficiently. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 250°F and 275°F.

Preheating your air fryer to this temperature range mimics the effect of a simmering pot of water, which is the traditional method for boiling eggs. By setting your air fryer to a low temperature, you create an environment that will gently cook your eggs without overheating or overcooking them. This temperature range is also optimal for achieving the desired doneness, whether you prefer your eggs soft-boiled, medium-boiled, or hard-boiled.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your appliance. Different models of air fryers may have varying preheat settings and temperature ranges. Consult your user manual or the manufacturer's website for detailed instructions specific to your air fryer model.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range of 250°F to 275°F, you create the ideal conditions for cooking hard-boiled eggs. This temperature range ensures that your eggs cook thoroughly without becoming overdone, allowing you to achieve your desired level of doneness. Remember to refer to your air fryer's instructions for precise preheating guidelines.

Cook eggs for 13-17 minutes

When cooking hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For soft-boiled eggs, cook the eggs for 9-10 minutes, for jammy eggs, cook for 11-13 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, cook for 13-17 minutes.

The ideal cook time for large eggs is 15-17 minutes to make them hard-boiled. Different air fryers and egg sizes may vary the cooking time slightly, so it is important to experiment and find the ideal cook time for your desired level of doneness.

After cooking, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 6-8 minutes before peeling and enjoying.

If you prefer a runny soft-boiled egg, cook the eggs for 8-10 minutes. For a very gooey medium-boiled egg, cook for 11-13 minutes. If you like your eggs just set, cook for 14 minutes. For a creamy hard-boiled egg, cook for 15 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the eggs after 15 minutes to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is an important step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. An ice bath is simply a bowl filled with ice and cold water. It is used to quickly cool down the eggs after they have been cooked in the air fryer, and it helps to stop the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare an ice bath:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items

To prepare an ice bath, you will need the following items: a bowl, ice cubes, and cold water. It is important to have enough ice cubes and water to fully submerge the eggs.

Step 2: Fill the Bowl with Ice

Take your bowl and fill it halfway with ice cubes. It is important to use enough ice to ensure that the water temperature remains cold enough to effectively cool the eggs.

Step 3: Add Cold Water

Once you have added the ice cubes, fill the bowl with cold water. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your bowl, but make sure that there is enough water to completely cover the eggs when they are placed in the ice bath.

Step 4: Stir the Ice Water

Use a spoon or another utensil to stir the ice water and ensure that the temperature is evenly cold. This will help to create a consistent cooling effect on the eggs when they are added to the ice bath.

Step 5: Place the Bowl Near Your Air Fryer

Place the bowl of ice water near your air fryer so that it is easily accessible when the eggs are done cooking. This will allow you to immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath, which is crucial to stopping the cooking process and achieving the desired doneness.

Preparing an ice bath is a simple but important step in making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. By following these steps, you can ensure that your ice bath is ready and effective in cooling your eggs to your desired temperature and consistency.

Peel eggs

Once your eggs are cooked, it's time to peel them. But first, you'll need to cool them down. The best way to do this is to plunge them into an ice bath. This will also help to stop the cooking process, ensuring your eggs don't overcook.

An ice bath is simply a bowl of ice and cold water. Some recipes suggest filling the bowl halfway with ice and then adding cold water, while others recommend filling the bowl with ice and then adding water until the eggs are fully submerged. Leave the eggs in the ice bath for around 4-10 minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled.

Now it's time to peel the eggs. Start by gently cracking the egg shells. You can do this by rolling the eggs along a hard surface or gently pressing on them as you roll them on the counter. This will create cracks all over the shell. Then, simply peel away a portion of the shell and it should come off easily. If your eggs are particularly difficult to peel, try keeping them in the ice bath for a little longer.

Some recipes recommend peeling the eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, while others suggest storing the eggs unpeeled. If you do choose to peel them first, place the cooked eggs in an airtight container or bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Store in the refrigerator

Once your hard-boiled eggs are cooked and peeled, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. It is important to note that you should not cut the eggs before storing them.

For unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, you can store them in any container, whether it is sealed or unsealed. If you prefer to peel all your eggs at once, make sure to store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag so that they are not exposed to air.

For peeled hard-boiled eggs, you have two options for storing them in the refrigerator:

• Store them in a bowl of cold water, making sure to change the water daily.
• Keep them in a sealed container without water. Instead, cover the eggs with damp paper towels.

Frequently asked questions