Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs: Emeril's Quick-Cooking Magic

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are a fast and hands-off approach to cooking eggs. They are easy to make and peel, and you don't need to use any water. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer and your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 13 to 18 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. To make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, add the eggs, and cook for the desired amount of time. Then, prepare an ice bath and peel the eggs.

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs. While some sources suggest that you can skip preheating and simply add a couple of minutes to the cooking time, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 250°F. This ensures that your eggs cook evenly and helps to prevent them from cracking.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by letting it run at the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding your eggs. This is a crucial step, especially if your air fryer has a preheat function that automatically adjusts the cooking time. By manually preheating, you ensure that your eggs cook for the full duration of the set time.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and free from any lingering odors or flavors from previously cooked foods. This will help to prevent any unwanted residue or flavors from affecting the taste of your hard-boiled eggs.

Additionally, when placing your eggs in the air fryer, make sure they are at room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents cracking. Also, ensure that the eggs are not touching each other and that there is space between them for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggs in batches.

Set the timer for 13-17 minutes

Once you have placed your eggs in the air fryer basket, it's time to set the timer. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can cook the eggs for anywhere between 13 and 17 minutes. If you prefer your eggs hard-boiled, the longer cooking time will ensure that both the whites and yolks are fully cooked and firm.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and type of air fryer you own. Therefore, it is recommended to test your air fryer with 1-2 eggs first to determine the optimal cooking time for your specific device. All air fryers cook at different rates, so it's always a good idea to start with a smaller batch to avoid overcooking or undercooking the eggs.

Additionally, if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you should let it run at the cooking temperature for about 3 minutes before placing the eggs inside. This will ensure that the air fryer has reached the desired temperature for cooking the eggs.

While the eggs are cooking, you can prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and then adding enough cold water to make an ice bath. This step is crucial, as it will help to stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel. As soon as the eggs are done cooking, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in the ice bath. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before peeling.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is an important step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer. It is crucial to have it ready before the eggs are done cooking to achieve the perfect doneness. An ice bath is simply a bowl of ice and water that helps to rapidly cool the hot eggs. This step is essential as it stops the cooking process, ensuring the eggs don't overcook and making them easier to peel.

To prepare an ice bath, take a large mixing bowl and fill it one-third full with cold tap water. Then, add one to two blocks of ice cubes, depending on the number of eggs you are preparing. It is important to make the ice bath as cold as possible, so it is best to prepare it a few minutes before the eggs are done cooking.

Once the eggs are finished cooking in the air fryer, use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully transfer them to the ice bath. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before peeling. For easier peeling, you can create an initial crack in the eggshell by gently tapping the egg on the side of the mixing bowl or rolling it on a chopping board. After creating the initial crack, return the eggs to the ice bath for a few seconds before peeling them completely.

Preparing an ice bath is a crucial step in the process of making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, as it ensures the eggs are properly cooled, prevents overcooking, and makes the peeling process easier.

Peel the eggs

To peel hard-boiled eggs cooked in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare them for peeling. The best way to do this is to use an ice bath. Take a large mixing bowl and fill it one-third full with cold tap water. Then, add 1 to 2 blocks of ice cubes. As soon as your eggs are done cooking, place them in the ice bath for five minutes to cool them down and make them easier to peel.

Once your eggs are cool, you can start peeling. Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll the egg on the counter to loosen the shell across the entire surface. You can also gently crack the entire egg by rolling it on a chopping board or using your hand.

Under cold running water, start peeling at the wider end of the egg where the air pocket is located. Try to get under the membrane that is between the shell and the egg white for best results. It is best to peel the eggs while they are at room temperature rather than chilled.

Serve and enjoy

Now that your hard-boiled eggs are ready, it's time to serve and enjoy them! There are numerous delicious ways to do this.

You can eat them as they are with a little salt and pepper. For an even more flavourful option, try sprinkling them with everything but the bagel seasoning.

Another option is to turn them into devilled eggs by mixing the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings before filling the egg whites.

Egg salad sandwiches are also a tasty choice. For this, you can chop the hard-boiled eggs and combine them with mayonnaise and mustard or add additional ingredients like diced celery or onions.

Boiled eggs also make a great topping for soups and noodles.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can use the hard-boiled eggs as a sandwich spread. Or, for a healthier option, add them to a salad for some extra protein.

You can also get creative and experiment with different spices and ingredients to find your favourite way to enjoy hard-boiled eggs.

Frequently asked questions