Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to make hard-boiled eggs. This method is simple, easy to do, and produces perfect results every time. Unlike boiling eggs on a stovetop, using an air fryer does not require any water, making it ideal for those with limited water resources or who want to multitask. Additionally, air fryers circulate heat evenly around the eggs, ensuring consistent cooking without the risk of undercooking or overcooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making hard-boiled eggs. While some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 275°F (135°C), others recommend preheating your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). This lower temperature allows the eggs to cook evenly without overcooking.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your eggs start cooking at the desired temperature as soon as they are placed in the basket. This is especially important if your air fryer does not have a preheat setting. By letting it run at the cooking temperature for a few minutes before adding the eggs, you can ensure more consistent results.

If your air fryer does have a preheat setting, simply set it to 250°F (120°C) and wait for it to reach the desired temperature. On the other hand, if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by running it at the desired temperature of 250°F (120°C) for about 3 minutes before adding the eggs.

It's important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and the preheating function may vary between models. Some air fryers may take longer to preheat, while others may not require preheating at all. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the cooking time for hard-boiled eggs can vary depending on the brand and type of air fryer you own. As a general guideline, the recommended cook time for hard-boiled eggs typically ranges between 13 to 15 minutes at 250°F (120°C). However, it's always a good idea to test your air fryer with 1-2 eggs first to determine the optimal cooking time for your specific model.

Place eggs in the air fryer basket

When placing the eggs in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that they are not overcrowded. Ideally, you should only cook as many eggs as can fit in a single layer in the basket, allowing a little space between each egg so that the air can circulate around the entire egg. This will ensure that the eggs cook evenly. If you are cooking a lot of eggs, you may need to cook them in batches.

You can place the eggs directly in the basket or, if your air fryer came with one, on top of a wire rack inside the basket. The wire rack is not necessary, but it can be helpful for lifting the eggs out of the basket all at once.

You can place the eggs in the basket cold, straight from the egg carton. There is no need to bring them to room temperature first.

If you are cooking soft-boiled eggs, be extra careful when placing the eggs in the basket, as the whites will already be cooked and you don't want to break them.

Cook for 13-17 minutes

Cooking hard-boiled eggs in a NuWave air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve the perfect eggs. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this cooking method:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). This temperature setting is crucial as it ensures that the eggs cook evenly without overcooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, let it run at the desired temperature for about 3 minutes to allow it to heat up sufficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each egg. This arrangement allows proper air circulation around each egg, promoting even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggs in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Now, it's time to cook the eggs. Set the timer for 13 to 17 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the eggs and the specific model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to monitor the eggs' progress and adjust the timing accordingly.

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice. This step is essential, as it will quickly stop the cooking process once the eggs are done, preventing overcooking and making the eggs easier to peel.

Step 5: Cool and Peel the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the eggs from the air fryer using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the prepared ice bath. Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes. This cooling process not only makes the eggs easier to handle but also helps create a small gap between the egg and the shell, simplifying the peeling process.

After the eggs have cooled, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to create small cracks all over the shell. Then, starting from the wider end of the egg, carefully peel off the shell. Running the eggs under cold water during this step can help remove any stubborn shell pieces that stick to the egg.

Step 6: Enjoy or Store the Eggs

Once peeled, you can sprinkle the eggs with salt and pepper and enjoy them as a nutritious snack or use them in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or deviled eggs. If you plan to store the eggs for later, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is a crucial step in making perfect hard-boiled eggs in your air fryer. It is a simple yet effective technique that helps halt the cooking process, ensuring your eggs don't overcook and are easier to peel.

To prepare an ice bath, begin by finding a suitable bowl. It should be large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you are cooking. Next, fill the bowl halfway with ice. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, ensuring the ice is clean and safe for food preparation. Once you have added the ice, fill the bowl with cold water until it is about three-quarters full. The water and ice combination creates a bath that rapidly cools the eggs, preventing them from continuing to cook and firming up.

It is essential to prepare the ice bath before your eggs are done cooking. This way, you can immediately transfer the hot eggs from the air fryer to the ice bath. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully place the eggs into the ice bath and let them sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This process not only stops the cooking but also aids in loosening the egg shells, making the peeling process much easier.

After the eggs have cooled in the ice bath, you can begin peeling them. Start by gently tapping the egg on a hard surface to create cracks in the shell. Then, roll the egg on the counter to further loosen the shell. You can also try rolling the egg forward with your palm to help it peel more easily. Once you have created cracks all over the shell, you can begin peeling under cold running water. Start peeling at the wider end of the egg, where the air pocket is located, and try to get under the membrane between the shell and the egg white for best results.

Peel the eggs

Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll have perfectly peeled eggs every time.

First, let's talk about the eggs themselves. It's best to use older eggs for boiling as they will be easier to peel than fresh eggs.

Now, once the eggs are boiled and cooled, you can start peeling. Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to create small cracks all over the shell. Then, roll the egg forward using your palm. This will help the shell peel off more easily. Starting from the wide end of the egg, where the air pocket is located, peel off the shell under running water or in an ice bath. The water will help remove any shell pieces that may be stubbornly attached. It is best to peel the eggs while they are at room temperature rather than when they have been chilled in the refrigerator.

If you are still facing difficulties, try using a wire rack to help lift the eggs out of the basket all at once. It is not necessary for the recipe, but it can make the process easier.

Frequently asked questions