Air Fryer Onsen Egg: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

Onsen eggs, or hot spring eggs, are a Japanese delicacy. They are typically made by slow-poaching eggs in their shells in volcanic hot spring water, resulting in a luxurious, silky texture. While you may not have access to a natural hot spring, you can still achieve delicious onsen eggs using an air fryer. Here's a simple guide to help you get started.

How long to cook onsen eggs in an air fryer

Onsen eggs, or "hot spring eggs", are usually made by slow-poaching eggs in their shells in hot spring water. However, it is possible to make them in an air fryer. The length of time you cook your onsen eggs for will depend on the consistency you want your yolks to be, and the model of your air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking your onsen eggs, you should preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for the air fryer to be set to is between 270°F and 275°F (132-135°C). If your air fryer's minimum temperature is 300°F (148°C), set it to this temperature instead.

Cooking Times

For soft-boiled onsen eggs, with a soft yolk centre, cook the eggs for 9-11 minutes. For a medium yolk, increase the cooking time to 10-11 minutes. For a soft yolk with a custard-like texture, cook the eggs for 13 minutes.

Post-Cooking

Once the eggs are cooked, place them in an ice bath for 4-5 minutes to make them easier to peel. Gently crack the shells and peel the eggs.

Experimenting with Cooking Times

It may take some experimentation to work out the ideal cooking time for your onsen eggs, as there are a lot of factors that will influence the cooking time. The strength of your air fryer, its temperature settings, the size of the eggs, and the size and fullness of the basket will all play a part. Start by cooking one or two eggs, and adjust the cooking time until you find the ideal time for your setup.

What temperature to cook onsen eggs in an air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking onsen eggs in an air fryer depends on the consistency you want to achieve. For example, if you want a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, you should set the temperature to 270°F and cook for 11-14 minutes. If you prefer a harder-boiled egg with a softer yolk, increase the temperature to 275°F and cook for 15 minutes.

For a soft-boiled egg with a slightly runny centre, you can cook the eggs at 280°F for 9 to 10 minutes. If you want a soft yolk with a custard-like texture, cook for 13 minutes at the same temperature.

If you want a hard-boiled egg with a lighter yolk, 16 minutes at 270°F will do the trick. And for a completely hard-boiled egg, increase the time to 17 minutes.

It's important to note that different air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time, so it's always a good idea to experiment with a smaller batch of eggs first and adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

How to peel onsen eggs

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Bath

As soon as your onsen eggs are done cooking, you'll want to transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This will ensure that your eggs don't overcook and also makes them easier to peel. Prepare your ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water.

Step 2: Tap and Peel

Once your eggs have cooled, you're ready to start peeling. Tap the large end of the egg on a flat surface to gently crack the shell. You can also gently roll the egg along a hard surface to create cracks along the shell. Peel away a circle of the shell and tip the egg into a clean bowl. The loose white will run out first, followed by the onsen egg.

Step 3: Scoop the Egg

Use a large spoon to scoop the egg out of the loose white. You can choose to discard the loose white or eat it if you prefer.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Onsen eggs are best eaten warm, but they can be stored in their shells in the fridge for 5-7 days. To rewarm, place them in warm water (not over 60 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes.

How to store onsen eggs

To store onsen eggs, you should keep them in their shells and place them in the fridge. They will last for 1 to 2 days if uncracked, and up to 5 to 7 days if still in their shells.

To reheat, bring the eggs back to room temperature, then place them in warm water (maximum temperature of 70°C) for around 10 minutes.

Once the eggs are peeled, they should be consumed immediately.

What to serve with onsen eggs

Onsen eggs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with onsen eggs:

Rice Dishes

Onsen eggs make a great topping for rice dishes such as fried rice, garlic rice, and Japanese curry rice. The rich, creamy yolk mixes beautifully with the rice, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. You can also try adding it to a rice bowl like Gyudon (simmered beef bowl) or Yakiniku Don (grilled beef bowl) for an extra indulgent touch.

Noodle Soups

Onsen eggs are a perfect addition to noodle soups, including Kake Udon, Vegetarian Udon, Cold Tanuki Udon, and classic Soba Noodle Soup. The warm, runny yolk mixes with the broth to create a rich and comforting flavour. Try adding it to Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, or Mazesoba for a heartwarming meal.

Main Dishes

Onsen eggs can also be used to top main dishes, adding a touch of luxury to your meal. Try adding one to your Hambagu (Japanese hamburger steak), Nikomi Hambagu (stewed hamburger steak), or even something like Avocado Toast for a unique twist.

Soups and Hot Pots

For a light yet satisfying meal, add onsen eggs to your favourite soup or hot pot. They go particularly well with classic Miso Soup, Cabbage and Onsen Tamago Miso Soup, and Zosui (Japanese rice soup). The warm and creamy egg is a perfect complement to the broth, creating a comforting and nourishing dish.

Breakfast

Onsen eggs are a traditional part of a Japanese breakfast and can be served in a variety of ways. Try them with a drizzle of dashi-based soy sauce, or crack the egg into a small bowl and pour the sauce around it for a simple yet elegant start to your day. You can also enjoy them with hot steamed rice and a splash of soy sauce, or add them to a bowl of cold udon or ramen noodles.

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