Air Fryer Boiled Eggs: Perfectly Cooked Every Time

Boiling eggs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free method that gives you perfectly cooked eggs every time. It is also a versatile method, allowing you to make soft-boiled, jammy, or hard-boiled eggs. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer, place the eggs in the basket, cook for the desired amount of time, and then transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This method is also said to make the eggs easier to peel.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making perfect boiled eggs. While some recipes say that preheating is not necessary, most recommend it. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 250°F and 275°F. If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F, you can set it to that temperature, but you should reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes.

Preheating your air fryer mimics a simmering pot of water, which is the traditional method for boiling eggs. By preheating, you can ensure that your eggs cook evenly and that the yolks are just barely soft, without any gray ring around the edge.

Depending on your air fryer model and your desired level of doneness, you may need to experiment with the preheating temperature and cooking time. For example, if you prefer a slightly softer hard-boiled egg, you can preheat your air fryer to 275°F and cook the eggs for 13 minutes. On the other hand, if you desire a more well-done hard-boiled egg, you can preheat to the same temperature but cook the eggs for 17 minutes.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is an important step in making perfect boiled eggs. Be sure to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed to achieve your desired results.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making boiled eggs in an air fryer depend on the type of boiled egg you want. For soft-boiled eggs, the temperature should be set to 250°F (120°C) or 270°F (132°C) and cooked for 9-11 minutes or 8-10 minutes, respectively. For "jammy" eggs, cook at 270°F (132°C) for 12-13 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, the temperature should be set to 250°F (120°C), 270°F (132°C), or 275°F (135°C) and cooked for 13-17 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the strength and model of your air fryer, as well as the number of eggs you are cooking at once. It is recommended to experiment with the cooking time to find the ideal setting for your desired level of doneness. Additionally, for true soft-boiled eggs, a lower temperature of 180°C for 8-14 minutes is suggested, with 8 minutes producing soft-boiled eggs and 14 minutes resulting in hard-boiled eggs.

To prevent overcooking and to make peeling easier, it is recommended to place the eggs in an ice bath or run them under cold water immediately after cooking.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is an important step in the process of making perfect boiled eggs in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

To prepare an ice bath, you will need a bowl, ice, and cold water. Start by filling the bowl halfway with ice. Then, add cold water to the bowl until it is about three-quarters full. The ice bath should be ready by the time your eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, so it's a good idea to prepare it while the eggs are cooking.

Once your eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts, as they will be very hot. Gently place the eggs into the ice bath, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for around 4-5 minutes, or until they are cool but not completely chilled. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process, ensuring your eggs are not overcooked and making them easier to peel.

After the eggs have cooled down, you can remove them from the ice bath and begin peeling the shells. It is recommended to start peeling at the bottom or widest part of the egg, as this is usually where the air bubble forms, making it easier to remove the shell.

Preparing an ice bath is a simple but essential step in achieving perfectly boiled eggs in an air fryer. It helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling the eggs a breeze.

Peeling the eggs

Once your eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, the next step is to peel them. But before you do that, it's important to cool them down quickly to stop the cooking process. The best way to do this is by using an ice bath. Prepare a bowl of ice water and place the eggs in it for about 4-10 minutes, until they are cool but not cold. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.

After the eggs have cooled down, you can start peeling them. Gently crack the egg shells by rolling them a bit along a hard surface to create cracks along all sides. You can also try giving them a gentle tap on a hard surface to create a crack all around the egg. Start peeling from the bottom/fattest part of the egg, as that's usually where the air bubble forms.

If you're having trouble peeling the eggs, try placing them in an ice water bath made with cold water and ice cubes as soon as they're done cooking. This will help make them easier to peel. Alternatively, you can run them under cold water for a minute or shake them in a Tupperware container with a little water and a lid.

Once you've peeled the eggs, they're ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them as they are or use them in recipes like egg salad, avocado egg salad, or deviled eggs.

Storing the eggs

Storing your boiled eggs properly is key to maintaining their freshness and avoiding food poisoning. Here's a detailed guide on how to store your boiled eggs:

Cooling the Eggs

Before you store your boiled eggs, it's important to let them cool down. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath immediately after cooking. This helps the eggs cool down faster and also stops the cooking process, giving you more control over the doneness of your eggs.

Storing Unpeeled Eggs

Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels to keep moisture to a minimum. Then, place the unpeeled eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. It's best to store hard-boiled eggs with the shells on, as the shells act as a protective barrier, keeping the eggs fresh for longer and preventing them from absorbing any odours from the fridge. Store the unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf, where the temperature is most stable and consistent. With the shells intact, unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored for up to one week.

Storing Peeled Eggs

If you prefer to peel your eggs before storing, there are a few extra steps to take. After peeling, place the eggs in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Store them uncovered in the fridge for two to three days, changing the water daily to keep it fresh. Peeled eggs have a shorter shelf life than unpeeled eggs, so it's best to use them within a few days.

Freezing Boiled Eggs

While it is possible to freeze boiled eggs, it's not recommended. Freezing and defrosting can affect the texture of the eggs, making the whites tough, rubbery, and watery, while the yolks can become mealy. However, if you wish to freeze your boiled eggs, separate the yolks from the whites, as the yolks are more likely to retain their texture. Spread the yolks in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for at least three hours or overnight. Then, transfer the frozen yolks to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to a month.

Food Safety

It's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Cooked eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and they should be stored in the refrigerator within this timeframe. Additionally, always inspect your eggs before consuming them. Spoiled hard-boiled eggs may have a slimy or chalky film on the shell, and they will give off an unpleasant, rotten odour.

Frequently asked questions