Air-Fried Scotch Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish that can be enjoyed at picnics, pubs, parties, or as a snack. They are typically made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in seasoned sausage meat and coating it in breadcrumbs before deep-frying. However, using an air fryer is a modern and healthier alternative that gives them a crispy crust without the grease. This method is also easy and versatile, allowing for various ingredients and serving options.

How to boil eggs to the right consistency for Scotch eggs

To make Scotch eggs in an air fryer, you'll need to start with soft- or hard-boiled eggs. The type of boiled egg you use is a matter of preference, as Scotch eggs can be made with either.

To soft-boil your eggs, heat your air fryer to 130°C and place four whole eggs in the air fryer basket. Cook for 9 to 11 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice-cold water. When the eggs are done, transfer them to the ice water and let them cool for about 5 minutes before peeling.

If you prefer hard-boiled eggs, you can use an air fryer to hard-boil them, or you can steam them on the stove. To hard-boil eggs in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 350°F and place the eggs in the basket. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the number of eggs you are boiling. If steaming your eggs, place 1 inch of water in a 4-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet and bring the water to a boil. Carefully add the eggs to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 16 minutes.

How to prepare the sausage meat for Scotch eggs

Preparing the sausage meat for Scotch eggs is a simple process. Firstly, you will need to soft-boil your eggs. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket and cook them for around 11 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice-cold water. After 11 minutes, transfer the eggs to the ice water and leave them to cool for about 5 minutes. Once they are cool, peel the eggs and set them aside.

Next, it's time to prepare the sausage meat mixture. In a bowl, mix the sausage meat with dried herbs and garlic powder. You can use your hands to mix everything together until it forms a paste-like consistency. Don't forget to season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Now you're ready to start shaping the sausage meat around the boiled eggs. Take one-quarter of the sausage meat mixture and mould it around a boiled egg, aiming for an even thickness all the way around. Repeat this process until all the eggs are covered in sausage meat.

Finally, you'll need to coat the Scotch eggs before air-frying them. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each sausage-wrapped egg first into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs to coat fully. Make sure to shake off any excess flour or egg before moving on to the next step.

How to coat the Scotch eggs in flour, egg and breadcrumbs

To coat the Scotch eggs in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, start by gathering three bowls. Season the flour and place it in one bowl. Add the beaten eggs to the second bowl, and the breadcrumbs to the third.

One by one, dip the wrapped eggs first in flour, dusting off any excess. Then, dip them into the beaten egg mixture, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs to ensure they are fully coated.

This process will create a crispy crust on your Scotch eggs, making them perfect as a snack or a quick and easy breakfast.

How to cook the Scotch eggs in the air fryer

How to Cook Scotch Eggs in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4-6 eggs
• 500g of sausagemeat
• 2 tablespoons of plain flour
• 200g of panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil spray

Method

Firstly, soft-boil your eggs. To do this, heat your air fryer to 130°C and place the eggs in the basket. Cook for 9-11 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice-cold water. Once the eggs are done, transfer them to the ice water and leave to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, peel and set aside.

Next, mix the sausagemeat, dried herbs, and garlic powder in a bowl with your hands until it forms a paste-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Using kitchen paper, dry the peeled eggs.

Now, prepare three bowls. In one, place the flour and season. In the second, add the beaten eggs. And in the third, put the breadcrumbs.

Using one quarter of the sausagemeat mixture, mould the meat around one of the boiled eggs, aiming for an even thickness all the way around. Repeat this process until all the eggs are covered in sausagemeat.

One by one, dip the wrapped eggs first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat fully.

Heat the air fryer to 180°C. Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the eggs in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches. Cook for 12-20 minutes, turning the eggs over halfway through.

Your Scotch eggs are now ready to serve!

What sauces to serve with Scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a quintessential British dish, often served as a snack or appetiser. They are typically served with a variety of sauces on the side, including:

• Mustard: A classic and traditional pairing, the piquant and zesty notes of the mustard sauce add an extra punch to the Scotch eggs.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy and tangy sauce that can be served as a dip or spread.
• Ketchup: A sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce that is a popular choice for those who prefer a milder flavour.
• Chutney: A tangy and refreshing condiment, such as mango chutney or spicy tomato chutney, can be served alongside Scotch eggs to enhance their flavour.
• Tamarind Sauce: A tangy and slightly sour sauce made from tamarind fruit, this sauce adds a unique flavour to the dish.

In addition to these sauces, Scotch eggs can also be served with a variety of side dishes, such as potato wedges, chips, coleslaw, or a fresh and crisp salad. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile option for picnics, parties, or snacks on the go.

Frequently asked questions