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

Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish, often enjoyed at picnics, pubs, parties or as a snack. They are made with hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. This recipe gives the classic snack a modern and healthier upgrade by cooking it in an air fryer.

How to boil eggs to the right consistency

To make Scotch eggs, you'll need to start by boiling your eggs. The consistency of a Scotch egg is unique in that the sausage meat is crispy and golden, while the egg in the middle is soft-boiled. Therefore, it's important to get the right consistency when boiling your eggs.

To soft-boil your eggs, place them in a pot and cover them with one inch of salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for around four minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool for at least five minutes.

If you want a runnier yolk, you can try reducing the simmer time to three and a half minutes. For a harder-boiled egg, you can leave the eggs in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes.

Older eggs are easier to peel than fresh ones, as they develop an air pocket between the shell and the white, so it's best to use older eggs for this recipe if you can.

Once your eggs are boiled and peeled, you can move on to the next steps of shaping your sausage meat and preparing your coatings.

How to wrap the sausage meat around the egg

To wrap the sausage meat around the egg, start by dividing the raw sausage meat into six evenly-sized patties. Then, shape each portion of the sausage flat and place an egg in the centre. After that, wrap the sausage around the egg, making sure to entirely cover the egg. Repeat this process until all the eggs are covered.

To ensure the sausage meat sticks to the egg, you can wet your hands with cold water or dip the egg in flour before wrapping it in the sausage meat. You should also make sure to seal the meat completely by wetting your hands when wrapping it around the egg, so that there aren't any cracks in the covering.

How to coat the scotch eggs

To coat the Scotch eggs, you will need three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour. In the second bowl, crack and whisk a raw egg. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or Italian breadcrumbs.

Take one of your sausage-wrapped eggs and dip it into the bowl of flour. Roll it around until the surface is completely coated. Then, place the sausage ball into the bowl of whisked egg. Use a fork to roll the ball around until it is completely covered in a thin layer of egg. Shake off any excess egg as you lift it out of the bowl. Finally, transfer the ball to the bowl of breadcrumbs and roll it around until it is completely covered. Place the Scotch egg on a plate and repeat this process with the remaining eggs.

You can also add seasoning to the flour or sausage meat if you want to change the flavor of the Scotch eggs.

How long to cook the scotch eggs for

The cooking time for Scotch eggs in an air fryer will vary depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the number of eggs you are cooking at once. It is important to not overcrowd the basket, and to cook the eggs in batches if necessary.

For a single layer of Scotch eggs in the air fryer basket, cook for around 12 to 20 minutes, turning the eggs over halfway through. You will know they are done when the sausage layer is completely cooked and the coating is golden brown. To ensure the sausage meat is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).

What sauces to serve with scotch eggs

When it comes to serving sauces with Scotch eggs, there are several options that can enhance the flavour and elevate the dish. Here are some sauces that pair perfectly with Scotch eggs, especially when cooked in an air fryer:

Mustard Mayo: A classic combination, the tanginess of mustard pairs beautifully with the rich, savoury flavours of the Scotch egg. Simply mix whole-grain mustard with mayonnaise, a dash of lemon juice, and some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. This sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick to your Scotch egg.

Spicy Ketchup: For a touch of heat, create a spicy ketchup by mixing good-quality tomato ketchup with a dash of your favourite hot sauce, some Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder. This sauce is perfect for those who like a little extra kick with their Scotch egg, and the sweetness of the ketchup balances the heat.

Ranch Dip: A cool and creamy ranch dip is a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy Scotch egg. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, and a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. This dip adds a tangy, herby flavour that complements the Scotch egg's protein-rich centre.

Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a perfect match for Scotch eggs, especially when served as a dipping sauce on the side. Look for a barbecue sauce with a good balance of sweetness, tang, and a hint of spice. Alternatively, make your own by simmering ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices like smoked paprika and mustard powder.

Sweet Chilli Sauce: For a touch of Asian-inspired flavour, serve your Scotch eggs with a sweet chilli sauce. This sauce typically combines red chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar for a sweet and spicy kick. It's a great way to add some heat and a touch of sweetness to your Scotch egg without overwhelming the other flavours.

When serving sauces with Scotch eggs, it's best to offer a variety of options on the side so guests can choose their favourite dips. These sauces will elevate your air-fried Scotch eggs and make them an even more delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions