Air-Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Soft-boiled eggs are a great breakfast option, but boiling water and timing it right can be a hassle. Air fryers offer a quick, easy, and mess-free solution to make soft-boiled eggs with a perfect jammy texture. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to make soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 270-275°F (132-135°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making soft-boiled eggs. You'll want to set your air fryer to a low temperature to mimic a simmering pot of water, which is what you'd usually use to boil eggs. The ideal temperature range for soft-boiled eggs is between 270-275°F (132-135°C).

If your air fryer doesn't go below 300°F (148°C), you can still make soft-boiled eggs. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Set your air fryer to 300°F (148°C) and reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your eggs cook evenly and that you achieve the desired level of doneness. It's an important step in the process of making soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer, so make sure not to skip it!

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can add the eggs to the basket or rack, leaving a little space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation. Then, you can proceed with the rest of the cooking process.

Cook eggs for 9-11 minutes

For soft-boiled eggs, you'll want to cook your eggs for 9-11 minutes. This will give you a soft, runny yolk with just-set whites. It's important to note that the timing will depend on your desired level of doneness, so you may need to experiment a little to find your perfect cook time.

While your eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. This will be used to halt the cooking process and make your eggs easier to peel.

Once your eggs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or by gently rolling them into the ice bath. Allow them to cool for about 4-5 minutes before peeling.

For a perfect peel, start by gently tapping each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll it between your hands to loosen it further. Begin peeling from the wider end, as this is where the air pocket is, making it easier to separate the shell from the egg.

Prepare an ice bath

Preparing an ice bath is an important step in making soft-boiled eggs in the air fryer. It helps to halt the cooking process, ensuring your eggs don't overcook and are easier to peel. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare an ice bath:

• Get a Bowl: Choose a bowl that is large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you are cooking. It should be deep enough to allow the eggs to be fully submerged in the ice water.
• Add Ice: Fill the bowl halfway with ice cubes. Use plenty of ice to ensure the water temperature remains cold enough.
• Add Cold Water: Fill the bowl with cold water until it is about three-quarters full or almost full. The water level should be high enough to completely cover the eggs.
• Keep It Ready: As soft-boiled eggs cook quickly, have the ice bath prepared in advance. As soon as the eggs finish cooking in the air fryer, you will need to immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Submerge the Eggs: Once the eggs are done in the air fryer, use a spoon or tongs to carefully remove them and place them directly into the ice bath. Make sure they are fully submerged.
• Timing: Allow the eggs to remain in the ice bath for at least 2-5 minutes. This duration will cool them down, making them easier to handle and peel.

Remember, the ice bath is an essential step to achieving perfectly soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks and set whites. It also helps prevent overcooking, giving you better control over the doneness of your eggs.

Peel the eggs

Once your eggs are ready, it's time to peel them! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare an Ice Bath

As soon as you start cooking the eggs, fill a bowl with ice water. This ice bath will help cool down the eggs after cooking and make them easier to peel. It is an important step to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Remove the Eggs from the Air Fryer

When the eggs are done, use a spoon or tongs to carefully take them out of the air fryer. Be gentle, as the eggs will be hot. Place the eggs directly into the prepared ice bath.

Step 3: Let the Eggs Cool

Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for a few minutes. The recommended time varies, but it is generally between 2 and 5 minutes. This cooling process is crucial, as it not only stops the cooking but also makes peeling much easier.

Step 4: Crack the Eggshells

After the eggs have cooled down, you can start peeling. Gently tap each egg on a hard surface to create cracks all over the shell. For soft-boiled eggs, be extra careful as they are more delicate. Do not roll soft-boiled eggs; instead, gently crack the shell with your hands.

Step 5: Start Peeling

Begin peeling from the wider end of the egg, as this end usually has an air pocket that makes it easier to separate the shell from the egg white. If you're having trouble, try running the egg under cold water to help loosen the shell.

Tips for Easier Peeling:

• Use older eggs. Fresher eggs tend to stick to the membrane, making them harder to peel.
• Always use an ice bath to cool the eggs and shrink them away from the shell.
• If you want more evenly cooked eggs, leave some space between them in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

Serve or store in the fridge

Once your soft-boiled eggs are ready, you can serve them immediately or store them in the fridge for later. Here are some tips for serving and storing your eggs:

Serving

• Soft-boiled eggs can be served in a variety of ways. You can add them to a piece of toast, dunk them with bread, top your favourite salad, or switch up your egg salad by using soft-boiled eggs instead of hard-boiled.
• You can also add them to a bowl of ramen, or simply enjoy them as a quick snack.
• For added flavour, sprinkle your eggs with seasonings like salt, pepper, everything-but-the-bagel seasoning, hot sauce, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs.

Storing

• To store soft-boiled eggs, it is recommended to peel them first. Place the peeled eggs in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator.
• Soft-boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 or 7 days. However, one source suggests that they should be consumed within 2 days of preparation.
• If you want to reheat your soft-boiled eggs, you can immerse them in warm-to-hot water for 10-20 minutes, ensuring the water is not hot enough to cook the eggs further. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat them as this may affect their texture.

Tips for Storing

• For convenience, it is recommended to store your eggs peeled, as it can be more challenging and time-consuming to peel them after they have been refrigerated.
• If you want to store unpeeled eggs, make sure to place them in an ice bath immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.

Frequently asked questions