Perfect Air Fryer Hard & Soft Boiled Eggs (Easy Peel)

The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook dishes, and eggs are no exception. 

Whether you’re craving hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or delightfully jammy eggs, the air fryer is your ticket to perfection. 

Join me on this culinary adventure as we together explore the simplicity and versatility of cooking eggs in an air fryer.

Get ready to transform your egg-cooking routine and achieve egg-cellence in your kitchen!

Cooking Your Perfect Air Fryer Egg: Temperature, Time, and Tips

Choosing Your Doneness

• Soft-boiled: Runny yolk, set white (8-10 minutes)
• Medium, jammy eggs: Slightly runny yolk, firm white (10-12 minutes)
• Hard-boiled: Solid yolk and white (14-16 minutes)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparation: Start with room temperature eggs to ensure even cooking. This small but crucial step helps avoid the risk of the eggs cracking due to temperature shock.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer so it mimics a simmering pot of water. 

Step 3: Air Frying the Eggs: Place the eggs carefully in the air fryer basket to avoid any cracks. For the perfect hard-boiled consistency, set your air fryer to 135 degrees Celsius (275 degrees Fahrenheit) and timer according to your desired doneness (see chart above).

Step 4: The Ice Bath: While the eggs are air frying, prepare an ice bath. Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath. This stops the cooking process, ensuring that your eggs don’t overcook, and makes peeling easier.

Note: Always handle hot eggs with care! Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the air fryer.

Step 5: Finally, once the eggs have cooled down but are not yet completely cold, it’s time to peel them. Begin by gently cracking the shells. I’ve found it’s best to start at the bottom, or the roundest part of the egg, as this is typically where the air bubble is located, making it easier to peel.

My Tips:

• Experiment with your Air Fryer: Cook times may vary slightly depending on your model. Start with the lower end of the suggested range and adjust as needed.
• Baking soda trick: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the ice bath. It can help loosen the shell membrane for smoother peeling (check other hacks for peeling hard boiled eggs)
• Egg Quality Check: Let’s examine your air fryer egg. Slice it open to observe the yolk. If done correctly, you’ll find a flawlessly cooked white encircling a vibrant golden-yellow yolk without any green rim. (This green rim, a result of sulfur and iron in the egg reacting, is safe to eat but less appealing visually)
• Spacing matters: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Ensure good air circulation around each egg for even cooking.
• Centering Yolks Tip: For perfectly positioned yolks, lay your egg carton on its side in the fridge for about 24 hours. This simple trick ensures yolks remain centered when cooked, enhancing the presentation of dishes like deviled eggs.

How To Store Hard Boiled Eggs

When it comes to storing boiled eggs in the fridge, the USDA’s guideline is a great starting point: hard-boiled eggs, should ideally be consumed within one week of cooking. 

Read more: How long do hard-boiled eggs last in a fridge?

This recommendation is aimed at ensuring food safety and minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.

It’s best to refrigerate hard-boiled eggs with their shells if possible. The shell acts as a natural barrier, extending the eggs’ freshness and protecting them from absorbing fridge odors.

Instead of dry storage, place your cooled, shell-on hard-boiled eggs in a container of ice-cold water. This method helps keep the eggs fresh and prevents the yolks from drying.

The eggs don’t need to be covered in the container; they can be uncovered in ice-cold water. Once you’ve placed them in water, pop the container into the refrigerator.

Recipe ideas

Hard-boiled eggs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways beyond just being a simple snack. 

I like to enjoy them as a snack, with a hint of mayo and chives and freshly baked bread.

If you’d like something more sophisticated, here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

1. Egg Salad Sandwich: A timeless classic. Mash the eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and your favorite seasonings for a delicious and filling sandwich.
2. Classic Cobb Salad: Combine chopped eggs with diced chicken, avocado, bacon, tomato, and blue cheese crumbles. Dress with a creamy vinaigrette for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
3. Ramen: Top your ramen with a perfectly cooked, halved hard-boiled egg for a satisfying and visually appealing addition.
4. Deviled Eggs: A party favorite! Fill the yolks with a classic mayo and mustard mixture, or get creative with avocado, herbs, or spices.

Recipe Card

5 from 1 vote