Making hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer is incredibly easy and yields perfect results every time! The air fryer provides a consistent temperature and even heat circulation, which allows you to cook eggs without any water and without the need for a stovetop pot. Whether you’re looking to make a batch for snacks, salads, or deviled eggs, this air fryer method is a foolproof way to achieve hard-boiled eggs with a tender yolk and creamy texture.
This method is a huge time-saver and a great way to make a batch of hard-boiled eggs with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- Eggs (as many as you like, usually 6-8 eggs fit in most air fryer baskets)
- Optional: Salt and pepper for serving, or any seasonings you prefer
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (130°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the right temperature before you add the eggs.
- Prepare the Eggs:
- Place the eggs gently into the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer without overcrowding. You can cook as few or as many eggs as you need, as long as they fit comfortably in the basket.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Set the air fryer to 270°F (130°C) and cook the eggs for 17-18 minutes. Depending on the size of your eggs and the air fryer model, the cooking time can vary slightly, but 17 minutes is usually perfect for a firm yolk and fully cooked whites.
- Prepare an Ice Bath:
- While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the eggs are done cooking, immediately transfer them into the ice water to cool for at least 10 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
- Peel and Serve:
- After the eggs have cooled, gently tap them on a hard surface and roll them to crack the shell. Peel the shell off starting from the wider end, which typically has an air pocket, making it easier to remove the shell.
- Serve immediately, or store them in the fridge for later use.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The air fryer’s consistent, even heat ensures that your eggs cook perfectly without the guesswork. You get hard-boiled eggs with a firm, fully-cooked yolk and tender whites, every time.
No Water, No Mess: Unlike traditional boiling methods that require a pot of water and constant attention, the air fryer method is much cleaner. You don’t need to worry about boiling over or having to manage a hot pot of water. Simply pop the eggs in and let the air fryer do the work.
Easy to Peel: The air fryer method tends to make eggs easier to peel than the traditional stovetop method. The eggs don’t undergo rapid temperature changes, which can sometimes make the eggs harder to peel. The ice bath also helps to cool the eggs quickly, further aiding in the peeling process.
Minimal Cleanup: Since there’s no water or pots to clean up afterward, the air fryer is an efficient and low-maintenance cooking method. You just need to wipe down the air fryer basket and you’re done.
Meal Prep Friendly: Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are great for meal prep. You can cook a batch of eggs and store them in the fridge for up to a week. They make an excellent snack, a topping for salads, or a filling for sandwiches.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can cause uneven cooking. You can cook multiple eggs at once, but they should be in a single layer with a little space between each one.
- Adjust the Time for Desired Doneness: If you prefer a slightly softer or firmer yolk, you can adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. For a softer center, aim for 15-16 minutes, and for firmer yolks, go for 18-19 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Once peeled, sprinkle your hard-boiled eggs with a little salt and pepper, or experiment with other seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Cold Eggs: Starting with eggs that are refrigerator cold works best for this method. If you use room temperature eggs, they may cook faster, so check them a minute or two earlier.
Nutrition Information (per egg, approx):
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 60mg (without added salt)
- Calcium: 28mg
- Iron: 0.8mg
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs are a quick, simple, and convenient way to prepare a batch of eggs with minimal effort. Whether you need them for meal prep, a quick snack, or as part of a larger recipe, this method will save you time and make cooking eggs more enjoyable. It’s perfect for anyone looking to streamline their cooking process or simply make the most of their air fryer!
