Making perfect soft-boiled eggs in the air fryer is incredibly easy, and it’s a game-changer when you want a quick, hands-off method to get that tender, runny yolk without the fuss of boiling water. The air fryer offers a reliable way to cook eggs without needing to monitor them constantly, and the results are just as good (if not better) than traditional boiling methods. Here’s how to make air fryer soft-boiled eggs that are cooked to perfection every time!
Why Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs Are Amazing:
Air frying soft-boiled eggs delivers consistent results with minimal effort. Unlike stove-top boiling, you don’t need to worry about adjusting water temperature or timing precisely. The air fryer provides gentle heat circulation, allowing the egg whites to cook to a firm, set texture while keeping the yolk wonderfully soft and runny. It’s a perfect method for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or as a topping for salads, toast, ramen, or grain bowls.
How Long to Cook Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- The cooking time for soft-boiled eggs in the air fryer varies slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the eggs, but on average, you’ll need 9-11 minutes at 270°F (130°C). This will give you perfectly set egg whites and a deliciously runny yolk.
Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients:
- Eggs (as many as you like, but make sure they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket)
- A small bowl of ice water (for the ice bath)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 270°F (130°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the eggs:
- Take the eggs straight from the fridge (there’s no need to bring them to room temperature). Carefully place the eggs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate around them evenly.
- Cook the eggs:
- Air fry the eggs for 9-11 minutes, depending on your preference for how runny you want the yolks.
- For a very soft, runny yolk, aim for 9 minutes.
- For a slightly firmer but still soft yolk, cook for 10 minutes.
- For a more medium-soft yolk, try 11 minutes.
- Air fry the eggs for 9-11 minutes, depending on your preference for how runny you want the yolks.
- Ice bath:
- While the eggs are cooking, prepare a small bowl of ice water. Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and immediately transfer them to the ice bath. This helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for about 2-3 minutes.
- Peel and enjoy:
- After the eggs are cool enough to handle, tap them gently on a hard surface to crack the shell. Peel the shell off carefully. Start from the wider end (which usually has an air pocket) and work your way down. The shell should come off easily, and you’ll be left with a beautifully soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- Egg size: The size of the eggs can impact cooking time, so if you’re using extra-large eggs, you may need to add a minute or two. Small eggs may require less time.
- Altitude: If you live at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly due to the different air pressure.
- Peeling trick: If you’re having trouble peeling the eggs, try rolling them gently between your hands to loosen the shell. This can help make the process easier.
- Timing adjustment: Every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so it’s a good idea to check the eggs at the 9-minute mark to see if they’re cooked to your liking. You can always pop them back in for another minute or two if needed.
How to Use Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- Breakfast: Serve your soft-boiled eggs on toast, avocado toast, or alongside sautéed greens for a light breakfast.
- Salads: Slice them and add to a salad for extra protein and flavor.
- Bowls: They’re perfect for grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or even as a topping for ramen or noodle dishes.
- Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy snacks or meals throughout the week. The eggs will keep in their shell for up to a week in the fridge.
