Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Introduction

Air frying hard boiled eggs revolutionizes the traditional method by eliminating messy pots and unpredictable boiling. You achieve consistently cooked eggs with minimal effort and remarkably easy peeling. It’s a perfect hands-off technique for meal prep or a quick protein boost.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

10 eggs (you can cook up to 12 depending on the size of your air fryer)

Instructions

If your air fryer model requires preheating, preheat it to 270°F (132°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Place the eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the eggs at 270°F (132°C) for 11 minutes.
While the eggs cook, prepare a large bowl filled with ice water.
Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to the ice water bath using tongs. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
Gently tap each egg on a hard surface, then roll it to crack the shell before peeling under cool running water for best results.

Variations

For a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, reduce the cooking time to 9 minutes.
For a medium-boiled egg with a jammy yolk, cook for 10 minutes.
After peeling, slice the eggs and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a simple garnish.
Mash the cooked yolks with a fork and use as a protein-packed addition to salads or avocado toast.

Tips for Success

Using eggs that are a few days old rather than very fresh can make peeling easier.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure hot air circulates evenly around each egg.
No preheating is necessary for some air fryer models; consult your manual to prevent potential bursting.
Cooking time may vary slightly based on air fryer wattage and egg size; consider doing a test egg first.

Storage & Reheating

Store peeled or unpeeled hard boiled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, submerge a peeled egg in warm water for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds at a low power setting, but pierce the yolk first to prevent steam buildup.

FAQ

Can I cook fewer than 10 eggs?

Yes, the cooking time remains the same whether you cook one egg or a full batch.

Do the eggs explode in the air fryer?

Explosions are rare if cooked at the recommended temperature. Starting with a non-preheated air fryer can further reduce this risk.

Why is an ice water bath important?

It rapidly cools the eggs, halting the cooking process and contracting the egg inside the shell, which makes peeling much easier.

Can I use this method for eggs straight from the fridge?

Yes, cold eggs can be used directly. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cook time if your refrigerator is very cold.

How do I peel the eggs without sticking?

Peeling them under cool running water helps wash away shell fragments and separates the membrane from the egg white.

Can I make soft-boiled eggs this way?

Absolutely. Adjust the cook time to 9 minutes for a runny yolk, but be aware that peeling soft-boiled eggs can be more delicate.