Introduction
Discover the easiest, most foolproof way to make perfect hard boiled eggs every time. Using your air fryer eliminates the need for a pot of boiling water and gives you incredibly easy-to-peel results. You’ll never go back to the stovetop method after trying this.
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
- Set the air fryer to 270°F (132°C). Cook for 11 minutes for hard boiled eggs with fully set yolks.
- While the eggs cook, prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice.
- Immediately transfer the cooked eggs from the air fryer basket to the ice water bath using tongs. Let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Once completely cooled, tap each egg on the counter and roll gently to crack the shell, then peel under cool running water for the easiest removal.
- Your hard boiled eggs are now ready to eat, slice, or store.
Variations
- Softer Yolks: For jammy, soft-boiled eggs with a firmer white but runny yolk, reduce the cook time to 9-10 minutes at 270°F.
- Baked Egg Salad: After peeling, chop the eggs and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings for a quick, classic egg salad.
- Air Fryer “Steamed” Eggs: For even easier peeling, place a sheet of parchment paper in the bottom of the basket before adding the eggs to create a steamer effect.
- Soy-Marinated Eggs (Ramen Eggs): Peel the cooked eggs and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, water, and a touch of sugar in the refrigerator for a flavorful treat.
Tips for Success
- Use eggs that are a few days old for the absolute easiest peeling, as very fresh eggs can be more challenging.
- For larger batches, cook in a single layer and in multiple batches if your air fryer cannot accommodate all eggs without touching.
- Adjust time slightly based on your specific air fryer model; start with 11 minutes and add 1-2 minutes if yolks are not fully set to your preference.
Storage & Reheating
Store peeled or unpeeled hard boiled eggs in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, place peeled eggs in a bowl of hot water for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds if sliced.
FAQ
Can I cook fewer than 10 eggs?
Absolutely. The cooking time remains the same whether you cook 1 egg or 10, as long as they are in a single layer.
Why do some eggs crack in the air fryer?
Cracking is usually caused by the egg touching the hot wall of the air fryer basket or a sudden temperature shock. Placing them carefully in the center of the basket helps prevent this.
Do I need to flip the eggs?
No, flipping is not necessary. The air circulates evenly around the eggs, cooking them uniformly.
Can I cook eggs straight from the refrigerator?
Yes, you can use cold eggs directly from the fridge. No need to bring them to room temperature first.
Are the eggs really easy to peel?
Yes, the dry heat method followed by an ice bath typically results in shells that slip right off, especially if the eggs are not super fresh.
What if my air fryer doesn’t go as low as 270°F?
If your minimum temperature is 300°F, reduce the cook time. Start checking at 9-10 minutes, as they will cook faster at the higher temperature.
