Cooking eggs in an air fryer might sound unusual, but it’s a game-changer for busy mornings and anyone who loves eggs cooked just right. Whether you want hard-boiled, soft-boiled, fried, or even scrambled eggs, your air fryer can handle it all with minimal fuss and cleanup. Let’s dive into how to cook eggs in the air fryer, step-by-step, with tips to get your favorite egg style every time.
Why Cook Eggs in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, which means eggs get cooked evenly from all sides. This often results in perfectly cooked eggs without the need for boiling water or constant stovetop attention. Plus, air frying eggs is convenient-you just set the timer and walk away. The consistent heat also helps achieve reliable results, whether you like runny yolks or firm whites.
How to Cook Different Types of Eggs in the Air Fryer
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer are simple and water-free. Here’s the basic method:
– Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (132-135°C) for about 5 minutes.
– Place cold eggs (straight from the fridge) in the basket, leaving space between them.
– Cook for 13-15 minutes depending on your preference for firmness.
– Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath for 4-5 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
– Peel and enjoy!
If your air fryer only goes down to 300°F, cook for slightly less time (about 1-2 minutes less). Testing one egg first helps you dial in perfect timing for your model.
2. Soft-Boiled (Jammy) Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs have tender whites and runny or jammy yolks. To make them:
– Preheat air fryer to 270°F.
– Place eggs in the basket spaced apart.
– Cook for 9-11 minutes (9-10 for runny yolks, 10-11 for medium yolks).
– Use an ice bath as with hard-boiled eggs to stop cooking.
– Peel carefully as the whites will be softer.
Because air fryer temperatures vary, expect some trial and error to get your perfect soft-boiled egg.
3. Fried Eggs
You can even fry eggs in the air fryer with a crispy edge and tender yolk:
– Spray a small oven-safe non-stick pan or tray with oil (avocado oil works well).
– Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) with the pan inside for 5 minutes.
– Crack an egg into a small cup, then carefully pour it onto the hot pan.
– Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for sunny side up with a runny yolk.
– Add 1 minute for medium yolk, or 2 minutes for firm yolk.
– For over-easy or over-medium eggs, flip carefully with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.
This method gives you crispy edges and a perfectly cooked yolk without stovetop splatter.
4. Scrambled Eggs
While less common, you can also make scrambled eggs in the air fryer:
– Whisk eggs with your favorite mix-ins (cheese, veggies, seasoning).
– Pour into a small, oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer basket.
– Cook at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
This is a hands-off way to enjoy fluffy scrambled eggs without a pan.
5. Other Egg Dishes
Air fryers are versatile enough for poached eggs, frittatas, and egg cups. Use oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes, adjust cook times, and experiment with ingredients for creative meals.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Eggs
– Always start with cold eggs from the fridge for even cooking.
– Use an ice bath immediately after cooking to stop the eggs from overcooking and to make peeling easier.
– Give eggs enough space in the basket for hot air circulation.
– Preheat your air fryer for best results, especially for fried eggs.
– Times and temperatures can vary between air fryer models, so test with a few eggs to find your ideal settings.
– Use non-stick or lightly oiled bakeware for fried or scrambled eggs to prevent sticking.
– For fried eggs, a shallow pan with low walls works best to get crispy edges.
Air Fryer Eggs Cooking Time Chart
| Egg Style | Temperature | Cook Time (minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-Boiled | 270°F | 13-15 | Ice bath after cooking |
| Soft-Boiled | 270°F | 9-11 | Runny to jammy yolks |
| Fried (Sunny Up) | 350°F | 3 | Add 1-2 minutes for firmer yolk |
| Fried (Over Easy) | 350°F | 4 (plus flipping) | Flip and cook 1 extra minute |
| Scrambled | 300°F | 8-10 | Stir halfway |
Cooking eggs in the air fryer is a simple, versatile way to enjoy eggs exactly how you like them with less mess and fuss. Whether you want a quick fried egg or a batch of perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, your air fryer can deliver consistent, delicious results every time. Give it a try and elevate your egg game today!