Easy Peel Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe 

 Last Update May 10, 2024

By Jenny Zhang

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In the world of culinary innovation, one appliance has been making waves for its versatility and ability to transform ordinary kitchen tasks into effortless endeavors. The air fryer, originally revered for its capacity to yield crispy delights with minimal oil, has found its way into yet another surprising knack for handling the delicate art of hard-boiling eggs. This unexpected twist allows air fryers to bring a staple of breakfasts and snacks for generations to the table. A seemingly simple undertaking that often demands vigilance and precision, the air fryer offers a twist on the classic method, promising a hassle-free experience and consistently impeccable results.

In this blog post below, we will share how to make quick and easy air fryer hard-boiled eggs tailored to your preferred level of doneness. This hands-off cooking method for cooking eggs is waterless and oilless. Whether you enjoy runny, soft, boiled eggs, firm hard-boiled eggs, or are thinking of making deviled eggs, egg salad, or other egg recipes, we have all the tips and tricks here to help you make air fryer hard-boiled eggs.

Air fryer hard-boiled egg Recipe

Prep Time
3 minutes

Cook Time
17 minutes

Rest Time
5 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

  • Cooking Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 6 Eggs
  • Calories: 72
  • Courses: Breakfast/Snack
  • Best Season: Any

Ingredients

  • 6 Large Eggs
  • Ice (For Ice Bath)

Directions

1. Begin with fresh eggs at room temperature. These coatings tend to peel more easily after cooking.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 275°F. Once it reaches the desired temperature, place the eggs in the air fryer basket. Gently arrange the eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and there is sufficient space for hot air circulation.

3. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer's make and model, but a general guideline is to set the timer for 9-17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. For the best results, here are the recommended cooking times for eggs: 9-11 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 12-14 minutes for medium-boiled eggs, and 15-17 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.

4. Once the timer is up, transfer the cooked eggs immediately to a bowl of ice and cold water. This rapid cooling process halts the cooking and facilitates easier peeling later on. Allow the eggs to sit in cold water for approximately 5 minutes.

5. After a brief cooling period, gently tap each egg on a hard surface, then roll it to crack the shell. Submerge the egg back into the ice water, aiding the peeling process. Start the peeling process from the broader end of the egg, as this is where the air pocket usually forms. A spoon can also help facilitate peeling.

6. Examine your air fryer hard-boiled eggs for the desired level of doneness. If the yolks require more time, adjust the cooking time accordingly during the next attempt.

egg in air fryer

Tips & Notes

Preheat Your Air Fryer: It's best to cook eggs in a preheated air fryer. Preheating ensures a consistent cooking temperature.

Shock with Ice Water: After cooking, transfer the boiled eggs immediately to a bowl filled with ice water. This "shocking" step rapidly cools the cooking eggs, preventing overcooking and making them easier to peel.

Test with a Timer: Different air fryer models can vary slightly in cooking time and result. Consider testing a single egg first to determine the best timing for your air fryer model, and you will taster air fryer eggs in no time. If you're uncertain about the timing, a good starting point is to cook hard-boiled eggs for a minimum of 10 minutes, and for the first time, I recommend that you air fry your hard-boiled eggs for 12 minutes.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6


Calories

72


% Daily Value*


Total Fat 5g

6%


Saturated Fat 1.6g

8%


Cholesterol 186mg

62%


Sodium 70mg

3%


Total Carbohydrate 0.4g

0%


Dietary Fiber 0g

0%


Total Sugars 0.4g



Protein 6.3g



Vitamin D 18mcg

88%


Calcium 27mg

2%

Iron 1mg

5%

Potassium 67mg

1%


*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Air Fryer Rack: Consider using an air fryer rack as it can minimize the risk of egg cracking during cooking.

Allow adequate space for the eggs: While the temptation to maximize egg quantity in your air fryer may arise, providing ample room is crucial. When cooking hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. This allows proper air circulation and permits effective boiling of the eggs. If your air fryer has sufficient space, you can cook up to a dozen eggs in a single batch.

Browning: Air fryer hard-boiled egg shells can turn brown when cooking in an air fryer. When the egg is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period, the outer shell of the egg can turn brown or even develop a slight golden crust. This is normal; the air-fried eggs are still good to eat unless you find evidence otherwise.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you cook an air fryer hard-boiled egg at 300 degrees?

If your air fryer doesn't reach 265 degrees, you can air fry hard-boiled eggs instead. Set the timer for 12-13 minutes. This timing is a general guideline, but it may need slight adjustments based on your air fryer's specific temperature accuracy and the desired level of doneness.

Are air fryer hard-boiled eggs as good as traditionally boiled eggs?

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are comparable in taste and texture to traditionally boiled eggs. The cooking method may vary, but the results are typically equally satisfying.

Can I adjust the cooking time for different yolk textures?

Yes, you can customize the cooking time for your desired yolk texture. For soft-boiled, go for 9-11 minutes, 12-14 minutes for medium-boiled, and 15-17 minutes for air fryer hard-boiled eggs.

What's the best way to peel air fryer hard-boiled eggs?

After rapid cooling in ice water, gently tap the egg to create small cracks and roll it between your hands. Start peeling from the wider end for easier and more efficient peeling.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer for hard-boiled eggs?

Preheating the air fryer is recommended for consistent cooking. It ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before adding the eggs, resulting in better control over the cooking process.

What Can I Use Hard Boil Eggs For?

Hard-boil eggs are versatile and can be used in various dishes and snacks. Here are some common uses for airy fryer hard-boiled eggs:

Deviled Eggs: Scoop out the yolks, mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, and then fill the egg whites for a classic appetizer.

Egg Salad: Dice or mash hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped celery, onions, and your preferred seasonings to create a delightful sandwich filling or salad mixture.

Potato Salad: Dice hard-boiled eggs and mix them with cooked and diced potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and seasonings for a classic potato salad.

Sliced as a Garnish: Slicing hard-boiled eggs provides an attractive garnish option for various dishes, including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Egg Curry: Hard-boiled eggs can be used in various curry recipes, such as Indian egg curry, where they are simmered in a flavorful sauce.

Chopped into Grain Bowls: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to grain bowls or rice dishes for extra protein and flavor.

Egg Sandwiches: Make a classic egg sandwich by slicing or mashing hard-boiled eggs and placing them between two slices of bread with your choice of condiments and veggies.

Snacking: Hard-boiled eggs make a nutritious and portable snack. Enhance their taste by adding a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your preferred seasoning for added flavor.

Salad Toppings: Add sliced or chopped hard-boiled eggs to green salads, pasta salads, or grain salads for added protein and richness.

Egg and Avocado: Slice a hard-boiled egg and serve it with sliced avocado for a quick and healthy snack or breakfast.

Pickled Eggs: You can pickle hard-boiled eggs in a brine solution for a tangy and flavorful treat.

Egg Croquettes: Make croquettes by coating hard-boiled eggs with a breadcrumb mixture and frying them until golden brown and crispy.


What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

Fresh Eggs

The quality of your eggs significantly impacts the final result. Fresh eggs with intact shells are best for achieving consistent and delicious hard-boiled eggs. The age of the eggs can affect the ease of peeling, so it's a good idea to use relatively fresh ones for this method.

Air Fryer

An air fryer is an indispensable appliance for this cooking method. Ensure your air fryer has sufficient space to hold the number of eggs you plan to cook. Different models may come with different basket sizes, so select one that suits your requirements.

Timer

Most air fryers come equipped with timers that allow you to set precise cooking times. The timer is crucial for monitoring the eggs' progress and preventing overcooking. You can use a separate kitchen timer if your air fryer has no built-in timer.

Ice Cold Water

An ice water bath is a vital step in the process. Once the eggs are done cooking, transfer them to an ice water bath to quickly cool them down. This cooling process stops the cooking and prevents the eggs from overcooking. It also facilitates easier peeling by contracting the egg whites slightly.

Tongs or Slotted Spoon

When the eggs are done cooking in the air fryer, they'll be hot. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to the ice water bath safely. Using these tools makes it safer to handle the hot eggs without the risk of burns.

Kitchen Towels or Paper Towels

After removing the eggs from the ice water bath, pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Drying the eggs aids in removing excess moisture, making them ready for consumption or storage.

How To Store Air Fryer Boiled Eggs

It's best to store the unpeeled, hard-boiled eggs with their shells on. The eggshell acts as a protective barrier, helping preserve the egg's freshness. Store the dried, hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass airtight container with a secure lid. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the eggs' quality. You can store the container of hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Many chefs, including myself, don't recommend freezing boiled eggs due to the potential negative effects on the egg's texture. It can lead to a mushy or rubbery consistency and may result in excess water content.

Making Air fryer hard-boiled egg versus on the stovetop

Air Fryer

Advantages

Consistent Results: Air fryers offer precise temperature control, resulting in consistent hard-boiled eggs with predictable doneness.

Hands-Off: Once you've set the temperature and cooking time on the air fryer, you can leave it to do its job without needing constant monitoring.

No Need for a Pot: You don't need a pot of boiling water, which can be a safer and more energy-efficient option.

Quick Cooling: Rapid cooling in an ice water bath is easily achievable with air fryer hard-boiled eggs.

Considerations

Limited Capacity: Air fryers have limited space, so you can only cook a few eggs at a time, which may not be suitable for large batches.

Specific Equipment: You need an air fryer, which is an additional appliance to own and store.

Stovetop

Advantages

Higher Capacity: Stovetop boiling allows you to cook a larger number of eggs at once in a single pot, which is ideal for preparing batches.

Common Household Equipment: Most households have stovetops, so no additional equipment is necessary.

Considerations

Monitoring Required: Boiling eggs on the stovetop requires more active monitoring to ensure they don't overcook, leading to potential inconsistency.

Timing Variability: Achieving the desired doneness can be slightly trickier, as timing may vary depending on factors like altitude and the pot size.

Potential Overcooking: If not monitored closely, eggs can be overcooked, resulting in greenish yolks or a less appealing texture.

air fryer egg

Jenny passionately advocates a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and years of working in food sciences, specializing in organic & natural products. She is committed to helping others embrace a balanced, natural lifestyle that fosters well-being. Jenny believes that a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of one’s well-being.