When I first heard you could make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, I thought, really? That can’t be right! To say I was doubtful would be putting it lightly. But after a little experimentation, I discovered yes, you absolutely can use an air fryer to make perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs… and it’s a total game-changer! Naturally, these go great with a side of air fryer oven toast!
In this article I'll explain how I cook hard-boiled eggs in my Ninja air fryer (although you can cook them in almost any model of air fryer). Plus, I've given you the timings I used to get the perfect results.
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Hard-boiled eggs are such a versatile ingredient. So being able to cook them easily in my air fryer means I can use them in lots of different meals throughout the week. From breakfast with toast to a lunchtime sandwich or a salad in the evening, hard-boiled eggs can be mashed, sliced, cubed or halved in so many different dishes.
Why is an air fryer good for cooking boiled eggs?
1. No Water, No Worries
Forget about waiting for a pot of water to boil or dealing with spills and splashes. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook your eggs, so there’s no water required. Less mess, less hassle, and fewer dishes.
2. Consistent Results Every Time
Whether you like your eggs well done or with a bit of squidge, the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked eggs with precision. No guessing if the water is simmering too much or too little – just set the temperature and timer, and you’re good to go.
3. Super Easy to Peel
Air fryer boiled eggs tend to peel like a dream. Something about the hot air cooking process makes the shells separate more easily from the egg white. Say goodbye to those frustrating mornings of picking off tiny shell fragments!
4. Set It and Forget It
Using an air fryer means no babysitting a stovetop. Pop the eggs in, set the timer, and go about your morning routine. The air fryer will handle the rest while you pour your coffee or toast some bread.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
Need a quick protein-packed snack or breakfast on the go? Air fryer boiled eggs are ready in minutes and can be cooked in batches, making them a great addition to your weekly meal prep.
6. Energy Efficient
Instead of boiling a big pot of water for a handful of eggs, the air fryer uses just enough energy to cook exactly what you need. It’s a faster, more eco-friendly option for small batches.
How does an air fryer cook boiled eggs?
So just how does an air fryer boil eggs without water? Well, there’s no actual boiling – instead, the air fryer bakes the eggs at a consistent temperature. This cooks the egg and gives the same texture and taste as a boiled egg but without the need for water. Clever, right!
How to make hard boiled eggs in an air fryer 300°F
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C)
Gently place your eggs in the basket (no oil, no water needed). You can cook several at once but make sure there is a little space around each one.
Set the timer. If you like your hard-boiled eggs to be very firm, air fry for 13 minutes. If you prefer them to have a jammy yolk, go for 10 minutes. Or for somewhere in the middle, opt for 11 minutes. (All air fryers are different, so it might take some experimentation to find the perfect length of time to get the perfect egg for you. Make a note of the ideal timing for next time).
Once the timer beeps, carefully lift the eggs out (remember to protect your hands—I find a slotted spoon is perfect for lifting the hot eggs out). Then, pop the eggs into a bowl of ice-cold water for a couple of minutes. This helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling a breeze.
Different ways to serve air fryer boiled eggs
Simple – in an egg cup with air fryer toast
Sliced in a salad
A classic egg mayo sandwich
Diced in a potato salad
Devilled eggs (scoop out the yolks and mash with mayo, a little mustard, a splash of vinegar and salt and pepper. Then spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika to garnish).
In a kedgeree - I love this smoked haddock kedgeree recipe, just boil the eggs in your air fryer instead of on the hob.
In a tuna Niçoise salad (I like to make this with tuna, green beans, olives, tomatoes, sliced onion and boiled potatoes).
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Gently place your eggs in the basket (no oil, no water needed).
- Set the timer. If you like your hard-boiled eggs to be very firm, cook for 13 minutes. If you prefer them to have a jammy yolk, go for 10 minutes. Or for somewhere in the middle, opt for 11 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps, carefully lift the eggs out (remember to protect your hands - a slotted spoon is perfect for lifting the hot eggs out. Then, pop the eggs into a bowl of ice-cold water for a couple of minutes.
- Carefully peel the eggs and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
If you've tried this method for Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs let me know how it worked out by leaving a ⭐star rating and a comment below. It really helps me out! Thanks for visiting!
Jenny
I love using this method. Let me know in the comments if you've tried it too. Jen x