Can You Make Eggs in an Air Fryer

Can You Make Eggs in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Perfectly Cooked Eggs

Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, praised for their versatility and ability to cook food with less oil. But can you make eggs in an air fryer? Absolutely! From hard-boiled to fried, scrambled to poached, air fryers offer a hands-off, mess-free way to prepare eggs. I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for years, and eggs are one of my favorite things to cook in it—no splattering oil, no boiling water, just consistent results. Let’s dive into the best methods, tips, and tricks for cooking eggs in an air fryer, tailored to your preferred style.

Why Cook Eggs in an Air Fryer?

Cooking eggs in an air fryer might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient—you don’t need to wait for water to boil or deal with a hot skillet. Second, air fryers cook eggs evenly thanks to their circulating hot air, which mimics convection cooking. Finally, cleanup is a breeze, especially if you use ramekins or silicone molds. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick breakfast, the air fryer delivers. Plus, it’s perfect for small kitchens or situations where a stovetop isn’t available, like dorms or camping setups.

Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer

One of the most popular ways to cook eggs in an air fryer is to make hard-boiled eggs—without the boiling. The dry heat and convection of the air fryer cook the eggs evenly, and they’re surprisingly easy to peel. Here’s how to do it:

• Equipment: Air fryer, tongs, a bowl for an ice bath.
• Ingredients: Eggs (as many as fit in your air fryer basket without overcrowding).
• Steps:
  1. Place cold eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between them for air circulation.
  2. Set the air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Cook for 12 minutes for a soft yolk, 14 minutes for a medium yolk, or 16 minutes for a fully hard-boiled yolk.
  3. Using tongs, carefully transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to stop the cooking process.
  4. Peel starting at the wider end, where the air bubble typically forms. The shells should come off easily.

Tip: Every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with timing. My Cosori air fryer nails medium yolks at 14 minutes, but yours might need a minute more or less. If you see a green ring around the yolk, you’ve cooked them too long—reduce the time slightly next batch. For more details on perfect hard-boiled eggs, check out Southern Living’s guide.

Fried Eggs in an Air Fryer

Fried eggs in an air fryer come out with crispy edges and a creamy yolk, using just a fraction of the oil you’d need on a stovetop. The key is using the right cookware, like a small, oven-safe ramekin, cake pan, or silicone mold.

• Equipment: Air fryer, small oven-safe dish (3- to 4-inch ramekin or cake pan), non-stick cooking spray.
• Ingredients: Eggs, cooking spray (grapeseed or avocado oil works best), salt, and pepper.
• Steps:
  1. Spray your ramekin or pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) for 3 minutes with the empty dish inside to ensure even cooking.
  2. Crack one or two eggs into the dish, being careful not to break the yolk if you want it runny.
  3. Cook at 370°F for 3-5 minutes. Check at 3 minutes for sunny-side-up (runny yolk, set whites). For over-medium, try 6-7 minutes; for over-hard, aim for 8 minutes.
  4. Remove the dish with tongs or oven mitts, then gently slide a spatula around the edges to release the egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: To avoid broken yolks, crack eggs into a small bowl first, then pour them into the preheated dish. If you like crispy edges, a shallow metal pan works better than a deep ramekin. For more inspiration, Everyday Family Cooking has a great recipe for fried eggs with perfect yolks.

Scrambled Eggs in an Air Fryer

Scrambled eggs in an air fryer are creamy, fluffy, and perfect for a quick breakfast. The low-and-slow method ensures they don’t overcook, and you can even add cheese or veggies for extra flavor.

• Equipment: Air fryer, oven-safe non-stick pan or ramekin, whisk, spatula.
• Ingredients: Eggs, 1 tablespoon milk per egg (optional for creaminess), butter or cooking spray, salt, pepper, optional add-ins (cheese, diced veggies).
• Steps:
  1. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Grease a non-stick pan or ramekin with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Place the pan in the air fryer and preheat to 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, then stir with a silicone spatula to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring once more. Add cheese or veggies in the last minute if desired.
  5. Remove and serve immediately for the fluffiest texture.

Tip: Don’t use metal utensils in a non-stick pan to avoid scratches. If you want a frittata-style dish, add veggies like bell peppers or spinach before cooking. Stirring halfway through prevents overcooking and keeps the eggs creamy.

Poached Eggs in an Air Fryer

Poached eggs in an air fryer are a bit trickier but totally doable with the right technique. The result is a soft, tender egg perfect for topping toast or salads.

• Equipment: Air fryer, small ramekin, cooking spray, small amount of water.
• Ingredients: Eggs, cooking spray, 1-2 tablespoons water.
• Steps:
  1. Spray a ramekin with cooking spray and add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
  2. Crack an egg into the ramekin. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes.
  3. Place the ramekin in the air fryer and cook for 4-6 minutes, checking at 4 minutes for a runny yolk.
  4. Carefully remove the ramekin and use a spoon to lift the egg out. Drain on a paper towel before serving.

Tip: The water helps mimic the poaching process, but don’t add too much, or you’ll end up with a boiled texture. For a step-by-step visual, Summer Yule’s guide is a great resource.

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Timing: Air fryers vary in wattage and size, so start with the suggested times and adjust as needed. Test with one or two eggs to avoid wasting a whole batch.
• Use the Right Cookware: Oven-safe ramekins, silicone molds, or small metal pans work best. Avoid glass dishes like Pyrex, as they can crack under rapid temperature changes.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you’re making hard-boiled or fried eggs, leave space for air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
• Ice Bath for Boiled Eggs: Always plunge hard-boiled eggs into an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
• Season After Cooking: Add salt, pepper, or herbs after cooking to preserve the eggs’ texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my share of egg-cooking blunders in the air fryer, so here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking: Check eggs early to avoid rubbery whites or overdone yolks. Start with the minimum suggested time.
• Skipping the Ice Bath: For hard-boiled eggs, skipping the ice bath can make peeling a nightmare and lead to overcooked yolks.
• Using the Wrong Pan: Fried or scrambled eggs need a non-stick surface. Forgetting to grease the pan will leave you scraping eggs off the bottom.
• High Heat for Scrambled Eggs: Cooking scrambled eggs at too high a temperature (above 300°F) can make them tough. Low and slow is the way to go.

Serving Ideas

Air fryer eggs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways I love to enjoy them:

• Hard-Boiled: Slice over avocado toast, chop into a Cobb salad, or make deviled eggs for a crowd.
• Fried: Serve on a burger, with crispy bacon, or atop a bowl of ramen for a jammy yolk kick.
• Scrambled: Pair with air fryer hashbrowns or stuff into a breakfast burrito with salsa and cheese.
• Poached: Place on English muffins with hollandaise for a quick eggs Benedict or toss into a grain bowl for added protein.

Why It Works

The air fryer’s hot, circulating air cooks eggs evenly without the need for excessive oil or water. It’s a low-effort method that’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Plus, the results are consistent once you nail the timing for your specific air fryer. I’ve found it’s a lifesaver for meal prep—hard-boiled eggs last up to a week in the fridge, and fried or scrambled eggs can be made in minutes.

So, can you make eggs in an air fryer? You bet, and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re craving a runny yolk, a creamy scramble, or a perfectly boiled egg, your air fryer has you covered. Give it a try, play around with the settings, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start cooking eggs this way sooner.