Can You Make Eggs in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs are about to change your life! Do you have an air fryer yet? I have tried several, and this is my current favorite: Cosori Air Fryer Oven Pro II QT. I’ve made hard-boiled eggs every way imaginable — in boiling water on the stove, in a muffin tin in the oven, on a rack in the Instant Pot and in a specialty egg cooker. And I can promise you that none of these other methods is as quick, easy and reliable as the air fryer! Hard to believe? Seem a little odd to be air frying whole eggs? Yes! But, it works. And it works, SO WELL. The eggs come out perfectly cooked every time. The whites are firm and the yolks are just barely soft, without any gray around the edge of the yolk or any burned spots on the white. I make a batch of six Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs every few days now. We keep them in the fridge and grab one whenever we need a quick breakfast or snack, or a little extra protein atop a slice of avocado toast or crumbled over just about any salad (Caesar, Cobb, Spinach, Wedge … Marie Saba

Cooking eggs in an air fryer might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for breakfast lovers and meal preppers alike. Whether you’re craving hard-boiled, soft-boiled, fried, scrambled, or even poached eggs, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort and cleanup. Let’s dive into how you can make eggs in an air fryer, exploring various methods, tips for success, and creative ways to enjoy them.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Eggs?

The air fryer’s appeal lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Unlike stovetop methods, there’s no need to wait for water to boil or deal with oil splatter. The circulating hot air cooks eggs evenly, often resulting in textures that are hard to achieve with traditional methods—like crispy edges on fried eggs or perfectly set yolks in boiled eggs. Plus, it’s a hands-off process, freeing you up to prep other parts of your meal. The air fryer is also energy-efficient compared to heating an oven or stovetop, making it a practical choice for quick meals, especially in small kitchens or hot climates where you want to avoid extra heat.

Hard-Boiled and Soft-Boiled Eggs

Making boiled eggs in an air fryer is surprisingly straightforward and yields eggs that are easy to peel—a common pain point with traditional boiling. Here’s how to do it:

• Equipment Needed: Air fryer, a basket or wire rack, and a bowl for an ice bath.
• Steps:
  1. Place cold eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
  2. Set the air fryer to 270°F (132°C) for hard-boiled eggs. Cook for 12-16 minutes, depending on your desired yolk doneness: 12 minutes for soft-boiled, 14 for medium, and 16 for fully hard-boiled.
  3. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 10 minutes to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
  4. Peel and enjoy, or store unpeeled eggs in the fridge for up to a week.
• Tips:
  • Experiment with timing, as air fryer models vary. Start with one or two eggs to find your perfect cook time.
  • For centered yolks, store eggs on their side in the fridge for a day before cooking.
  • If your air fryer only goes down to 300°F, try 10-12 minutes and check for doneness.

This method is ideal for meal prep, as you can cook up to 12 eggs at once, depending on your air fryer’s size. The dry heat often results in shells that practically fall off, a boon for anyone who’s struggled with peeling boiled eggs. Feel Good Foodie notes that this method is perfect for adding protein to salads or enjoying as a quick snack.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs in an air fryer come out with crispy edges and creamy yolks, using far less oil than stovetop frying. Here’s how to nail it:

• Equipment Needed: Air fryer, oven-safe ramekins, small cake pans, or silicone molds, and non-stick cooking spray (grapeseed or avocado oil preferred for higher smoke points).
• Steps:
  1. Spray a small oven-safe dish (3-4 inches) with cooking spray. Ramekins or small cast iron pans work well.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350-370°F (175-187°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  3. Crack one or two eggs into each dish. For a cleaner transfer, crack eggs into a bowl first, then pour into the dish to avoid broken yolks or shell fragments.
  4. Cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for sunny-side-up (runny yolk) or 6-7 minutes for over-medium. For over-hard, extend to 8 minutes.
  5. Remove carefully with tongs or oven mitts, season with salt, pepper, or herbs, and serve.
• Tips:
  • Check eggs at the 3-minute mark, as air fryer wattage affects cooking time.
  • For over-easy eggs, flip gently with a spatula after 3 minutes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Serve with avocado toast, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.

The air fryer’s ability to crisp the edges without excess oil makes it a healthier alternative to pan-frying, and cleanup is a breeze since you’re not dealing with a greasy skillet.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs in an air fryer are creamy and customizable, perfect for a quick breakfast or a grab-and-go meal. Here’s the method:

• Equipment Needed: Air fryer, non-stick oven-safe pan or ramekin, and a silicone spatula.
• Steps:
  1. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk or cream for creamier texture. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Spray an oven-safe pan with non-stick spray or melt a small amount of butter in the air fryer at 300°F (149°C) for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and place it in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook at 300°F for 3 minutes, stir gently, then cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add cheese or veggies like diced bell peppers for extra flavor during the final minute.
  5. Remove, fluff with a fork, and serve immediately.
• Tips:
  • Stirring halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.
  • Avoid metal utensils to protect non-stick surfaces.
  • Try adding shredded cheese or herbs for a mini frittata vibe.

This method is great for busy mornings when you want a hands-off approach. You can even cook bacon or sausage in the air fryer alongside the eggs for a full breakfast.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs in an air fryer might sound tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve a tender white and runny yolk. Here’s how:

• Equipment Needed: Air fryer, small ramekins, and a small amount of hot water.
• Steps:
  1. Spray ramekins with non-stick spray.
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water to each ramekin to create a steamy environment.
  3. Crack an egg into each ramekin and place in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 4-6 minutes, checking for a set white and runny yolk.
  5. Remove carefully and use a spoon to lift the egg out, draining any excess water.
• Tips:
  • The water helps mimic traditional poaching, keeping the egg tender.
  • Experiment with time to avoid overcooking, as air fryers vary.
  • Serve on toast or as part of eggs Benedict for a fancy brunch.

Everyday Family Cooking highlights that this method is ideal for small batches, perfect for a single serving or a couple’s breakfast.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Air fryers differ in wattage, size, and design, which can affect cooking times. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Uneven Cooking: Ensure eggs are spaced out in the basket or use a wire rack for boiled eggs to allow air circulation.
• Overcooked Yolks: Check eggs a minute early and adjust time as needed. An ice bath for boiled eggs prevents carryover cooking.
• Sticking: Always use non-stick spray or oil, even with non-stick pans, to ensure easy removal.
• Rubbery Texture: Lower the temperature slightly (e.g., 300°F instead of 350°F) for fried or scrambled eggs to maintain a tender texture.

Testing with one or two eggs first can save you from wasting a whole batch while you dial in your air fryer’s settings.

Creative Serving Ideas

Air fryer eggs are versatile and can elevate any meal. Try these ideas:

• Hard-Boiled: Slice over a Cobb salad, mash into egg salad, or dip in hummus for a protein-packed snack.
• Fried: Top a burger, pair with hashbrowns, or serve on avocado toast with a sprinkle of hot sauce.
• Scrambled: Wrap in a tortilla with salsa for a breakfast burrito or mix with veggies for a quick frittata.
• Poached: Place on English muffins with hollandaise for a healthier eggs Benedict.

The air fryer’s ability to cook eggs in multiple ways makes it a fantastic tool for experimenting with flavors and textures.

Making Deviled Eggs for a crowd? Or Egg Salad for lunch? The air fryer is all you need to get started! Also, once you get the egg technique down, hop over here and check out Air Fryer Bacon! It’s equally good, easy and impressive. … Place eggs gently in the basket of the air fryer. Set temperature to 270 degrees. Cook eggs for 12 minutes. Using tongs, carefully remove eggs from air fryer basket and place in ice bath to cool. Store cooled eggs, unpeeled, in an egg carton or air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. … *I use affiliate links for my favorite products. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for helping me keep this website up and running! Hi! I’m Marie. Mama, wife, homebody. I’m a self-taught chef and cookbook author. I love sharing fast, fresh, family-friendly recipes that will, hopefully, make your life a little easier. Marie Saba