Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe

Air fryer soft-boiled eggs are a quick, hassle-free way to enjoy perfectly cooked eggs with runny yolks and set whites. In just 10 minutes, you can have soft-boiled eggs without the need to boil water on the stove. They are ideal for a quick breakfast, snack, or adding to various dishes like salads or grain bowls.

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
(For best results, use fresh, high-quality eggs.)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 275°F (135°C) and allow it to preheat. Preheating is crucial for even cooking.

Step 2: Add Eggs to the Air Fryer Basket

Place 2 large eggs into the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each egg.

Step 3: Air Fry the Eggs

Air fry the eggs for 9-10 minutes, depending on your desired egg texture:
- For a slightly softer egg, go with 9 minutes.
- For a more firm white with runny yolk, go for 10 minutes.
Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so feel free to adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Transfer to an Ice Bath

Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice water bath for at least 3 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling the eggs easier.

Step 5: Peel and Serve

After the eggs have cooled, gently peel them. For the best experience, slice them in half and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Ensures that the eggs cook evenly.
Adjust for Egg Size: This recipe uses large eggs. If you use medium or extra-large eggs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Ice Bath is Key: The ice bath helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling the eggs much easier.
Room Temperature Eggs: Let eggs come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.

Troubleshooting:

Eggs Too Hard? If your eggs come out too firm, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes in the next batch.
Eggs Too Soft? If the whites are still runny, cook the next batch for an additional 1 minute.

How to Peel Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:

Use an Ice Bath: The cold water helps firm up the egg whites, making them easier to peel.
Crack Gently: Tap the egg on a hard surface to create small cracks.
Peel from the Air Pocket: Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, where the air pocket usually is. This will give you a better grip.
Use the Membrane: Gently peel away the thin membrane between the shell and the egg white.
Rinse Under Water: After peeling, rinse the egg under cool water to remove any leftover shell pieces.

Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs:

Simple & Classic: Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper for a quick and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Bagel Seasoning or Hot Sauce: Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a splash of hot sauce like Sriracha or Tabasco for extra flavor.
On Toast or Garlic Bread: Top a slice of avocado toast or garlic bread with a soft-boiled egg for a hearty meal.
Breakfast Tacos: Add soft-boiled eggs to breakfast tacos with salsa, cheese, and cilantro for a delicious breakfast option.
Grain Bowls & Salads: Top your grain bowl or salad with a soft-boiled egg for added protein and flavor. The runny yolk acts as a natural dressing.
Egg Salad: Mash up the soft-boiled eggs and mix them with some mayo or yogurt for a creamy egg salad.

Storing Leftover Soft-Boiled Eggs:

Unpeeled: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Peeled: It’s best to eat peeled eggs within 3-4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I cook eggs in an air fryer without water?

A1: Yes! Air frying soft-boiled eggs doesn’t require water, unlike traditional boiling methods.

Q2: Why are my air fryer soft-boiled eggs hard to peel?

A2: Soft-boiled eggs can sometimes be tricky to peel. To make the process easier, use an ice bath to cool the eggs quickly and firm up the whites. Starting the peeling process from the wider end where the air pocket is also helps.

Q3: How long should I cook soft-boiled eggs in an air fryer?

A3: For most air fryers, 10 minutes at 275°F works best. If you prefer softer eggs, try 9 minutes.

Q4: Can I use a different air fryer model?

A4: Air fryer models vary, so start with 9-10 minutes at 275°F, then adjust the time slightly based on your model and personal preferences.

Q5: How do I make sure my eggs cook evenly?

A5: Be sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking and give enough space between the eggs to allow air to circulate. This ensures even cooking.

Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: ~70 per egg

Enjoy your perfectly air-fried soft-boiled eggs in just minutes! Whether you enjoy them on toast, in a salad, or just as a simple snack, these eggs will surely be a delicious addition to your meal plan.