How to Make Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer
Boiled eggs without boiling water? Yep, it’s a thing – and it’s magical. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal-prepping pro, or just someone who hates extra dishes (same), this air fryer hack is about to change your kitchen game.
The best part? No pots. No waiting for water to boil. No peeling eggs only to discover they’re undercooked. Just you, your air fryer, and a perfectly set-and-forget routine.
Key Takeaways
- Air fryer eggs = no boiling water and fewer dishes
- Set temp to 300°F for 12 mins for soft- to medium-boiled eggs
- Test one egg first to nail your perfect doneness
- Some brown spots? Totally normal—it’s just heat reacting with the shell
Why Use the Air Fryer for Boiled Eggs?
Boiled eggs are a staple, protein-packed, quick, and versatile. But who has time (or energy) for boiling water and standing watch? The air fryer simplifies everything. Just pop your eggs in, walk away, and boom – perfect eggs every time with minimal cleanup.
Air frying also gives you more consistent results once you’ve got the timing right for your specific model. Since air fryers vary, that first test egg is important. Once you figure out the sweet spot, you can batch cook without breaking a sweat. It’s ideal for making ahead snacks, egg salad, or deviled eggs for gatherings.
Step-by-Step: How to Make “Boiled” Eggs in the Air Fryer
1
Preheat (Optional, But Helps)
Not all air fryers require preheating, but if yours does, go ahead and warm it up to 300°F.
2
Place Eggs in Basket
Place cold, uncooked eggs straight from the fridge into the air fryer basket. No foil, no water, just eggs. You can cook as many as your basket fits without stacking.
3
Cook for 12 Minutes
Set your air fryer to 300°F and cook for 12 minutes.
Keep an eye out the first time to avoid overcooking.
4
Ice Bath Time
As soon as the timer beeps, transfer the eggs into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and makes them super easy to peel.
5
Peel & Enjoy!
After 5-10 minutes in the ice bath, peel and enjoy! You’ll get soft to medium yolks at this timing. Want hard-boiled? Just bump up the time by a minute or two.
Want different style eggs? Here’s a handy table!
| Texture | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-boiled | 300°F | ~10 min |
| Hard-boiled | 300°F | 12 min |
| Firmer yolk | 300°F | 13-14 min |
| Lower Temp* | 250°F | ~17-20 min |
Tips for First-Timers
- Brown spots on shells? Totally normal – just heat spots, not a cooking issue.
- Try one egg first to avoid wasting a full batch.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket or eggs might cook unevenly.
- Fridge-cold eggs work fine, no need to bring to room temp first.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make soft-boiled eggs in the air fryer?
Yes! For soft yolks, aim for 250°F for about 17 minutes. You may need to tweak it slightly based on your air fryer’s wattage.
What if my air fryer doesn’t go down to 250°F?
No worries, just reduce the cooking time. For example, at 300°F, 15 minutes usually does the trick.
Why do my eggs have brown spots on the shell?
Those are heat spots and totally normal in an air fryer. They don’t affect taste or texture at all.
Do I need to poke a hole in the egg before air frying?
Nope! Just place the eggs directly in the basket, no prep needed.
Can I store air-fried boiled eggs for later?
Absolutely. Store peeled or unpeeled eggs in the fridge for up to a week for easy snacks or lunches.
