Air fryer eggs

Ingredients

• as many as neededeggs

Instructions

1. 1

   Arrange the eggs

   Put the eggs straight from the fridge into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

2. 2

   Air fry the eggs

   Cook at 132°C (270°F) for 9–13 minutes, depending on your preferred yolk: 9 minutes for soft, 10 for jammy, 11 for medium or 13 for hard.

3. 3

   Cool and peel

   When the cooking time is up, plunge the eggs into cold water or an ice bath to stop them cooking. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel and enjoy.

What are air fryer eggs?

Air fryer eggs are eggs cooked in their shells in an air fryer rather than in a pan of boiling water. This American-style method is useful when you want to cook eggs without waiting for water to come to the boil.

This version keeps things simple: use chilled eggs, leave space around them and choose the cooking time according to the yolk texture you like.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 78 calories, 6g protein, 1g carbs, 5g fat.

Eggs provide most of this dish's protein and fat, while contributing very little carbohydrate. To make a more balanced plate, serve an egg with toast and vegetables or fruit.

Choosing the eggs

Chilled eggs: the method starts with eggs straight from the fridge, so use them cold rather than letting them warm on the counter.

Quantity: cook as many as you need, provided they fit in the basket with gaps between them. Avoid stacking them, so they have room in the air fryer.

Getting the yolk right

Soft: cook for 9 minutes for a soft yolk.

Jammy: use 10 minutes for a yolk that is less runny.

Medium: cook for 11 minutes for a firmer yolk.

Hard: allow 13 minutes for a fully set yolk.

Why the cold-water bath matters

Quick cooling: move the eggs into cold water or an ice bath as soon as the timer ends. This stops the residual heat from continuing to cook them.

Peeling: wait until the eggs are cool enough to handle before peeling. The method does not require peeling them while hot.

Timing and doneness

The listed cooking times range from 9 to 13 minutes, with the shorter time giving a softer yolk and the longer time a hard yolk. Use the setting that matches how you plan to serve the eggs.

Air fryer baskets and egg sizes can vary, so the stated times are a starting point. If the result is not quite to your liking, adjust the time slightly next time.

How to serve them

Serve the peeled eggs as they are, or pair them with toast for breakfast. They also work sliced over a salad or served as a simple snack.

Recipe notes & tips

• Leave a gap between each egg in the basket.
• Start with eggs straight from the fridge, as directed.
• Set a timer so you can choose the yolk texture you want.
• Have cold water or an ice bath ready before the cooking time ends.
• Let the eggs cool enough to handle before peeling.

Variations

• Soft yolks: cook for 9 minutes for a soft-centred egg.
• Jammy yolks: use the 10-minute timing for a less runny centre.
• Medium yolks: cook for 11 minutes for a firmer middle.
• Hard yolks: allow 13 minutes for a fully set centre.
• Breakfast plate: serve peeled eggs with toast and fresh vegetables.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crowding the basket: leave space between the eggs so they are not packed together.
• Starting with warm eggs: use them straight from the fridge as the method specifies.
• Guessing the timing: set a timer and choose from the suggested times for your preferred yolk.
• Skipping the cold bath: plunge the eggs into cold water as soon as cooking ends to stop them cooking further.
• Peeling too soon: wait until the eggs are cool enough to handle.

How to store

Refrigerate cooked, unpeeled eggs in a covered container and use within one week. For best texture, serve them cold or reheat gently; avoid overheating, which can make the whites rubbery.

Frequently asked questions