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Perfect Air Fryer Eggs: Hard or Soft Boiled

The air fryer has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while still providing that desired crispy texture. Among its many capabilities, one of the unsung heroes of this versatile kitchen appliance is its ability to cook eggs to perfection, whether you prefer them hard or soft boiled. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve perfectly cooked eggs in an air fryer, ensuring a delightful addition to your breakfast or salad.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Eggs?

The air fryer employs hot air circulation to cook food, which leads to even cooking and a consistent result. Cooking eggs in an air fryer has several advantages:

1. Convenience: No need for boiling water or monitoring the stovetop.
2. Easy Clean-Up: Fewer pots and pans to wash means less hassle.
3. Customisation: Quickly adjust cooking times to suit your preferred level of doneness.

Preparing Hard Boiled Eggs in an Air Fryer

To achieve the perfect hard-boiled egg using an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• Fresh eggs (as many as you wish to cook)

Method:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 130°C (265°F) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Eggs: Place the eggs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Ensure they are sitting upright for even cooking.

3. Cooking Time: Cook the eggs for approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of the eggs and the desired firmness. For very large eggs, opt for the upper end of this range.

4. Ice Bath: Once the cooking time is up, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) for about 5-10 minutes. This shock helps to stop the cooking process and makes peeling much easier.

5. Peel and Serve: Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll it lightly to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the larger end, where there is often an air pocket. Enjoy your perfectly hard-boiled eggs!

Cooking Soft Boiled Eggs in an Air Fryer

If you’re fond of a luscious yolk and slightly runny whites, soft-boiled eggs can also be achieved using the air fryer. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• Fresh eggs

Method:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: As with hard-boiling, start by preheating your air fryer to 130°C (265°F).

2. Place the Eggs: Gently place the eggs into the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.

3. Cooking Time: Cook for about 10-12 minutes. The precise time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the eggs, so keep an eye on them if it’s your first attempt.

4. Ice Bath: Similar to the hard-boiled method, plunge the eggs into an ice bath for at least 5 minutes. This will stop the cooking and allow for easier peeling.

5. Serve Immediately: Soft-boiled eggs are best enjoyed straight from the shell. Cut off the top, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and enjoy the creamy yolk alongside toast soldiers or over a salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Eggs

• Size Matters: Cooking times can vary based on egg size. Large eggs typically require longer cooking than medium or small ones.
• Experiment: Every air fryer is slightly different. Don’t hesitate to adjust the timing as you become familiar with your appliance.
• Storage: If you want to prepare hard-boiled eggs in advance, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just keep the shells on until you’re ready to consume them.

Conclusion

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking eggs. Whether you prefer them hard-boiled for a quick snack or soft-boiled for a sumptuous breakfast, the air fryer provides a simple, no-fuss method to achieve your ideal egg. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick protein fix, give the air fryer a go and enjoy perfectly cooked eggs without any of the usual hassle. Happy cooking!