Air fryers are so often associated with crispy fries and crunchy chicken wings, but they’re also great for making perfectly soft-boiled eggs with a deliciously runny yolk and tender-but-firm white. Read on to learn how you can achieve the magic of air fryer soft-boiled eggs.
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Why Use an Air Fryer?
First, to address the elephant in the room: You can easily make soft-boiled eggs by boiling them on the stovetop, so why even bother with an air fryer? The answer is simple: convenience and consistency. Air fryers are easy to use and offer a hands-off cooking experience. Plus, they provide consistent results every time, ensuring that your soft-boiled eggs turn out just the way you like them — whether you prefer a very runny yolk or a more of a jammy one.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make air fryer soft-boiled eggs, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Eggs
- Water
- Air fryer
- Ice for an ice bath (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer
Start by preheating the air fryer to 270°F (130°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking soft-boiled eggs, ensuring that the whites are set while the yolk remains creamy.
Step 2: Place the Eggs in the basket
Gently place the eggs in the air fryer basket. You can cook as many eggs as your air fryer can accommodate, but make sure they’re not overcrowded. There needs to be space around them so that the heat and air can circulate.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
Set the timer for 12 minutes. This cooking time is suitable for achieving a soft boiled egg with a creamy yolk and set whites. If you prefer a slightly firmer yolk, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cool the Eggs
Once the eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon. You can serve them immediately if you like them warm. If you like them chilled, transfer them to an ice bath to cool down quickly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the eggs are cooled or warmed to your liking, gently tap them on a hard surface to crack the shell. Peel the shell off, and your air fryer soft boiled eggs are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or use them in your favorite recipes.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs have a firmer white and a more rounded yolk, which makes them ideal for soft-boiled eggs. Older eggs tend to have thinner whites and flatter yolks, which may not hold their shape as well during cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time
The cooking time provided in the recipe is a general guideline for achieving a soft boiled egg with a creamy yolk and set whites. However, your air fryer may vary slightly in temperature and cooking time, so adjust the cooking time based on your preferences. If you prefer a firmer yolk, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. Conversely, if you like a runnier yolk, decrease the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
Use an Ice Bath
When you take the eggs out of the air fryer, they’ll be hot, so they’ll continue to cook and get firmer. If you want to stop the cooking process instantly, you need to cool the eggs quickly, place them in an ice bath as soon as you remove them from the air fryer.
To make an ice bath, use a bowl large enough to hold all the eggs and a similar number of ice cubes plus water to cover. Fill the bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. Carefully transfer the cooked eggs to the ice bath using tongs or a slotted spoon and let them sit for a few minutes before peeling.
Experiment with Seasoning
Soft-boiled eggs are versatile and take to a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces. Salt and pepper are a must but you can also add chives, parsley, dill, paprika, cayenne or other herbs and spices. Serve them with a side of toast, avocado, or bacon for a more substantial meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy them.
How can I store soft-boiled eggs?
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Peel them first and place them in an airtight container. You can also slice the eggs in half and store them in a shallow dish with a lid. When ready to eat, simply reheat the eggs in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
More Great Ways to Cook Eggs
If you’re looking for more egg recipes, you’ve obviously come to the right place. For breakfast and brunch, try Avocado Toast with Grated Egg, Bombay Toast, or Air Fryer Breakfast Quesadillas. For lunch, try Bacon and Egg Salad sandwiches or Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. And if it’s sweets your craving, check out this Champagne Sabayon or Honey Bun Cake.
Read more: How to make perfect poached eggs
