Eggs are a staple in every kitchen. They are quick, versatile, and packed with protein. Yet, if you are still boiling them in a pot or scrambling them on a pan, it is time to rethink breakfast with a new kitchen gadget: the air fryer. Yes, you read that right. You can cook eggs in an air fryer in multiple ways: hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, fried, poached, and even frittatas and egg muffins. This means there is no need to manage the stove or scrub sticky pans anymore. Simply place the eggs in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy perfect results every single time.
Why Cook Eggs In An Air Fryer?
Cooking eggs in an air fryer offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Less mess: No boiling water or oil splatters.
- Healthier results: Less oil, fewer calories, and full protein.
- Hands-free cooking: You can focus on other tasks while the eggs cook.
- Consistent results: Evenly cooked yolks and whites every time.
- Easy clean-up: Many air fryer accessories are dishwasher-safe.
This method is convenient, efficient, and surprisingly fun. Watching eggs cook evenly without constant attention feels almost magical.
Also Read: 6 Healthy Egg Recipes For Quick Breakfast
Boiled, Poached, Fried, And More: 6 Egg Recipes In An Air Fryer:
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs - No Water Needed
It is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a quick protein snack. Boiled eggs in air fryer peel easily without the mess of boiling water.
How to do it:
Preheat air fryer to 280-degree Fahrenheit (138-degree Celsius).
- Place eggs directly in the basket or on a wire rack.
- Cook for 12-13 minutes for fully set yolks, or 10-11 minutes for jammy yolks.
- Transfer immediately to an ice bath for five minutes.
- Peel and enjoy.
Expert tip: Older eggs peel more easily than very fresh ones.
2. Soft-Boiled Or Jammy Eggs:
They have soft yolks that are creamy and rich. You can have jammy eggs with avocado toast, ramen bowls, or snacking with a sprinkle of chilli flakes
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 280-degree Fahrenheit (138-degree Celsius).
- Cook for 9-10 minutes for soft yolks.
- Place in an ice bath for 3-5 minutes.
- Peel gently, as these eggs are delicate.
Serving suggestion: Slice over avocado toast and drizzle with olive oil for a quick, gourmet-style breakfast.
Also Read: 5 Egg Recipes You Can Make Quickly In Microwave
3. Scrambled Eggs:
In air fryer, you can have fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs without a sticky pan to scrub. They are perfect for a quick, wholesome breakfast.
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 300-degree Fahrenheit (149-degree Celsius).
- Whisk three eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a greased cake pan or oven-safe dish.
- Cook in intervals: three minutes, stir; two minutes, stir; one more minute, stir.
Expert tip: Add cheese, chopped spinach and onions for extra flavour.
4. Fried Eggs:
You can no enjoy fried eggs with crispy edges, runny yolk, and no oil splatter. They are perfect for breakfast bowls or topping one-pot rice dishes.
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 350-degree Fahrenheit (177-degree Celsius).
- Grease a shallow tray or mini cake pan.
- Crack in one egg.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk or 5 minutes for fully set.
Serving idea: Place on toast with avocado, or on top of poha or khichdi.
5. Poached Eggs - No Vinegar, No Swirling
These are perfectly poached eggs without the fuss of water swirling or vinegar. You can pair them with salads, toast, or light brunches.
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 360-degree Fahrenheit (182-degree Celsius).
- Grease ramekins and add one-fourth cup water to each.
- Crack one egg into each ramekin.
- Cook for six minutes, adding 1-2 minutes if required.
- Gently release with a spoon and drain excess water.
Serving suggestion: Serve on sauted spinach or warm salad bowls for a protein boost.
Also Read: 6 Egg Recipes That Left Internet Abuzz
6. Frittata:
It is an egg-based Italian dish, similar to an omelette, crustless quiche or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses or vegetables.
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 320-degree Fahrenheit (160-degree Celsius).
- Whisk eight eggs with milk, salt, pepper, and choice of vegetables, cheese, or cooked meat.
- Pour into a greased, parchment-lined cake pan.
- Cook for 10 minutes, st1ir, then 10-12 minutes more.
- Cool, slice, and store in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for two months.
Also Read: Are You A Regular Air Fryer User? Avoid Cooking These 5 Foods In It
Safety Tips For Cooking Eggs In An Air Fryer:
1. Do not overcrowd the basket:
Allow enough space between eggs for hot air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
2. Use oven-safe containers only:
Avoid plastic that could melt or release chemicals. Silicone, metal, or glass is recommended.
3. Avoid high heat for whole eggs in the shell:
Temperatures above 300-degree Fahrenheit (149-degree Celsius) can crack or, in rare cases, explode eggs. Moderate heat ensures safe and even cooking.
4. Always use an ice bath for boiled eggs:
Stops further cooking, prevents overcooked yolks, and makes peeling easier.
3. Grease your bakeware to avoid sticking:
A thin layer of oil or cooking spray prevents sticking for scrambled eggs, frittatas, or egg muffins.
Bonus tip for beginners: Test with one egg first to see how it releases before cooking larger batches.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Cooking Eggs In Air Fryer:
- Skipping preheat: Leads to uneven cooking.
- Using cold eggs: Let eggs sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Overcooking: Air fryers cook quickly, so stick to timing guidelines.
- Not stirring scrambled eggs: This will result in dense, uneven curds rather than soft, creamy eggs.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Air Fryers Are The Best Thing To Happen To Your Kitchen
Top 5 Accessories For Cooking Eggs In An Air Fryer:
1. Silicone Muffin Cups:
Ideal for poached eggs, egg muffins, or small frittatas. They are reusable, non-stick, and dishwasher safe.
2. Mini Cake Pans:
Perfect for scrambled eggs or frittatas; choose lightweight, oven-safe pans for even cooking.
3. Wire Rack:
Lets eggs cook evenly when air frying multiple hard-boiled eggs at once.
4. Tongs And Oven Mitts:
Essential for safely removing hot bakeware or eggs without cracking them.
5. Cooking Spray Or Brush-On Oil:
Prevents sticking in pans and silicone cups, ensuring eggs slide out easily.
Smart hacks for beginners: Use parchment paper or silicone liners to make clean-up even easier, especially when cooking egg muffins or frittatas.
Also Read: 5 Interesting Ways To Use Your Air Fryer As Suggested By Reddit
Photo Credit: Freepik
Cooking eggs in an air fryer is convenient, versatile, and fun. From hard-boiled to scrambled, fried, poached, and frittatas, there is a method for every preference. The air fryer saves time, keeps the kitchen tidy, and produces consistent results. Once you master these techniques, you may never return to traditional stovetop methods.
So go ahead, crack an egg, preheat the air fryer, and enjoy breakfast, brunch, or even dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.