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If you love perfectly cooked hard or soft boiled eggs but want a simpler, fuss-free way to make them, the air fryer might just be your new best friend. Using an air fryer to cook eggs gives you consistent results without boiling water, watching a pot, or worrying about cracked shells. This method produces eggs that are easy to peel and have a tender, well-cooked interior every time.
Air fryers have become a favorite kitchen tool for busy cooks because they offer quick, reliable results with minimal cleanup. Turning eggs into a breakfast staple or a snack is no exception.
Why Use an Air Fryer for “Boiled” Eggs?
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No need to heat a pot of water
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No boiling and cooling cycle
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Easy to peel shells
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Consistent texture every time
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Works for large batches
Whether you want soft yolks for salads or firm yolks for deviled eggs, the air fryer delivers with simplicity and speed.
What You’ll Need
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Fresh large eggs
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Air fryer
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Tongs or a slotted spoon
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Bowl of ice water (optional but helpful)
How to Cook Eggs in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 270°F (approximately 130°C). Some models may not require preheating, but doing so helps ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Arrange the Eggs
Place the eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded or stacked on top of each other to allow even airflow.
Step 3: Set the Time
The cooking time depends on how you like your eggs:
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Soft boiled: 12–14 minutes
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Medium boiled: 15–16 minutes
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Hard boiled: 17–18 minutes
Adjust the time slightly based on your air fryer model and how runny or firm you want the yolk.
Step 4: Cool the Eggs
Once the timer finishes, carefully remove the eggs with tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water or run cool tap water over them for a few minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
Step 5: Peel and Enjoy
Gently crack the shells and peel. The shells should come off easily, revealing perfectly cooked eggs inside.
Tips for Best Results
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Use eggs that are a few days old rather than ultra-fresh eggs; they peel more easily.
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Don’t stack the eggs—air needs to circulate for even cooking.
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Ice bath after cooking helps stop residual heat and improves peelability.
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If your air fryer runs hot, start with one minute less and test one egg first.
How to Use Your Air Fryer Eggs
Air fryer eggs are incredibly versatile and can be used in:
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Salads (Cobb, chef salad, green salads)
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Sandwiches and wraps
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Meal prep breakfast bowls
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Deviled eggs
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Snack plates with toast and avocado
You can also season them with salt, pepper, everything bagel seasoning, or your favorite spice blend.
Why This Method Works
Air fryers circulate hot air evenly around the eggs, cooking them gently and consistently without the turbulence of boiling water. The temperature stays steady, which helps prevent rubbery whites or overcooked yolks. Plus, there’s no waiting for water to boil or watching a pot on the stove.
Final Thoughts
Making “boiled” eggs in the air fryer is one of the easiest, most reliable ways to prepare eggs. It saves time, minimizes cleanup, and gives you perfect results whether you want soft, medium, or hard yolks.
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