Save to Pinterest I discovered this air fryer egg hack by accident one morning when I was running late and couldn't face the chaos of a boiling pot. The result was so perfectly cooked—tender whites, creamy yolks—that I've never looked back. No steam burns, no timing guesswork, and the shells practically slide off on their own. It's become my go-to for meal prep Sundays and quick breakfasts when I need something reliable and fuss-free.
My sister came over one Saturday for brunch and I served her a salad topped with one of these eggs—she cut into it and the yolk was so perfectly runny she just looked at me and said, "How did you get it this perfect?" When I told her it was the air fryer, she immediately asked for the temperature and timing. Now she texts me photos of her air fryer eggs like she's discovered something revolutionary, and honestly, she kind of has.
Ingredients
- Eggs: Six large eggs work beautifully, though you can adjust the count based on your air fryer basket size—just make sure they're not touching so heat circulates evenly around each one.
Instructions
- Get Your Air Fryer Ready:
- Preheat to 275°F (135°C) for 3 minutes—this gives the heat a chance to distribute evenly and cook your eggs consistently.
- Arrange the Eggs:
- Gently place each egg in the basket, making sure they're not touching or sitting on top of each other. Give them a little breathing room.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Air fry at 275°F for 14 to 16 minutes depending on how you like your yolks—14 minutes gives you a slightly softer, jammy center, while 16 minutes cooks them all the way through. You'll start to see a faint sizzle inside the basket, which is a good sign.
- Prepare the Ice Bath:
- While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with ice water—this stops the cooking process instantly and is the secret to easy peeling.
- The Shock:
- As soon as the timer goes off, carefully transfer the hot eggs to the ice water using tongs or a spoon and let them sit for 5 minutes. The temperature change is what loosens the membrane between shell and white.
- Peel and Enjoy:
- Once cool, gently crack the shell all over and roll the egg softly on the counter to loosen it further, then peel under cool running water if you like. The shell should come away almost effortlessly.
Save to Pinterest I realized how much this recipe had become part of my routine when I found myself meal-prepping a dozen eggs on a lazy Sunday afternoon, just knowing I'd have them ready for the week. There's something deeply satisfying about opening the fridge and seeing those perfectly peeled eggs lined up, ready to go into a salad, a sandwich, or just eaten straight as a quick snack.
Timing for Different Yolk Preferences
The beauty of this method is that you have real control without any guesswork. At 14 minutes, the yolk is still soft in the center—almost jammy—which I love for salads and grain bowls where you want that richness to dress the other ingredients. At 16 minutes, the yolk sets completely, giving you that traditional hard-boiled egg with just a hint of creaminess. If you're using medium or extra-large eggs, add or subtract a minute or two to account for size.
Why This Works Better Than Boiling
Boiling eggs in water creates unpredictable results—hot spots in the pot, timing variables based on altitude or how aggressively the water bubbles. The air fryer uses dry, circulating heat, which is far more consistent and gentler on the egg whites. Plus, there's no risk of cracking from sudden temperature changes, and you don't have steam burns to worry about. The payoff is eggs that look restaurant-quality every single time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cooked eggs keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this perfect for busy mornings or when you're planning salads and snack platters in advance. I store mine in an airtight container, sometimes with a damp paper towel to keep the air from drying them out.
- Peel them right after cooking if you plan to store them, or wait until you're ready to eat for the freshest feel.
- For meal prep bowls, slice or halve them just before assembling so they don't oxidize and develop that gray-green ring around the yolk.
- Cold hard-boiled eggs make an instant protein boost for any meal—toss them into salads, pile them on toast with avocado, or just eat them as a snack with a pinch of salt.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has quietly become one of my most-used techniques because it's so simple, so dependable, and somehow makes everything taste just a little bit better. Once you try it, you'll understand why.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should eggs be cooked in the air fryer?
Cook eggs at 275°F (135°C) for 14–16 minutes. Fourteen minutes yields a slightly softer yolk, while sixteen minutes produces fully cooked yolks.
- → What is the purpose of the ice water bath?
Placing eggs in ice water stops the cooking process immediately and helps loosen the shells for easy peeling.
- → Can I cook different egg sizes using this method?
Adjust the cooking time by 1–2 minutes for medium or extra-large eggs to ensure optimal doneness.
- → Is this method suitable for meal prep?
Yes, air fried eggs store well in the refrigerator for up to one week, making them ideal for meal prep or snacks.
- → How can I make peeling the eggs easier?
Gently rolling the cooked egg on the counter before peeling helps crack the shell evenly for effortless removal.