While the term “boiled” is a bit of a misnomer, you can absolutely cook eggs in an air fryer to achieve the exact same result as hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or anywhere in between—just without the water.
It’s a fantastic method if you’re already using the air fryer for other things, don’t want to boil a pot of water, or are in a hurry.
How to Make “Air Fryer Boiled Eggs” (Perfect Every Time)
The process is incredibly simple and consistent.
Basic Method:
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Preheat (Optional but Recommended): Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (135°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
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Place Eggs: Place cold, large eggs directly from the refrigerator into the air fryer basket. Do not crowd them. You can cook as many as fit in a single layer without touching.
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Cook: Air fry at 270°F (135°C). The cook time depends on your desired doneness (see chart below).
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Cool Immediately: Once done, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes them easy to peel.
Doneness Chart (for Large, Cold Eggs at 270°F / 135°C)
| Desired Result | Air Fryer Time | Yolk & White |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-Boiled | 9-11 minutes | Set white, runny yolk. Perfect for dipping. |
| Jammy/Yolk | 12-13 minutes | Firm white, yolk thick & jam-like, not runny. |
| Hard-Boiled | 14-16 minutes | Fully set white and yolk. Ideal for slicing. |
⚠️ Important Safety & Success Tips:
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Start with Cold Eggs: Always use eggs straight from the fridge. Room-temperature eggs can cook too quickly and crack.
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No Poking, No Oil: Do not pierce the eggs or add any oil. Place them in dry.
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Expect Possible Brown Spots: You may see small brown spots or marks on the shell from where it touched the basket. This is normal and does not affect the egg inside.
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Cracking is Possible: An occasional egg might crack or “pop” due to air expansion. This is not dangerous, but the egg white may leak out. Cooking at a steady, moderate temperature (270°F) minimizes this.
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Adjust for Your Machine: Air fryers can vary. Use the times above as a starting guide and adjust by a minute for your next batch if needed.
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Peeling Tip: After the ice bath, gently crack the shell all over and peel under cool running water for the easiest experience.
Why Use the Air Fryer?
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Consistency: It’s very hands-off and reliable.
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No Waiting for Water to Boil: It’s often faster, especially for smaller batches.
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Easy Multi-Tasking: You can cook eggs while making toast or other breakfast items.
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Great for Large Batches: If you’re meal-prepping a dozen hard-boiled eggs, you can do them all at once in most air fryer baskets.
Final Verdict:
This method is a genuine game-changer for egg lovers. It produces perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel eggs with almost no effort. Give it a try to find your perfect timing for that ideal jammy yolk!