Foolproof air fryer boiled eggs with jammy to hard yolks, zero babysitting and easy peel every time.
Intro
If you have ever put a pot of eggs on the stove, walked away for a “second”, then come back to overcooked rubbery yolks, this recipe is here to save breakfast. Air fryer boiled eggs give you the same satisfying result as classic boiled eggs, but without hovering over a simmering pot or wondering how hard that water is really boiling. Once you know your ideal time, the air fryer handles the rest while you make coffee, toast, or wrangle a busy morning.
At its heart, this is the simplest recipe in the world. We are taking whole eggs, popping them into the air fryer basket, then finishing with an ice bath so they peel easily. The magic is in the timing and consistency. The circulating dry heat cooks the whites evenly and gives you yolks that are soft and jammy or fully set, exactly how you like them.
I especially love this method for weekly meal prep. Instead of crowding the stovetop, I can tuck a batch of eggs into the air fryer while I chop vegetables or portion out grains. By the time I am done, I have a bowl of perfectly cooked eggs ready for salads, toast, ramen, or quick snacks. It feels like a tiny piece of kitchen automation.
You can also think of this recipe as a base for your own flavor rituals. Sprinkle on flaky salt and black pepper, everything bagel seasoning, chili crisp, or smoky paprika. Pair with avocado toast for breakfast, tuck into grain bowls at lunch, or slice over noodle soups at dinner.
Why you will love these air fryer boiled eggs:
- No guesswork, no boiling water, no babysitting a pot
- Easy to scale for one person or a full week of meal prep
- Yolks come out consistent from batch to batch once you learn your ideal time
- Ice bath step makes peeling so much easier
- Naturally gluten free, high protein, and perfect for many eating styles
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, cold from the fridge
- Ice cubes
- Cold water, for an ice bath
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
- Everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, or hot sauce, to serve (optional)
This recipe scales easily. Use as many eggs as fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
💡 Shopping tip: Choose eggs that are at least a few days old, not ultra fresh. Slightly older eggs usually peel more easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer Set your air fryer to 270°F (about 132°C) and preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps the eggs cook evenly from the start.
- Arrange the eggs Place the cold eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each egg so hot air can circulate.
- Cook the eggs Air fry according to your desired yolk texture:
- Soft set whites, very jammy yolks: 9 to 10 minutes
- Jammy but sliceable yolks: 11 to 12 minutes
- Fully set hard boiled yolks: 13 to 15 minutes Start with the shorter end of the range and adjust by 1 minute next time if needed.
- Prepare an ice bath While the eggs cook, fill a medium bowl with cold water and a generous handful of ice cubes. This stops the cooking quickly and helps prevent greenish rings around the yolks.
- Chill the eggs When the timer goes off, carefully transfer the hot eggs straight into the ice bath using tongs or a spoon. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes for jammy eggs, or up to 10 minutes for hard boiled. The shells should feel cool to the touch.
- Peel and serve or store Gently crack each egg on the counter, then peel under a thin stream of running water if you like. Pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite toppings, or store for later.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use medium or extra-large eggs: Adjust cook time by 1 to 2 minutes. Medium eggs may need slightly less time, extra-large eggs a little more.
- Soft boiled style: Aim for 9 to 10 minutes for very runny to jammy yolks, then chill quickly to keep them gooey.
- For deviled eggs: Cook the eggs to the hard boiled range, then chill completely before peeling and filling.
- Seasoning swaps: Try garlic salt, smoked paprika, furikake, zhoug, or a drizzle of chili crisp for different flavor profiles.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Cook a batch of eggs at your preferred doneness and chill completely. They are perfect for meal prep snacks, salads, and quick breakfasts for up to 1 week.
- Storage: Store peeled or unpeeled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. If peeled, line the container with a paper towel to catch moisture.
- Freezing: Hard boiled egg yolks can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months, but whole cooked eggs do not freeze well due to texture changes.
- Reheat: For warm eggs, place peeled eggs in a bowl of very hot tap water for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving whole eggs, since they can burst.
Nutritional Info (Estimated, per serving)
Based on 1 large egg, unseasoned.
- Calories: ~75
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbs: ~1 g
- Fat: ~5 g
💡 Note: Estimates vary by brands and portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice over avocado toast with chili flakes and a squeeze of lemon.
- Halve and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for an easy snack.
- Add to grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and greens.
- Top ramen, udon, or rice noodle soups with jammy eggs.
- Chop into salads like classic cobb, niçoise, or a simple green salad.
- Serve alongside fruit and toast for a quick, high protein breakfast plate.
Recipe FAQs
Can I really cook eggs in the air fryer without water?
Yes. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the eggs in their shells, similar to baking. You do not need water in the basket. The ice bath is what stops the cooking and helps them peel nicely.
Why are my shells hard to peel?
Extremely fresh eggs are often the hardest to peel. Use eggs that are at least a few days old and make sure the ice bath is very cold so the egg pulls away from the shell. Peeling under running water can also help.
Can I make soft boiled style eggs in the air fryer?
Absolutely. For softer, jammy yolks, start checking around 9 to 10 minutes, then adjust by 1 minute in future batches until you hit your perfect texture.
Do I need to pierce the eggs before cooking?
Most of the time, no. Eggs go straight into the air fryer basket. If your eggs crack frequently, you can try piercing the wide end with a clean thumbtack, but it is usually not necessary.
Is this healthier than boiling?
Nutritionally, air fryer boiled eggs are very similar to regular boiled eggs since no extra fat is added. The main benefit is convenience and consistent results rather than a big nutritional difference.
Can I cook different doneness levels in one batch?
You can, but timing is key. Add all eggs at the same time, then pull a few out earlier for softer yolks and leave others in longer for hard boiled. Label or separate them once cooled.
Final Notes
Air fryer boiled eggs feel almost too simple, yet they quietly transform the way you meal prep and snack. Once you find your perfect timing, your favorite style of yolk is only minutes away, and you never have to guess whether the water is boiling too hard or not quite enough. It is a small habit that pays off all week long in quick breakfasts, grab and go snacks, and dinners that feel just a bit more complete.
If you try this method, I would love to hear how it works in your specific air fryer and what your ideal timing turns out to be. Drop a comment with your favorite yolk style and how you like to serve these eggs. If this recipe makes your mornings easier or your salads more satisfying, feel free to share it with a friend who is always looking for simple, high protein ideas. Happy air frying, and enjoy those perfectly cooked yolks.
