Air Fryer Boiled Eggs: The Easiest No-Water Method You’ll Ever Try
Boiling eggs sounds simple, but anyone who’s dealt with cracked shells, overflowing pots, or stubborn peeling knows it’s not always hassle-free. That’s where air fryer boiled eggs come in. This surprisingly easy method delivers perfectly cooked eggs without boiling water, without watching the stove, and with consistent results every time.
Whether you like your eggs soft-boiled, medium, or hard-boiled, the air fryer can handle it all. Once you try this method, you may never go back to the traditional pot again.
Why Make Boiled Eggs in an Air Fryer?
Air fryer boiled eggs (also called “air fryer eggs”) are becoming popular for good reason:
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No boiling water required
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No pots or pans to clean
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Hands-off cooking
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Easy to peel shells
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Perfect for meal prep
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Works year-round, even during power-saving cooking routines
The air fryer uses circulating hot air to gently cook the eggs evenly, similar to baking but much faster.
Ingredients (Yes, Just One!)
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Eggs (as many as fit in your air fryer basket in a single layer)
That’s it. No salt. No vinegar. No water.
Equipment Needed
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Air fryer
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Bowl of ice water (for cooling)
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Tongs or spoon
Air Fryer Boiled Eggs Cooking Times
The cooking time depends on how you like your eggs:
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Soft-boiled (jammy yolk): 9–10 minutes
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Medium-boiled: 11–12 minutes
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Hard-boiled (fully set yolk): 13–15 minutes
Note: Times are based on a preheated air fryer at 270°F / 130°C. Slight variations may occur depending on egg size and air fryer model.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Boiled Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (130°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the eggs cook evenly from the start.
Step 2: Place Eggs in the Basket
Arrange the eggs directly in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.
There’s no need to spray oil or add water.
Step 3: Air Fry the Eggs
Cook the eggs according to your preferred doneness:
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Soft-boiled: 9–10 minutes
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Medium-boiled: 11–12 minutes
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Hard-boiled: 13–15 minutes
Close the air fryer and let it do the work.
Step 4: Ice Bath Immediately
As soon as the cooking time is up, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes.
This step:
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Stops the cooking process
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Prevents overcooked yolks
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Makes peeling much easier
Step 5: Peel or Store
Gently tap the shell, peel, and enjoy—or store the eggs for later use.
How to Peel Air Fryer Boiled Eggs Easily
Air fryer eggs are often easier to peel, but these tips make it even better:
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Peel under running water
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Start from the wider end of the egg
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Remove the membrane first, then the shell
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Peel while the eggs are still slightly warm
How to Store Boiled Eggs
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Unpeeled eggs: Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
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Peeled eggs: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to avoid odor absorption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can crack shells
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Skipping the ice bath: This leads to overcooking
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Overcrowding the basket: Eggs need airflow
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Peeling immediately without cooling: Makes shells stick
Uses for Air Fryer Boiled Eggs
Once you’ve made a batch, the possibilities are endless:
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Breakfast eggs with toast
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Egg salad sandwiches
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Deviled eggs
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Protein snacks
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Salad toppings
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Ramen or noodle bowls
They’re especially great for meal prep, weight-management diets, and quick protein boosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eggs crack in the air fryer?
Occasionally, yes—but it’s rare when cooking at low temperature. Even cracked eggs are still safe to eat.
Do I need to flip the eggs?
No flipping required. The hot air circulates evenly.
Can I cook different egg sizes?
Yes, but large eggs give the most consistent results. Adjust time slightly for smaller or extra-large eggs.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer boiled eggs are one of the simplest, cleanest, and most reliable kitchen hacks you can try. With no boiling water, no monitoring, and minimal cleanup, this method is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Once you master this technique, you’ll always have perfectly cooked eggs ready for breakfast, snacks, or meals—no stove required.