Hard-boiled eggs are a kitchen staple, but waiting for water to boil and dealing with messy shells can be frustrating.
Using an air fryer makes the process completely hands-off, with no need for boiling water, watching a pot, or dealing with unpredictable cook times. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, ensuring consistent results every single time.
This method takes the guesswork out of hard-boiling eggs. You simply set the air fryer, place the eggs inside, and let the hot air do the work. No stirring, no babysitting, just perfectly cooked eggs every time. Once done, an ice bath helps loosen the shells, making peeling a breeze. Whether you’re meal prepping, making deviled eggs, or need a quick protein-packed snack, this method is foolproof.
Why Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Are Better Than Boiling
Cooking eggs in an air fryer might sound unusual at first, but it quickly becomes a game-changer.
- No Water Required – Skip the boiling pot. The air fryer’s dry heat cooks the eggs without any water at all.
- Set and Forget – No stirring, no monitoring, just place the eggs inside and let the air fryer do its job.
- Consistent Every Time – The controlled temperature prevents undercooking or overcooking, ensuring even doneness.
- Easy to Peel – A quick ice bath helps separate the shell from the egg white, reducing frustration when peeling.
- Great for Meal Prep – Cook multiple eggs at once without the mess of boiling water overflowing.
What You Need to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer
Unlike traditional boiling, this method requires minimal equipment.
- Eggs – Use fresh or slightly older eggs. Older eggs tend to peel more easily.
- Air Fryer – Any standard air fryer works, but models with a basket allow better airflow.
- Ice Water – An ice bath stops the cooking process and helps loosen the shells.
- Tongs (Optional) – Handy for removing hot eggs without burning your fingers.
How to Make Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
Cooking eggs in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set it to 250°F (120°C) and let it warm up for a couple of minutes.
- Place the Eggs in the Basket – Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the Eggs – Air fry for 13-17 minutes, depending on how firm you like your yolks.
- Transfer to an Ice Bath – Immediately place the eggs in a bowl of ice water for at least 5 minutes.
- Peel and Enjoy – Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface, roll them to loosen the shells, and peel under running water.
Timing Guide for Different Yolks
The air fryer makes it easy to customize doneness based on your preference.
- Soft-Boiled (Jammy Yolk) – 10-12 minutes – Whites are set, yolk is soft and slightly runny.
- Medium-Boiled (Custardy Yolk) – 13-14 minutes – Firmer whites, slightly creamy yolk.
- Hard-Boiled (Fully Set Yolk) – 15-17 minutes – Whites and yolks are completely firm.
How to Peel Eggs Without the Frustration
Peeling eggs can be a struggle, but a few tricks make it easier.
- Use an Ice Bath – Cooling the eggs quickly separates the membrane from the shell.
- Roll on the Counter – Lightly crack the egg, then roll it under your palm to loosen the shell evenly.
- Peel Under Water – Running water helps lift stubborn shells away.
- Try Slightly Older Eggs – Fresh eggs have a tighter membrane, making them harder to peel.
Ways to Use Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are versatile, making them great for snacks, meals, and meal prep.
- Quick Breakfast – Slice on toast with avocado, salt, and pepper.
- High-Protein Snack – Eat plain or sprinkle with seasoning for extra flavor.
- Deviled Eggs – Mash the yolks with mayo, mustard, and paprika for a creamy filling.
- Egg Salad – Chop and mix with mayo, mustard, and chives for a quick sandwich filling.
- Salads and Bowls – Add sliced eggs to salads, grain bowls, or ramen.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
To guarantee the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Adjust the Time Based on Your Air Fryer – Some air fryers run hotter than others. Test a small batch first.
- Use a Lower Temperature for Creamier Yolks – Cooking at 250°F keeps the yolks from becoming overcooked and dry.
- Always Use an Ice Bath – This prevents the eggs from continuing to cook and makes peeling easier.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Airflow matters! Spread out the eggs for even cooking.
- Store Properly – Keep unpeeled eggs in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
Equipment
- Air-fryer Any model works for cooking the eggs evenly
- Bowl with Ice Water For cooling the eggs and making them easier to peel
- Tongs For safely removing hot eggs from the air fryer
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs adjust quantity as needed
- 2 cups ice water for cooling the eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Let it run for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each egg for proper air circulation.
- Cook at 250°F for 13-17 minutes, depending on desired doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them sit for at least 5 minutes to cool completely.
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface, roll them under your palm to loosen the shell, and peel under running water for easy removal.
- Enjoy immediately, or store unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For easier peeling, use eggs that are at least a week old.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Use the cooked eggs in salads, sandwiches, or as a quick snack.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.