Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs are quick, easy, and require no water at all! It’s one of the best ways to make perfectly cooked boiled eggs that peel easily.
5 Star Review
One reader Sherry writes, "18 mins. Then ice water around 5 mins. They were perfect and peeled perfect also. Thank you so much" ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Why boil eggs in the air fryer?
There are two main reasons I love making hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer!
First, it’s completely hands-free—no boiling water, no watching the stove. Just place the eggs in the air fryer, set the timer, and you’re done. It’s a total game-changer for busy weekday mornings when you need a quick, healthy breakfast before rushing off to work or getting the kids ready for school.
Second, air fryer boiled eggs are so easy to peel. A popular theory is that the dry, circulating heat helps separate the shell from the membrane as the eggs cook. Just a quick dip in an ice bath afterward, and the shells slide right off—no struggle, no mess.
Jump to:
How Long to Air Fry Eggs for Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model, its wattage, basket size, egg size, and how many eggs you're air frying at a time. I used a 1700-watt Instant Vortex air fryer. As a general guide, air fry eggs at 260°F (125°C) for 14 to 18 minutes—14 minutes yields a slightly soft, creamy yolk, while 18 minutes gives you a fully hard-boiled egg.
Since air fryers differ, start with 1–2 eggs to find the perfect timing for your specific model.
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 to 8 Eggs
Instructions
- Add eggs straight from the fridge to the fryer basket.
- Cook at 260°F for 14 to 18 minutes - 14 minutes for a buttery yolk and 18 minutes for a hard boiled egg. Please note, times may vary between air fryers.
- Remove the eggs from the air fryer basket, and plunge them into an ice bath for 5 to 10 minutes. Peel the eggs and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Short video
Success tips
- Play around with the time! Like in all air fryer recipes, air fryer models vary in power, so cooking times may differ. I used a 1700-watt Instant Vortex air fryer! Factor in basket size, egg size, number of eggs and temperature settings of your air fryer model which can affect results. Use this as a guide, but plan to experiment a little—start with 1–2 eggs to find your perfect timing!
- Use an ice water bath! It quickly cools the eggs to prevent overcooking and makes them much easier to peel.
- Leave some space: Try to leave some space between each egg and avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Choose eggs of a similar size. For best results, use large eggs (57g/2oz). If your eggs are slightly bigger or smaller, adjust cook time by plus or minus 2 minutes.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below, and we’ll send the link straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get more creative recipe ideas every Sunday!
How to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs Easily
The best way to get perfectly smooth, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs is to immediately transfer them to an ice water bath after cooking. This quick shock helps the egg white firm up and cause the air pocket inside the shell to shrink, which loosens the shell and makes peeling a breeze.
If you let the eggs cool slowly without the ice water bath, the air pocket doesn’t contract in time. Instead, air seeps in through the shell, making it harder to peel and often leaving the egg pitted or torn (refer to Kenji Lopez's article on how to make perfect hard boiled eggs).
Can you freeze hard boiled eggs?
Yes—but only the yolks freeze well. The whites tend to become tough and rubbery after thawing, which can make them unappetizing. To freeze air-fried hard-boiled eggs, it's best to separate the yolks after boiling and store them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 1 month.
Avoid freezing whole hard-boiled eggs, as the texture of the whites doesn’t hold up well.
Frequently asked questions
Air fried eggs can be refrigerated for up to one week, whether peeled or unpeeled.
Unpeeled eggs: Store in any container, sealed or unsealed.
Peeled eggs: Keep them in a sealed container. To prevent them from drying out, cover them with damp paper towels. Don’t cut them until you're ready to eat!
One common reason the eggs are hard to peel is that they’re still too warm. Let them soak in an ice water bath for 10 to 15 minutes to cool completely. Also, keep in mind that very fresh eggs are harder to peel—slightly older eggs work best.
This will depend on the size of your air fryer. I can comfortably fit 6 to 8 eggs in mine. Just be sure to leave about an inch of space between each egg to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
More easy air fryer breakfast ideas
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Kitchen at Hoskins on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Sherry
18 mins. Then ice water around 5 mins. They were perfect and peeled perfect also. Thank you so much.