Making hard boiled eggs in the air fryer is my absolute favorite way to prepare eggs. It’s quick, mess-free, and requires no boiling water at all. Simply place the eggs in the air fryer, set the timer, and in just 17 minutes you’ll have perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs. Once you try this method, you may never go back to boiling eggs on the stove again.
I eat eggs almost every day and love adding them to salads, grain bowls, or enjoying them as a quick protein-packed snack. This air fryer method has completely changed how I prep eggs for the week.
Why Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer?
This no-boil method is perfect for meal prep. I usually cook a batch of six eggs at once and store them in the refrigerator for easy breakfasts, healthy snacks, or quick additions to salads.
Benefits of air fryer hard boiled eggs:
- No water needed
- No waiting for water to boil
- Consistent results every time
- Easy to peel
- Great for meal prep
Air Fryer Cooking Time
Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and how you like your yolks. I cook my eggs for 17 minutes for fully cooked, firm yolks. If you prefer a slightly softer center, reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
Does the Brand of the Air Fryer Matter?
Yes, the brand and model of your air fryer can affect both temperature and cooking time. Some air fryers allow lower temperature settings than others.
- If your air fryer can be set to 250°F, follow the standard cooking times.
- If your air fryer does not go lower than 300°F, set it to 300°F and reduce the cooking time. I recommend starting with 11–13 minutes and adjusting based on your preference.
I originally tested this recipe with an air fryer that reached 250°F. I now use a Ninja Air Fryer, which starts at 300°F, and simply adjust the time as needed.
Ice Bath: An Important Step
Placing the eggs in an ice bath immediately after cooking is essential. The ice bath stops the cooking process and helps the shells release more easily, making the eggs much easier to peel. Let the eggs sit in ice water for about 5 minutes before peeling.
Air Fryer Egg Cooking Time Chart
Soft Boiled:
10–11 minutes at 250°F
Yolk is soft and slightly runny
Medium Boiled:
12–14 minutes at 250°F
Yolk is creamy, whites fully set
Hard Boiled:
15–17 minutes at 250°F
Yolk is fully cooked and firm
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook eggs in the air fryer?
Depending on the temperature and desired doneness, eggs take between 10 and 17 minutes.
Do you need to add water when cooking eggs in the air fryer?
No, water is not needed when cooking eggs in an air fryer.
How do you make air fryer eggs easy to peel?
An ice bath immediately after cooking makes peeling much easier.
How do you store hard boiled eggs?
Store hard boiled eggs with the shells on in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Easy Hard Boiled Eggs in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Equipment: Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 250°F.
- Place the eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Cook for 17 minutes for hard boiled eggs. Reduce the time by 1–2 minutes for softer yolks.
- If your air fryer only goes down to 300°F, cook for 11–13 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Remove the eggs and immediately place them in an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Gently crack the shells, roll them on a hard surface, peel, and enjoy.