Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs (Foolproof 16-Minute Method)

Name: Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 21 min

They’re quick, hands-off, and perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, salads, or high-protein snacks. If you’ve ever wondered how to make hard boiled eggs in the air fryer without boiling water, this method is for you.

No waiting for a pot to boil. No babysitting the stove. Just simple air fryer eggs that come out easy to peel and perfectly cooked.

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Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

I started making air fryer hard boiled eggs when I was tired of watching a pot of water. Now I honestly prefer this method.

In This Post

Julia's Why-You'll-Love-It List

♥ The steady circulating heat of the air fryer cooks the eggs evenly from all sides.

♥ At 245°F, the egg whites set gently while the yolks cook through without turning chalky. That’s the sweet spot. You get firm whites and creamy yellow yolks without the green ring that sometimes happens with stovetop boiling.

♥ Compared to traditional boiled eggs, there’s no rapid boiling water bouncing the eggs around. That means fewer cracked shells and more consistent results.

♥ Texture balance matters here. The whites should be firm but tender. The yolks should be set but not dry. This method hits that balance beautifully.

Ingredients

Eggs - Room temperature eggs cook more evenly. If your eggs are cold straight from the fridge, let them sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes first. It helps prevent cracking.

If you can find fresh, good-quality eggs, it’s worth it. The yolks are brighter and the flavor is richer, especially if you’re using them for egg salad or deviled eggs.

Substitution note: Large eggs will work too. You may need 1–2 extra minutes depending on your air fryer model.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How To Cook Eggs in Air Fryer

Place the eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap them.
Preheat the air fryer to 245°F for 3–5 minutes. This helps them cook evenly from the start.
Once preheated, place the basket with the eggs inside the air fryer.

Cook at 245°F for 16 minutes. The shells may develop small brown spots. That is completely normal.
Carefully remove the eggs and transfer them immediately to a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and prevents overcooked yolks.
Once cooled, gently tap and peel. The shells should slide off easily. Serve or store.

Visual cue: The shell may look slightly speckled. That’s from the circulating heat and does not affect flavor.

Texture cue: When you peel one, the white should be firm and smooth. The yolk should be fully set and bright yellow.

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Tips

Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
Always preheat the air fryer. This is where people go wrong. Skipping this step can lead to undercooked centers.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Air must circulate.
Transfer immediately to ice water. This prevents grayish yolks.
If your yolks look slightly creamy in the center, add 1 more minute next time.
For easier peeling, gently crack the wider end first. There’s usually an air pocket there.
Want restaurant-style deviled eggs? Slice cleanly with a warm knife wiped between cuts.
Make-ahead tip: Cook a batch on Sunday for easy protein snacks all week.
Shortcut tip: If you don’t have ice, use very cold tap water and change it once.

Serving Suggestions

Slice over green salads
Add to avocado toast
Make deviled eggs
Use in egg salad sandwiches
Chop into potato salad
Pair with air fryer bacon for a protein-packed breakfast

If you love easy air fryer recipes, try my air fryer broccoli or air fryer chicken wings next.

Don’t Make These Mistakes

Don’t stack the eggs. They cook unevenly.
Don’t skip the ice bath. They will continue cooking inside the shell.
Don’t assume all air fryers run the same. If it’s your first time, test one egg before doing a big batch.
Don’t panic over brown shell spots. Totally normal.

Julia's Tip

Always transfer the eggs to ice water immediately after cooking to stop the internal heat and prevent overcooked yolks.

Storing Leftovers

To Store. Keep unpeeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Bonus: Upgrade Variations

Bold Flavor Twist: Slice and sprinkle with flaky salt, cracked pepper, and chili flakes.
Lighter Option: Use just the whites for high-protein snacks or salads.
Restaurant-Inspired Version: Make creamy deviled eggs with Dijon mustard and a touch of mayo.
Family-Friendly Adjustment: Mash with a little butter and salt for simple egg sandwiches kids love.

More Breakfast Recipes

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Recipe Card

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Julia

Learn how to make perfect AIR FRYER hard boiled eggs with this easy, no-boil method. Includes timing tips, storage advice, and how to get easy-to-peel eggs every time.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 16

Total Time 21

Course Breakfast

Servings servings

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INSTRUCTIONS

Place the eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
Preheat your air fryer to 245°F for about 3-5 minutes.
Once preheated, carefully place the basket with the eggs into the air fryer.
Cook the eggs in the air fryer at 245°F for 16 minutes.
After 16 minutes, carefully remove the eggs from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool for a few minutes.
Once cooled, peel the eggs and serve immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later use.
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!

NOTES

Making AIR FRYER hard boiled eggs is one of those small kitchen wins. Once you try it, you may never go back to boiling water again. It’s simple. Reliable. And perfect for busy days. If this helped, leave a quick comment and let me know how yours turned out.

Notes:

Brown speckles on shells are normal in the air fryer.
Ice bath is essential for texture and color.
Air fryer models vary slightly. Test one egg first if unsure.

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This is the perfect recipe for holidays when you need a large batch of Deviled Eggs!

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.