Eggs & Breakfast
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs (No Water Needed)
Make hard boiled eggs in the air fryer at 270°F for 15–17 minutes, then chill in ice water. Times for soft, jammy, medium and hard eggs.
Quick answer
To make hard boiled eggs in the air fryer, place cold eggs straight from the fridge in the basket and cook at 270°F130°C for 15–17 minutes. Then move them to an ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling. For jammy eggs, cook 11–13 minutes, and for soft boiled, 9–11 minutes.
- Time
- 15–17 min
- Flip
- No
- Done when
- Firm yolk; chill in ice water
Hard Boiled Eggs air fryer times
| What you're cooking | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft boiled (runny yolk) | 270°F130°C | 9–11 min | Set white, liquid yolk |
| Jammy / medium boiled | 270°F130°C | 11–13 min | Soft, fudgy yolk |
| Medium-hard | 270°F130°C | 13–15 min | Mostly set yolk |
| Hard boiled | 270°F130°C | 15–17 min | Fully set yolk |
| Hard boiled at 250°F | 250°F120°C | 16–18 min | Gentler, fewer brown spots |
| Hard boiled at 300°F | 300°F150°C | 12–14 min | Faster, more likely to crack |
Times are for a preheated 5–6 quart basket air fryer with food in a single layer. Oven-style and very large air fryers can run 1–3 minutes slower. Always check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
Hard boiled eggs in the air fryer are hands-off: no pot of water to boil, no bumping eggs cracking against each other, and consistent results once you know your timing. Set it, walk away, then chill them in ice water.
How to make hard boiled eggs in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 270°F130°C.
- Add cold eggs in a single layer.
- Cook 15–17 minutes for fully set yolks.
- Chill in ice water for 5+ minutes. This stops the cooking, prevents a green ring around the yolk and loosens the shell.
- Peel from the wide end, where the air pocket is.
Choose your yolk: soft, jammy or hard
The only thing that changes is the time. At 270°F130°C:
- 9–11 minutes: soft boiled, with a set white and runny yolk. Great for toast soldiers.
- 11–13 minutes: jammy, with a fudgy, custardy yolk, perfect for ramen and salads.
- 13–15 minutes: medium-hard, with a mostly set yolk that’s still tender.
- 15–17 minutes: hard boiled, fully set, for deviled eggs, egg salad and snacks.
Why air fryer times vary
Air fryers differ in wattage and how quickly they heat. Egg size matters too: extra-large and jumbo eggs need about a minute longer. The first time, cook two test eggs, check the yolks, and adjust. Once you find your air fryer’s timing, it stays consistent.
Tips for perfect air fryer eggs
- Start with cold eggs from the fridge. Room-temperature eggs cook about a minute faster.
- Use a rack or egg holder to keep eggs from rolling and to reduce brown spots.
- Don’t skip the ice bath. Warm eggs keep cooking and are harder to peel.
- Crack and peel under water. Water gets under the membrane and lifts the shell off.
Ways to use them
Make deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches, Cobb salad, ramen eggs marinated in soy sauce and mirin, or pack them as a protein-rich snack. Pair them with air fryer bacon for an easy breakfast.
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Prep
- 1 min
- Cook
- 16 min
- Total
- 17 min
- Air fryer
- 270°F130°C
- Makes
- 6 eggs
- Calories
- 78 per large egg
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, straight from the refrigerator
- Ice and cold water, for the ice bath
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 270°F130°C for 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs. Place the cold eggs in the basket in a single layer, or on a small rack to keep them from rolling. Leave a little space between them.
- Cook. Air fry for 15–17 minutes for hard boiled eggs. Use 9–11 minutes for soft boiled or 11–13 minutes for jammy eggs.
- Ice bath. While they cook, fill a bowl with ice and cold water. Use tongs to move the eggs into the ice bath as soon as the timer goes off, and chill for at least 5 minutes.
- Peel. Tap each egg all over on the counter, roll it gently to crack the shell, and peel under a little running water, starting from the wide end.
Notes
- Do a test batch: cook 2 eggs and adjust by a minute, since air fryers vary.
- Small brown spots on the shell are normal and don't affect the egg inside.
- Refrigerate hard boiled eggs in their shells for up to 1 week.
Nutrition is an estimate calculated from typical ingredient values and will vary by brand and portion.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook hard boiled eggs in the air fryer?
Cook them at 270°F130°C for 15–17 minutes, then chill in an ice bath for at least 5 minutes. Start with eggs straight from the fridge for the most consistent results.
Do you need water to make boiled eggs in an air fryer?
No. The eggs cook in hot air in their shells, with no water in the basket. The only water you need is the ice bath afterward, which stops the cooking and makes them easier to peel.
What temperature should I use for hard boiled eggs in the air fryer?
270°F130°C is the most reliable setting. At 300°F150°C they cook faster (about 12–14 minutes) but are more likely to crack or brown. At 250°F120°C they take 16–18 minutes and cook more gently.
Why do my air fryer eggs have brown spots?
Spots form where the shell touches the hot basket or gets the most direct heat. They're only on the shell and are harmless. Using a small rack or a lower temperature reduces them.
Are air fryer hard boiled eggs easier to peel?
Many people find them easier to peel than stovetop eggs, especially after an immediate ice bath. Slightly older eggs (a week or more) peel more easily than very fresh ones.
How many eggs can I cook in the air fryer at once?
As many as fit in a single layer with a little space between them, usually 6–12 in a 5–6 qt basket. A full basket may need an extra minute.
How long do air fryer hard boiled eggs last?
Refrigerate them within 2 hours. In the shell, they keep for up to 1 week. Once peeled, eat them within a few days.
You might also like
Air Fryer Bacon: Crispy in 8–10 Minutes
How to cook bacon in the air fryer: 400°F for 8–10 minutes for regular slices or 10–14 minutes for thick-cut, with tips to stop smoke and splatter.
Air Fryer Sausage: Times for Every Type
How to cook sausage in the air fryer: raw links at 380°F for 10–14 minutes to 160°F. Times for Italian sausage, brats, breakfast links, chicken and smoked sausage.
Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart
Searchable, printable times and temps for 100+ foods.
How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner's Guide
How an air fryer works and how to use one: first-time setup, preheating, oil, what to cook and what to avoid, with tips for Ninja, Cosori and Gourmia models.