Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs: Foolproof Perfection Every Time

There’s something so comforting about the simplicity of a soft boiled egg. Creamy, golden yolks nestled in tender whites — it’s a tiny joy that can completely elevate your breakfast, toast, salad, or grain bowl. Today, I’m sharing exactly how to make air fryer soft boiled eggs — a ridiculously easy method that takes out all the guesswork and boiling water drama.

Air fryer soft boiled eggs are one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” recipes. They’re reliable, mess-free, and totally customizable, whether you love a jammy yolk or one just shy of hard-boiled. Let’s get cracking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

No boiling water required. Say goodbye to watching a pot — the air fryer handles it all.

Perfect consistency every time, with clear timing for soft, jammy, or hard yolks.

Hands-off cooking makes this ideal for busy mornings.

Scalable: Make 2 or a dozen with the same ease (just don’t overcrowd the basket).

Minimal cleanup and no peeling frustration — the ice bath does the heavy lifting.

Taste & Texture

Think tender, just-set whites encasing warm, velvety yolks. When you slice into a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg, that rich golden center oozes ever so slightly — it’s what dreams (and gorgeous brunch boards) are made of.

9 minutes gives you those luscious, extra-runny, jammy yolks.

10–11 minutes results in slightly firmer but still creamy centers.

13–15 minutes will yield hard-boiled-style eggs with yolks that are fully set but not dry.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein. It works well for keto, paleo, and vegetarian diets. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and requires only two ingredients, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 (or more) fresh eggs, cold or room temperature
• Ice and cold water (combined in a large bowl) for an ice-water bath

That’s it — simple, wholesome, and fuss-free.

Notes on Quality

Use the freshest eggs you can get your hands on. Fresher eggs are slightly harder to peel, but they cook beautifully. Room temperature eggs tend to cook a little more evenly and are less likely to crack. If you forget to pull your eggs out ahead of time, just run them under lukewarm water for a couple of minutes before cooking.

Possible Substitutions

No real substitutions needed here, but this method works with different types of eggs too — duck eggs, quail eggs, or even organic pasture-raised chicken eggs. Just keep in mind you may need to slightly adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). This step is crucial for consistent cooking.
2. Carefully place your eggs in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd or stack them — give each egg its space.

• Choose your desired yolk consistency:
  • For extra runny (jammy) yolks: air fry for 9 minutes.
  • For medium-soft yolks: air fry for 10–11 minutes.
  • For hard yolks: air fry for 13–15 minutes.
• Once cooking is done, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice-water bath. Let them sit for 5–6 minutes to halt the cooking and cool completely.
• Gently crack and peel. You’re ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Use tongs to place and remove the eggs to avoid burns and minimize risk of cracking.

Peel the eggs under a little running water to help the shell slide off easily.

Label different cooking times with a sharpie if cooking multiple batches — this way you’ll know which is which without guessing.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the preheat step can lead to unevenly cooked whites.

Crowding the basket can cause inconsistent results. Always leave a little breathing room between each egg.

Skipping the ice bath might seem tempting, but don’t do it — it stops the cooking and makes peeling so much easier.

Time-Saving Tips

Use the air fryer’s batch cooking capability — make a dozen eggs in just a few rounds, then refrigerate for quick breakfasts all week.

To speed up egg peeling, crack the shell gently all around, roll it lightly on the counter, and peel under water.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Soft boiled eggs are perfect with just about anything breakfast-y. Try them atop:

• Buttery toast or avocado toast
• Grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice
• Salads with greens and a drizzle of vinaigrette
• Ramen or noodle dishes

They also make an ideal companion to these easy breakfast recipes from the blog:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Classic French Toast Recipe
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes

Presentation Ideas

Serve the eggs halved with a pinch of flaky salt and cracked pepper for that gourmet brunch look. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add extra flair. Use an egg cup if you’re going the traditional route — they’re both cute and functional.

Beverage Pairings

Pair your eggs with freshly squeezed orange juice or a cold brew coffee for a laid-back breakfast. Want something more refined? A sparkling water with lemon or a mimosa works beautifully for brunch settings.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Once cooked and peeled, air fryer soft boiled eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them unpeeled if possible — it helps them stay fresh longer.

Reheating Methods

To reheat without overcooking, place the eggs in warm water (not boiling) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving soft boiled eggs in the shell — they can explode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use duck or quail eggs?

Yes, but cooking times will vary slightly. Duck eggs may need an extra minute or two. Quail eggs will be done in 4–5 minutes.

Can I use room temperature eggs?

Absolutely. In fact, some people prefer it to avoid cracking and get more even cooking.

Troubleshooting

Why are my eggs too runny?

You may need to add an extra minute or two based on your specific air fryer model. Try increasing the cook time by 30 seconds increments next round.

Why are my shells cracking?

Overcrowding or rapid temperature changes can cause cracks. Bring eggs to room temp or warm slightly before cooking.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

This method is naturally adaptable to many dietary lifestyles. If you’re tracking macros, these eggs fit well into keto, Whole30, and high-protein plans.

Flavor Twists

Try adding flavored salts or finishing oils like truffle or chili oil for extra indulgence. Or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over your peeled eggs.

You can also serve them with dipping sauces like soy sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a herby chimichurri.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

Soft boiled eggs are a hit on springtime brunch menus — think Easter or Mother’s Day. Arrange them in a basket with pastel garnishes or herbs like dill or chives.

Conclusion

There you have it — perfectly cooked air fryer soft boiled eggs with zero fuss and total satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your weekday breakfast, impress at brunch, or meal prep some protein-packed snacks, this recipe is your new go-to.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Do you prefer jammy or firm yolks? Drop a comment below or tag me in your creations over on Pinterest — I’m always excited to see what you’re cooking up.

Follow along for more delicious, stress-free recipes:
Find more recipes on Pinterest

And don’t forget to try it with the Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or go classic with a French Omelette or French Toast.

Your breakfast just got a major glow-up.

Print