Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you like them as a snack, as part of a salad, or even as a breakfast option, knowing how to hard boil eggs properly is an essential skill in the kitchen. In recent years, air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. Did you know that you can also use an air fryer to hard boil eggs? Yes, you heard it right! In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy method of hard boiling eggs in an air fryer.
Why use an air fryer to hard boil eggs?
Using an air fryer to hard boil eggs has several advantages. Firstly, it is a much faster method compared to traditional boiling. With an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs in just a fraction of the time it would take on a stovetop. Secondly, an air fryer requires less water compared to boiling eggs in a pot. This means that you will save both water and energy. Lastly, using an air fryer allows you to avoid the hassle of waiting for the water to boil or monitoring the eggs on the stove.
What do you need?
Before we dive into the method, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. For this quick and easy method, you will need the following:
– Fresh eggs
– An air fryer
– A bowl of ice water
– Tongs or a spoon for transferring the eggs
The method
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started!
1. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 250°F (121°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving the desired level of doneness for hard-boiled eggs.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, place the eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this may result in uneven cooking.
3. Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the basket with the eggs into the air fryer. Set the timer for 15 minutes.
4. While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water. Fill the bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.
5. When the timer goes off, use tongs or a spoon to transfer the eggs to the bowl of ice water. Let them sit in the water for about 5 minutes to cool.
6. After 5 minutes, remove the eggs from the ice water and gently tap them on a hard surface to crack the shells. Roll the eggs between your hands to loosen the shells.
7. Peeling hard-boiled eggs can sometimes be a challenge, but with this method, the shells should come off easily. Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, where the air pocket is located. Under running water, peel the shells off, being careful not to remove chunks of the egg whites.
8. Your perfectly hard-boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed! You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Benefits of eating hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in our bodies. Consuming protein-rich foods like eggs can also help us feel more satisfied and reduce cravings. Additionally, hard-boiled eggs are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
Apart from being a great source of nutrients, hard-boiled eggs can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet. They are low in calories and can be enjoyed as part of a weight loss or maintenance plan. Hard-boiled eggs make a great snack option, as they are portable and can be easily packed for on-the-go convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you own an air fryer, it is definitely worth trying out this quick and easy method of hard boiling eggs. With the convenience and time-saving benefits it offers, you can enjoy perfectly hard-boiled eggs in a matter of minutes. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the versatility and nutritional benefits of hard-boiled eggs in your meals and snacks.