Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs

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Reader Rating
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings 4 servings

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These air fryer soft boiled eggs feature perfectly cooked whites with a warm, thick, and gooey yolk. They are completely hands-off and perfect every time.

air fryer soft boiled eggs.

When I want soft boiled eggs that are perfectly jammy in the center and never overcooked, I skip the pot and use my air fryer instead. It’s completely hands-off, cooks in under 9 minutes, and delivers consistent results every time.

I adapted this recipe from my classic air fryer hard boiled eggs, adjusting the temperature and timing until I found that sweet spot- firm whites and golden, runny yolks that don’t spill or dry out. I tested it in all three (yes, three) of my air fryers to ensure consistency.

My partner loves them over his avocado toast; I love adding them to ramen bowls (SO GOOD!) or even for a quick protein boost during the week. They’re simple, foolproof, and I promise you: impossible to mess up!

What readers are saying

★★★★★“These are SUCH good soft boiled eggs. Thanks for sharing, I followed your method to a T. Perfect.” – Olga

Key Ingredients

  • Large eggs. Preferably, room temperature eggs, as they will cook a bit more quickly. If your eggs aren’t at room temperature, gently place them in a bowl of tepid water for five minutes before air frying. 

How to make air fryer soft boiled eggs

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

soft boiled eggs in air fryer.

Step 1- Air fry. Add the eggs to the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes. While they cook, fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. 

soft boiled eggs in ice water.

Step 2- Dunk in ice water. Immediately transfer the eggs to the ice water bath and let them sit for 3 minutes. Then, peel and serve. 

Peeling boiled eggs 101

There is a bit of a trick to peeling an egg, and don’t fret if it takes you a couple of tries. Here’s the method I find most effective:

  1. Gently crack the egg. Remove the egg from the bowl of ice water and gently crack it on a hard surface. 
  2. Start from the base. Begin peeling from the larger side of the egg. This is also where you’ll find the air pocket, making it easier to get under the shell and remove larger pieces.
  3. Look for the membrane. The membrane is the thin piece that separates the egg from the shell. If you see this, peel from there to help peel more of the shell. 
  4. Go slowly. Patience is key! I’ve found that some eggs are trickier than others, but it can be done.
  5. Run it underwater. To remove the last remaining bits of shell. 

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Use tongs. The eggs will be pretty hot when you pull them from the basket, so use a set of tongs!
  • Practice makes perfect. Everyone’s air fryer is a bit different. Mine were perfectly cooked after 9 minutes. If your fryer takes a bit longer to warm up (or you prefer slightly firmer yolks), increase the cooking time to 10 minutes. 
  • Have the ice bath ready. Time is of the essence, so have the ice bath ready so the eggs don’t overcook. 

Storage and meal prep

To store: Place leftover unpeeled eggs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Peeled eggs will stay fresh for up to three days. 

To serve warm: Place the eggs in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for 15 minutes. 

soft boiled eggs on a plate.

Frequently asked questions

Will the eggs crack or explode in the air fryer?

Nope- they’re safe to cook as is. I’ve been air frying eggs for years, and as long as you don’t stack them on top of one another, they won’t crack.

How do I make the yolks more or less runny?

I like to use the ‘rule of ones’ when it comes to the yolk. 9 minutes yields a jammy center, but if you want it runnier, air fry for 8 minutes. If you want it firmer, air fry for 10 minutes.

✅ Nutrition reviewed

Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.

air fryer soft boiled eggs recipe.

Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs

5 from 7 votes
Once you learn how to make air fryer soft boiled eggs, you’ll never want them any other way. It’s completely hands-off, and the results are perfectly cooked eggs with a runny yolk! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 4 servings
Cook: 9 minutes
Total: 9 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 4 large eggs

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F. 
  • Once preheated, add the eggs to the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry the eggs for 9 minutes. While the eggs are air frying, add cold water and ice to a bowl.
  • Immediately transfer the eggs to the iced water bath and let them sit for 3 minutes, before peeling and serving.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Keep in the fridge peeled for 5 days or unpeeled for 3 days. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSodium: 71mgPotassium: 69mgSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 270IUCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

More air fryer breakfast recipes

Arman Liew

I’m a three time cookbook author, culinary school graduate, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

5 from 7 votes

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Very easy way to do soft boiled eggs. I love the idea of using my air fryer. I will give this a try thanks.

      1. Thanks Arman!! Made some today, I think my eggs were a little fresh because they were a little hard to peel but not terrible. What an easy way to make soft-boiled eggs!