Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Preheat the air fryer to 250°F. No oil needed — you're basically dry-roasting whole eggs in the shell.

2. 2

   Place 6 large cold eggs in a single layer in the basket so they aren't jammed against each other.

3. 3

   Air fry 15 minutes for firm but creamy yolks, or 16–17 minutes if you want them fully set and chalky for chopping into salad. Air fryers vary — pull one early the first time you try this model.

4. 4

   Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water for at least 5 minutes to stop the cooking and loosen the shells.

5. 5

   Crack gently all over, peel under cool running water, and refrigerate peeled or unpeeled up to 5 days. You want evenly set hard-cooked eggs that peel clean — not a green ring around the yolk or rubbery overcooked whites.