Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
Air fryer scrambled eggs are handy when you want breakfast without standing over the hob. The butter melts in an ovenproof dish in the basket, the whisked eggs go in, and you stir twice over six minutes, stopping while the eggs still look glossy. That gives soft, tender curds for two people, about 10 minutes from the first whisk to the plate.
- Total
- 10 min
- Prep
- 2 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 220kcal
How long to cook air fryer scrambled eggs
Eggs set quickly, so a small dish makes a big difference. A shallow dish about 15cm across lets the hot air reach the middle, and the whole job takes 8 minutes at 180°C: 2 minutes to melt the butter, then 6 minutes for the eggs. Stirring is not optional. Without it you get a solid omelette in a dish, so stir at 2 and 4 minutes and pull the set edges into the middle.
The result is closer to soft-set scrambled eggs than the very creamy kind you get from a saucepan. Stop early rather than late. The eggs carry on cooking from the heat of the dish for a minute or so after it comes out. British Lion eggs can safely be eaten lightly cooked, including by pregnant women.
Air fryer scrambled eggs method
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Whisk the eggs Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the milk, salt and pepper and whisk for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and a uniform yellow.
- Melt the butter Put the butter in the ovenproof dish and stand it in the basket. Heat at 180°C for , until the butter has melted. Using oven gloves, lift out the dish and swirl the butter over the base and sides.
- Start cooking Pour the eggs into the hot dish, put it back in the basket and cook at 180°C for , until the edges have just started to set.
- Stir Open the drawer and stir with a fork, pulling the set edges into the middle. Cook for more, then stir again.
- Finish Cook for a final , then lift out the dish. The eggs should be softly set but still look glossy, as they carry on cooking in the hot dish. Spoon onto buttered toast, scatter with chives and serve at once.
Serving and variations
Serve on buttered toast, with grilled tomatoes or a few slices of ham. A pinch of chilli flakes or a spoonful of grated mature Cheddar stirred in at the end turns it into a heartier breakfast. For a more special brunch, try smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. If you want to cook eggs in other ways with the same machine, have a look at air fryer eggs.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
- The eggs are dry and rubbery.
- They were left in too long. Check after 4 minutes of cooking, and take the dish out while the eggs still look slightly wet. Tip them onto warm plates straight away.
- The edges set hard while the middle is still runny.
- The dish is too deep for the heat to reach the centre. Use a shallow, wide dish and pull the cooked edges into the middle each time you stir.
- The eggs are watery and weep onto the toast.
- Too much milk, or overcooking, makes them release liquid. Stick to 2 tbsp for four eggs and stop while they are still soft.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
How long do scrambled eggs take in the air fryer?
8 minutes at 180°C: 2 minutes to melt the butter, then 6 minutes for the eggs, stirred after 2 and 4 minutes.
Do I need a special dish?
You need a shallow ovenproof dish that fits in the basket, such as a shallow ceramic dish or a small metal tin. Do not pour the eggs straight into the basket, as they will run through the holes.
Can I add cheese or herbs?
Yes. Stir in a handful of grated Cheddar or chopped chives at the last stir, so the cheese melts without turning stringy.
What can I use instead of milk?
Double cream makes the eggs richer, and a splash of water works too. Use the same amount.
How did you like the recipe?
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