Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs in the air fryer cook hands-off in a small pan, and with just two quick stirs they come out soft, fluffy and fully set in about 8 minutes at 360 °F. It is a good method when the stove is busy with bacon or pancakes, and it works for 2, 3 or 4 eggs.
- Temperature
- 360°F180 °C
- Total time
- 13min
- Prep time
- 5min
- Servings
- 2
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Why the air fryer works for scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs go from silky to dry in under a minute on the stove. The air fryer is more forgiving. The heat is gentle and constant, and the eggs cook in a pan that holds the heat, so you get soft, large curds rather than small, dry ones. Stirring twice is enough: it moves the set eggs from the edge toward the middle and lets the liquid egg reach the hot sides.
The method is useful on busy mornings, or when the stove is full. The basket is small, so the pan size matters. A 6-inch pan fits four eggs and gives a layer about an inch deep, which cooks evenly. A bigger pan spreads the eggs thin, and they dry out faster. For scrambled eggs in the air fryer, always keep the layer about 1 inch deep and take it out while a little shine is left.
How to make scrambled eggs in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Heat the butter Put the butter in a 6-inch oven-safe pan or ramekin dish that fits in the basket. Preheat the air fryer to 360 °F for with the pan inside, so the butter melts.
- Whisk the eggs While the butter melts, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl for 30 seconds, until the mixture is uniform and a little frothy.
- Start cooking Pull out the hot pan carefully and swirl the butter around the sides. Pour in the eggs and return the pan to the basket. Cook for .
- Stir Open the basket and stir the eggs with a silicone spatula, pulling the set edges toward the center. Cook for another and stir again.
- Finish Cook for more, until there is no visible liquid egg but the curds still look moist. Eggs should be firm and reach 160 °F. Serve right away, since they keep cooking in the hot pan.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 eggsStir at 3 and 6 min | 360 °F (180 °C) | 8 min |
| 2 eggs | 360 °F (180 °C) | 5–6 min |
| 3 eggs | 360 °F (180 °C) | 7 min |
| With cheeseAdd ¼ cup cheese in the last 2 min | 360 °F (180 °C) | 8 min |
| With bacon bitsNot vegetarian | 360 °F (180 °C) | 8 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Parchment paper and foil in the air fryer
Tips
- Whisk well. Whisk for a full 30 seconds, so the whites and yolks blend and the eggs set evenly without white streaks.
- Add milk, not too much. Two tablespoons of milk for four eggs makes fluffy curds. More than that makes the eggs watery.
- Take them out early. Carryover heat keeps cooking the eggs in the hot pan for another minute or so.
What to serve with scrambled eggs
Serve the eggs on air fryer toast or with a warm croissant, with crisp air fryer bacon and some fresh fruit. For something more filling, spoon them into a bagel with cheese for a breakfast sandwich. Chopped chives or green onions on top add color.
Storing and reheating
Scrambled eggs are best fresh. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days and reheat them in the air fryer at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes, stirring once, until they reach 165 °F. Do not freeze plain scrambled eggs for long, since they turn watery. Cooked eggs should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
Variations
- Cheesy: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Spinach and tomato: Add a handful of chopped baby spinach and a few diced cherry tomatoes with the second stir.
- Cottage cheese: Fold 2 tbsp of cottage cheese into the whisked eggs for extra protein and a creamier texture.
- Eggs in ramekins: Pour 2 whisked eggs into each greased ramekin and cook at 350 °F for 9–10 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The eggs are dry and rubbery
- They cooked too long. Take them out while they still look slightly wet, because the hot pan finishes them. Lower the temperature to 340 °F for softer curds.
- The eggs are watery
- They are undercooked or had a wet add-in. Cook another minute, and sauté vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms first to remove their moisture.
- The eggs stuck to the pan
- The pan was not hot enough when the eggs went in, or the butter was too little. Keep the butter and swirl it up the sides before pouring.
Questions and answers
How long do scrambled eggs take in the air fryer?
4 eggs take about 8 minutes at 360 °F, with two stirs. 2 eggs take 5–6 minutes and 3 eggs take about 7 minutes.
Can you make scrambled eggs in the air fryer without a pan?
Use a silicone mold, a ramekin or a foil dish, because liquid eggs would run through the basket.
What temperature should scrambled eggs be?
Eggs are safe at 160 °F, when they are firm and no liquid remains. Many people prefer them soft but fully set, which is the same point.
How many calories are in air fryer scrambled eggs?
This recipe has about 200 calories per serving (2 eggs with butter and milk). Skipping the butter or using cooking spray lowers the total.
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