Air Fryer Deviled Eggs are a perfect twist on a classic favorite. These eggs have a nicely cooked white outside with a creamy, tangy filling that’s full of flavor. The air fryer makes the eggs easy to prepare without boiling a pot of water, and the yolk mixture is smooth and just right with a bit of mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika on top.
I love making deviled eggs this way because it saves time and cleanup. The air fryer cooks the eggs evenly, so you don’t have to worry about timing or checking the water. Plus, the cooked eggs peel effortlessly, which is a game changer for me every time. I always add my own little twist with extra black pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some kick.
These air fryer deviled eggs are a hit at every gathering I bring them to. I like serving them chilled with a side of crunchy celery or carrot sticks for a fresh bite. They’re simple, tasty, and a great appetizer or snack to share with friends. If you’ve never tried making deviled eggs in an air fryer before, I highly recommend giving it a shot—you might never go back to the old way!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Air Fryer Deviled Eggs
Eggs: Fresh large eggs work best. Air frying gives them a slightly different texture from boiling — try it to see the difference! If needed, you can use medium eggs but adjust cooking time slightly.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the yolk mixture. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or avocado. Both bring smoothness with a twist.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard work too.
Vinegar: White or apple cider vinegar adds brightness. Lemon juice can be a nice substitute if you prefer a citrus note.
Breadcrumb Coating (Optional): This adds crunch and looks fancy. You can use panko or regular breadcrumbs, seasoned with herbs or spices you like.
How Can I Cook Perfect Hard Eggs in the Air Fryer?
Cooking eggs in the air fryer is easy but needs attention to temperature and timing to avoid overcooked yolks or cracks.
- Preheat air fryer to 270°F (132°C) for even cooking.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place eggs carefully, so they don’t bump and crack during cooking.
- Air fry for 15-17 minutes for firm yolks. Test with one egg if unsure.
- Immediately transfer eggs to ice water to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- Peel gently; air fried eggs can be a bit more tender on the outside.
Following these steps consistently helps you get tender, easy-to-peel eggs perfect for deviled eggs every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air Fryer – I recommend a 5.8-quart model for even cooking and easy handling of multiple eggs.
- Small Mixing Bowl – Perfect for mashing and mixing the yolks with other ingredients.
- Sharp Knife or Egg Slicer – Helps you cut the eggs in half cleanly and neatly.
- Small Piping Bag or Spoon – Makes filling the egg whites quick and tidy.
- Cooking Spray or Oil – To lightly coat the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.
- Ice Water Bowl – Handy for cooling the eggs quickly after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use smoked paprika or za’atar instead of regular paprika for a smoky or herby twist.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon or crab meat inside the yolk mixture for extra richness.
- Stir in a pinch of curry powder or hot sauce for a spicy or exotic flavor profile.
- Mix in shredded cheese, like cheddar or pepper Jack, before filling for cheesy deviled eggs.
Air Fryer Deviled Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Eggs and Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
For Garnishing and Coating:
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Fresh herbs like dill or chives (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil (for air fryer basket)
- Optional: 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for coating the egg bottoms)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, around 15 to 17 minutes to cook the eggs in the air fryer, and 5 minutes to cool them. Optional coating and garnishing will add a few more minutes. In total, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Air Fry the Eggs:
Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (132°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the whole eggs in the basket, making sure they don’t touch much to avoid cracking. Air fry them for 15 to 17 minutes until hard-cooked.
2. Cool and Peel the Eggs:
Immediately after cooking, transfer the eggs into a bowl of ice water. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes; this helps stop cooking and makes peeling easy. Once cool, gently peel the eggs.
3. Prepare the Filling:
Slice each egg in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks into a mixing bowl. Mash the yolks thoroughly, then add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic or onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Optional Breadcrumb Coating:
If using breadcrumbs, lightly brush the flat side of each egg white half with a little mayonnaise or olive oil. Press the edges gently into seasoned breadcrumbs so they stick nicely to create a crispy coating.
5. Assemble and Garnish:
Pipe or spoon the creamy yolk mixture back into the egg white halves. Sprinkle a little paprika over the tops for that classic look and finish with finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives.
6. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your deviled eggs immediately, or cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead. They keep well chilled for a few hours before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Eggs for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh eggs for air frying deviled eggs, as freezing can change the texture and make peeling difficult. If you only have frozen eggs, thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Deviled Eggs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid storing with the breadcrumb coating if you want to keep it crispy—add that just before serving.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the yolk mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Fill the egg whites right before serving to keep the eggs fresh and the breadcrumb coating crunchy if using.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can hard boil the eggs on the stove instead by boiling them for about 9-12 minutes and then cooling in ice water. The rest of the recipe stays the same.