Description
Air Fryer Scotch Eggs offer a healthier, yet equally delicious twist on the classic British snack. These savory treats feature hard or soft-boiled eggs wrapped in a layer of seasoned sausage meat, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. What makes them stand out is the cooking method: using an air fryer creates a golden, crispy exterior without the need for deep frying, making them lighter and less greasy, but still full of flavor. The result is a perfectly cooked egg inside, with a flavorful, juicy sausage coating that’s crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a picnic spread, Air Fryer Scotch Eggs are a delightful combination of flavors and textures—crispy, savory, and hearty. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Scotch Eggs:
- 6 large eggs: Hard-boiled to perfection. You can cook them to your desired level of doneness, but traditionally Scotch eggs use fully cooked eggs with a firm yolk.
- 1 lb (450g) sausage meat: You can use any type of sausage—breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo, depending on your flavor preferences. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casing if it’s pre-packaged.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: For the coating. You can use plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or even seasoned breadcrumbs if you prefer a boost of flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the eggs before coating them in breadcrumbs. This helps the sausage mixture stick to the eggs.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): To help bind the breadcrumbs to the sausage.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season both the sausage mixture and the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle savory kick in the sausage mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the sausage coating.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of fresh flavor in the sausage mixture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil spray: For a light, even coating of oil on the Scotch eggs before air frying.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE EGGS
- Boil the Eggs: Place the 6 eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the eggs cook for about 9-10 minutes for firm hard-boiled eggs. If you prefer a slightly softer center, cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Cool the Eggs: Once the eggs are done cooking, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool for a few minutes. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel. Once cooled, peel the shells off carefully.
Second Step: PREPARE THE SAUSAGE COATING
- Season the Sausage: In a large mixing bowl, add the sausage meat, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley (if using). Use your hands to combine the seasonings evenly throughout the sausage. If you want to mix things up, you can add other spices or herbs such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or thyme for additional flavor.
- Prepare the Sausage Coating: Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion of sausage into a thin, wide patty, large enough to wrap around each peeled egg. Make sure the sausage is evenly distributed, and fully encase the egg in the sausage mixture.
Third Step: DREDGE AND COAT THE SCOTCH EGGS
- Dredge the Eggs in Flour: Lightly coat each sausage-wrapped egg in the flour, ensuring an even, thin coating. This step helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick to the sausage.
- Coat with Egg Wash: Beat the large egg in a small bowl. Dip the floured, sausage-wrapped egg into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Next, roll the egg in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. If you want extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs or double coat the eggs by dipping them in egg wash and breadcrumbs a second time.
Fourth Step: AIR FRY THE SCOTCH EGGS
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature to cook the Scotch eggs evenly.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray each Scotch egg with olive oil spray to promote a golden, crispy exterior during cooking.
- Place the Scotch Eggs in the Air Fryer: Arrange the Scotch eggs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each egg for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the Scotch Eggs: Cook the Scotch eggs at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure an even golden-brown color. The eggs should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside, with the sausage cooked through.
Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY
- Let the Scotch Eggs Rest: Once the Scotch eggs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the coating set and makes them easier to cut.
- Slice and Serve: Slice each Scotch egg in half to reveal the perfectly cooked egg inside. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 18g