How to cook scotch eggs in air fryer
Scotch eggs are a delicious and satisfying dish that is loved by many. Traditional Scotch eggs are made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat, then coating it with bread crumbs and deep frying it until golden and crispy.
But did you know that you can also make scotch eggs using an air fryer? Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they use less oil while still achieving the same crispy texture. Plus, using an air fryer for scotch eggs is much quicker and easier than the traditional method.
To make scotch eggs in an air fryer, you will need just a few simple ingredients: eggs, sausage meat, bread crumbs, and your choice of spices for seasoning. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled, then carefully peel them and set them aside.
Next, take your sausage meat and season it with herbs and spices to your liking, such as salt, pepper, and paprika. Divide the sausage meat into equal portions and flatten each portion into a disc shape. Place an egg in the center of each disc, then wrap the sausage meat around the egg, making sure to seal it completely.
Once all the scotch eggs are prepared, dip each one into beaten egg and then coat it in bread crumbs. Place the scotch eggs into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for even cooking. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 180°C and cook the scotch eggs for about 15 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden and crispy.
When the scotch eggs are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Scotch eggs made in an air fryer are a healthier and easier alternative to the deep-fried version, but they are just as delicious and satisfying. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, and enjoy the tasty combination of crispy bread crumbs, savory sausage, and a perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg.
Preparing Scotch Eggs for Air Frying
If you’re craving a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or snack, scotch eggs are the perfect option. And with an air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. Follow these steps to prepare mouthwatering scotch eggs for air frying:
- Start by boiling a pot of water and gently place the eggs in the water. Boil them for about 6-7 minutes for a slightly soft center or 9-10 minutes for a fully cooked center.
- After the eggs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool down. This will help in peeling the eggs later.
- While the eggs are cooling down, take a mixing bowl and combine your preferred meat mixture and spices. Traditionally, sausages are used, but you can also use ground pork, beef, or turkey. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it in the palm of your hand to create a patty shape.
- Once the eggs have cooled down, carefully peel off the shells. Gently roll each egg in flour to help the meat mixture adhere better.
- Place an egg in the center of one meat patty and wrap the meat around the egg, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat this step for each egg.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s preheating, you can lightly grease the air fryer basket or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Once preheated, place the scotch eggs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, remove the scotch eggs from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. Optionally, you can slice them in half to reveal the delicious golden crust and soft center.
Now you know the steps for preparing scotch eggs for air frying. Get creative and experiment with different spices and fillings to make these savory treats your own. Happy cooking!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking scotch eggs in the air fryer, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Scotch Eggs:
- 6 eggs: Make sure they are fresh and at room temperature.
- 500g ground pork sausage: You can opt for regular pork sausage or a flavored variety for extra taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This will add a touch of freshness to the final dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme will complement the flavors and give the scotch eggs a subtle herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder will add a savory taste to the sausage mixture.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Make sure to season the sausage mixture well.
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones according to your preference.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika will add a hint of smokiness and color to the scotch eggs.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: The salt will contribute to the overall taste of the coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper will add a mild heat to the coating.
- 2 eggs, beaten: These will serve as the binding agent for the coating.
Gathering all the ingredients before you start cooking will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.
Boiling and Peeling the Eggs
Scotch eggs start with boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs. The first step is to cook the eggs to perfection and then carefully peel them.
To prepare boiled eggs, place them in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Make sure the water fully covers the eggs by about an inch.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let it come to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for about 3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 6 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
While the eggs are simmering, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the desired cooking time is reached, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Let them sit in the ice water for about 5 minutes to cool and stop the cooking process.
Once the eggs are cooled, carefully tap them on a hard surface to crack the shell. Roll the egg gently between your hands to loosen the shell, and then peel it away, starting from the wide end. If you’re having difficulty peeling the eggs, you can peel them under running water to help remove any stubborn bits of shell.
It’s important to handle the eggs with care during the peeling process to avoid damaging the delicate cooked yolks. Once peeled, set the eggs aside and they’re ready to be wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs for the scotch eggs.
Creating the Sausage Layer
To cook scotch eggs in an air fryer, you need to create a delicious and savory sausage layer that surrounds the hard-boiled eggs. This layer not only adds flavor but also helps to hold everything together during the cooking process.
Here’s how you can create the perfect sausage layer for your scotch eggs:
Ingredients:
- 500g ground pork sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Divide the sausage mixture into equal portions. Depending on the size of your scotch eggs, you’ll need about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sausage mixture for each egg.
- Take one portion of the sausage mixture and flatten it out into a thin patty. Place a hard-boiled egg in the center of the patty.
- Gently wrap the sausage mixture around the egg, ensuring it is fully covered. Carefully seal any openings or cracks by pinching the sausage together.
- Repeat the process with the remaining sausage mixture and eggs.
Now that you have created the sausage layer for your scotch eggs, you are ready to cook them in the air fryer. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking, and arrange the scotch eggs in a single layer in the basket. Cook the eggs at 375°F (190°C) for around 15-18 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and nicely browned. Enjoy your homemade scotch eggs!
Assembling and Coating the Scotch Eggs
Once your sausage mixture is ready and your eggs have been boiled, it’s time to assemble and coat the scotch eggs. Here’s how:
1. Take a handful of the sausage mixture and flatten it in your hands.
2. Place a boiled egg in the center of the flattened sausage mixture.
3. Gently wrap the sausage mixture around the egg, making sure it is completely covered.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining eggs and sausage mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, beat an egg to create an egg wash.
6. Dip each coated egg into the egg wash, making sure it is fully covered.
7. Roll the coated egg in bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the bread crumbs adhere to the sausage mixture.
8. Place the coated eggs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced.
9. Cook the scotch eggs in the air fryer according to your air fryer’s instructions or until the sausage is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
10. Once cooked, remove the scotch eggs from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Now that you know how to assemble and coat the scotch eggs, you’re ready to cook them in your air fryer to enjoy a delicious and crispy snack or meal.
Air Frying the Scotch Eggs
Using an air fryer to cook scotch eggs is a great way to reduce the amount of oil used in traditional frying methods without compromising on taste and texture. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer creates a crispy and golden exterior, while the inside remains moist and flavorful.
To begin, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While waiting for the air fryer to heat up, prepare your scotch eggs by gently placing them into the air fryer basket.
Tip: It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in unevenly cooked scotch eggs.
Cook the scotch eggs in the air fryer for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). It is recommended to check the temperature with a food thermometer to ensure they are sufficiently cooked.
Tip: You can turn the scotch eggs halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides, but it is not necessary.
Once the scotch eggs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and healthier air-fried scotch eggs!
Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
