Scotch eggs are a classic British picnic food. But they can be a bit challenging to make at home. With an air fryer, you can make this delicious and easy appetizer every time – with hardly any mess or hassle!
Why make this recipe in the air fryer?
There are a few reasons why making these in the air fryer is a great idea. First of all, it’s a quick and easy way to cook them. You don’t have to worry about heating up oil or dealing with hot fat. And, since the air fryer circulates hot air around the food, it cooks the eggs evenly and thoroughly.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze when you make this recipe in the air fryer. There’s no need to wash a frying pan – just pop everything in the dishwasher.
One other special thing about this recipe is that everything is made in the air fryer, including the boiled eggs!
All you need is 5 minutes for runny yolk, 6 minutes for a set white and creamy yolk, or 7-8 minutes for a hard-boiled egg (temperature 340 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tools and equipment
Air fryer – This is for ‘boiling’ the eggs and baking the scotch eggs.
Bowl – This is for mixing the sausage mixture.
Bowl of ice water – This is for cooling the boiled eggs.
Plastic wrap – This is for wrapping the sausage patties. You can also use aluminum foil.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Ground sausage
- Panko bread crumbs
- Golden breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Air fry the eggs to cook them first. Put the eggs in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool immediately in an ice bath.
- In a bowl, mix together the sausage meat and salt.
- Divide the mixture into 5 portions. Form each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a patty. Wrap a piece of plastic wrap around each patty and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the bowl of ice water and carefully remove the shells from the eggs.
- Place an egg in the center of each patty, then form the meat mixture around it, sealing it completely.
- Crack one egg into a bowl and mix it. Pour the Panko breadcrumbs and golden breadcrumbs into one bowl.
- Place a scotch eggs into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs, then finally place into the air fryer. Spray with spray oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook for 17 minutes. Turn them over at the half way mark.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe tips and variations
If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can use ground beef or turkey instead.
For a healthier version of this recipe, you can use ground chicken or veggie sausage.
Try serving these with your favorite dipping sauce. Ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, and hot sauce all go great with them!
Substitutions
If you don’t have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or cereal instead.
FAQ’s
Can the eggs be cooked on the stove top instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the eggs on the stove top instead of the air fryer. Just heat a pan over medium heat and cook the eggs until they are set.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Just cook the eggs and sausage patties, then assemble everything and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook them. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the air fryer and cook as directed.
What should I serve with this recipe?
There are lots of great dipping sauces that go well with these. Try ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or hot sauce. You can also serve them with a side of potato salad or coleslaw.
Where did these originate from?
They are a classic British picnic food. They were invented in the 18th century by Scottish butcher, John Montague. The original Scotch egg was made with a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, then coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Today, there are many different versions, but the air fryer version is an interesting twist!
How long do they last?
These will last for up to four days in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or bag.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze these. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.
These fried-egg-and-sausage balls are so easy to make in an air fryer, and they turn out perfectly cooked every time. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Scotch Eggs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork sausage meat
- Spray oil
- 6 Eggs
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Golden breadcrumbs
- 1 Tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Air fry the eggs to cook them first. Put the eggs in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool immediately in an ice bath for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the sausage meat and salt. Divide the mixture into 5 portions.
- Form each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a patty. Wrap a piece of plastic wrap around each patty and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the bowl of ice water. Carefully remove the shells from the eggs.
- Place an egg in the center of each patty, then form the meat mixture around it, sealing it completely.
- Crack one egg into a bowl and mix it. Pour the Panko breadcrumbs and golden breadcrumbs into one bowl.
- Place a scotch eggs into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs, then finally place into the air fryer.
- Spray with spray oil.Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook for 17 minutes. Turn them over at the half way mark.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
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