These air fryer Scotch eggs offer a healthier twist on the beloved British classic! Traditionally deep-fried, Scotch eggs are now air-fried, giving them that perfect crispy outer texture while significantly reducing the amount of oil and fat. This alternative cooking method keeps the traditional crunch, but with less grease. Each egg is wrapped in a layer of seasoned sausage meat, which is enhanced with chopped bacon for an extra burst of smoky flavour. The entire creation is then coated in a golden breadcrumbs that crisps up beautifully in the air-fryer. This technique gives the egg the satisfying, crispy crunch we all love, without the added calories and fat that come with deep frying.
Despite the lighter preparation, these air fryer Scotch eggs are bursting with incredible flavour. The combination of the savoury sausage, smoky bacon, and soft, perfectly cooked egg makes each bite a mouth-watering experience. The highlight is the perfectly jammy yolk inside, which steals the show in both flavour and texture. Whether you prefer your eggs with a soft centre or slightly firmer, these Scotch eggs cater to all tastes, ensuring that every bite is a delight.
These Scotch eggs are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a snack, a brunch, or a picnic treat. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or as a main, they will surely satisfy your cravings. Serve them warm with a side of tangy piccalilli for an extra zesty kick, or enjoy them at room temperature for a convenient, grab-and-go option that’s just as delicious cold. Perfect for any occasion, these air fryer Scotch eggs are a crowd-pleasing, healthier twist on a traditional favourite, offering all the indulgence with a lighter touch.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 28 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowls and baking paper
Ingredients for Air Fryer Scotch Eggs
3 medium sized fresh eggs
400g of sausage meat
6 rashes of streaky bacon. chopped
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
30g of plain flour
50g of panko bread crumbs
Olive oil spray
Salt and pepper
To serve:
Salad leaves
2 tablespoons of piccalilli
Method
To begin making these delicious air fryer Scotch eggs, start by placing two fresh large eggs directly into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 180°C and cook them for around 8 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how runny or firm you like your egg yolks. Once they’re done, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process and allow them to cool completely.
While the eggs are cooling, prepare the sausage coating. Place the sausage meat into a large mixing bowl and finely chop in the bacon rashers. Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, combine everything thoroughly until well mixed.
Then Divide the sausage mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place each ball onto a piece of baking paper and flatten into a large disc, about 10cm in diameter. Set them aside while you get the coating station ready.
Prepare three separate plates: one with seasoned flour, another with a beaten raw egg, and a third with panko breadcrumbs. Carefully peel the cooled eggs and roll them in the seasoned flour. Then, wrap each egg with the sausage and bacon mixture, making sure it’s sealed completely. Once wrapped, roll the eggs in flour again, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs.
Spray each Scotch egg lightly with olive oil and place into the air fryer basket with the crisper plates in. Then cook at 200°C for around 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure an even golden crunch on all sides.
Serve your crispy Scotch eggs with a fresh green salad and a generous spoonful of tangy piccalilli. Delicious!
Tips for Air fryer Scotch Eggs
1. Start with chilled boiled eggs
Use cold, peeled boiled eggs (preferably medium to hard-boiled) to make wrapping them in sausage meat easier and help prevent overcooking in the air fryer.
2. Use quality sausage meat
Go for good-quality, well-seasoned sausage meat or remove the skins from your favourite sausages. You can even mix in herbs, spices, or mustard for extra flavour.
3. Don’t go too thick on the sausage layer
A thin, even layer of sausage around the egg cooks faster and ensures the meat is done by the time the outside is golden.
4. Double-coat for extra crunch
Dip in flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs. And repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. This gives you a beautifully crisp crust.
5. Preheat your air fryer
It is always a good idea to pre heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2 to 3 minutes so that the Scotch eggs start crisping immediately and cook evenly.
6. Spray with oil
Lightly spray the Scotch eggs with oil before cooking to help the coating turn golden and crisp in the air fryer.
7. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Cook in batches if needed. Scotch eggs need a bit of space to crisp evenly on all sides.
8. Turn halfway through cooking
Flip the Scotch eggs gently halfway through to make sure the crust crisps up on all sides.
9. Rest before slicing
Let the Scotch eggs rest for at least 2 to 3 minutes before cutting in. This helps set the layers and makes for a cleaner slice.
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These recipes are all about making hearty, wholesome food fast. Using your air fryer to keep things crispy, simple, and totally satisfying. Perfect for meal prepping or impressing at your next picnic!
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