These crispy air fryer Scotch eggs wrap savory beef around tender hard-boiled eggs for a snack that’s crunchy outside and rich inside. They brown up beautifully in the air fryer, cutting frying oil but keeping that satisfying crisp. Serve them warm with mustard or a bright salad for a snack, lunch, or picnic treat.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 390 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Why Make This Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
These Scotch eggs are quick, portable, and deeply satisfying. The beef adds a meaty, savory layer around the egg white, while the breadcrumb crust gives a crisp, golden shell. Air frying gives you the crunch of frying with far less oil. They smell rich and peppery while cooking and have a firm, juicy bite with a creamy yolk center. They work for weekend brunch, a picnic, or a party appetizer.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
This recipe is straightforward. Start with peeled, hard-boiled eggs. Season the ground beef, wrap each egg, coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then air fry until golden. Small steps and a chilled coating help the beef hold its shape and brown evenly.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and pat them dry. Set up a coating station with flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs in a third. Lightly spray or line your air fryer basket so the scotch eggs won’t stick.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly combined. Divide the beef into six equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm to form a thin patty. Place a peeled egg in the center and mold the beef around the egg, sealing seams so it forms a smooth ball. Repeat for all eggs.
Step 3: Cooking
Roll each beef-covered egg first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the scotch eggs in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the beef is cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing
Let the Scotch eggs cool slightly for 3–5 minutes so they firm up. Slice in half to reveal the yolk and serve warm. Add mustard, chutney, or a crisp salad on the side.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
Serve them warm or at room temperature. They pair well with grainy mustard, hot sauce, ketchup, or a tangy chutney. For a meal, serve over a small salad of mixed greens, pickled onions, and radish. For parties, halve them and arrange on a platter with dipping sauces.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Tip: Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
- Chill the formed balls for 10–15 minutes before coating. This helps them keep their shape.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Don’t pack the meat too tight; it should be snug but not compressed to allow even cooking.
- Lightly spray the surface with oil to get a golden finish in the air fryer.
- Turn halfway through cooking for even browning.
- If using lean beef, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the mix for juiciness.
Delicious Variations
- Sausage Scotch Egg: Substitute ground pork sausage for beef and skip added salt.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chopped jalapeño into the beef.
- Herb & Cheese: Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley to the meat.
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour for dredging and crushed pork rinds or gluten-free panko for coating.
- Vegetarian: Use seasoned mashed chickpeas or plant-based ground meat alternative around the eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw eggs and boil them after wrapping?
A: No. It’s best to start with hard-boiled eggs. Wrapping raw eggs and boiling is messy and risks cracked shells. Use pre-cooked eggs for clean, even results.
Q: How do I know the beef is fully cooked?
A: Cook until the crust is golden and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C). A digital instant-read thermometer is helpful.
Q: Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes. Bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. The texture will be close but not quite as crisp as air frying.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Cook them fully, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to crisp before serving.
Q: What if the meat falls apart while wrapping?
A: Work with slightly chilled meat and make a thinner patty before enclosing the egg. Lightly wet your hands to shape and press seams together firmly.
Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes. Use ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of oil or a binder (like a tablespoon of breadcrumbs) to keep them from drying out. Monitor internal temperature to 165°F (74°C).
Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes, when cooked to the proper internal temperature. Consider milder seasoning and smaller portions for children.
Conclusion
These Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef give you a crunchy, savory bite with a creamy yolk inside. They are easy to make, travel well, and please a crowd. Try serving them with mustard or a bright salad for contrast. For another take and extra tips, see this Air Fryer Scotch Egg recipe: Air Fryer Scotch Egg.
Enjoy making them — they’re a fun, hands-on recipe that rewards you with great flavor and texture.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These crispy air fryer Scotch eggs wrap savory beef around tender hard-boiled eggs, making for a crunchy outside and rich inside snack, perfect for lunch or picnics.
Ingredients
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Peel the hard-boiled eggs and pat them dry. Set up a coating station with flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs in a third. Lightly spray or line your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly combined. Divide the beef into six equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm to form a thin patty. Place a peeled egg in the center and mold the beef around it, sealing seams to form a smooth ball. Repeat for all eggs.
- Roll each beef-covered egg in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket and add the scotch eggs in a single layer. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the Scotch eggs cool slightly for 3–5 minutes, then slice in half to reveal the yolk and serve warm.
Notes
Serve them warm or at room temperature with mustard, hot sauce, or chutney. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
