I’ve always loved the idea of a perfectly golden scotch egg—crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside—but the deep-frying part often kept me from making them at home. That’s why I started experimenting with my air fryer, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The result is everything I dreamed of: crunchy coating, flavorful sausage, and a tender egg center—all without the extra oil.
Cooking these in the air fryer feels a little bit magical. You get that satisfying crunch while keeping things lighter, and honestly, it’s easier than I thought. I now whip these up for brunch, picnics, or even as a quick dinner when I’m craving comfort food. Every time, they disappear faster than I expect, and I secretly love how impressive they look with so little effort.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Eggs: The heart of this dish. You can decide how soft or firm you’d like the yolks, but medium-boiled eggs give a perfect balance—slightly creamy inside yet sturdy enough to wrap with sausage.
Sausage meat: This is where the flavor really shines. A good-quality pork sausage works beautifully, but you can also use chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer something leaner. Adding a touch of seasoning makes all the difference.
Breadcrumbs: That irresistible crunch comes from breadcrumbs. Panko is my favorite because it gives an airy crispness, but regular breadcrumbs will also work just fine.
Flour: A light dusting of flour helps the sausage stick to the egg and the breadcrumbs stick to the sausage. It’s a small but important step for perfect layering.
Egg wash: Beaten eggs act like edible glue, ensuring the breadcrumbs stay put while the air fryer does its magic.
Seasonings: A little salt, pepper, and perhaps paprika or garlic powder can take these scotch eggs from simple to sensational. Don’t be shy about adjusting flavors to your liking.
Ingredients List
- 6 large eggs (plus 1–2 for the egg wash)
- 1 pound (450 g) sausage meat
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Scotch Eggs
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
Place 6 eggs in a pot of water and bring it to a gentle boil. For medium yolks, cook for about 6–7 minutes. Once done, transfer them into an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
Divide the sausage meat into six equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin patty that will be large enough to wrap around one egg.
Step 3: Wrap the Eggs
Carefully peel the boiled eggs. Place one in the center of a sausage patty and gently mold the meat around the egg, making sure there are no gaps. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
Step 4: Coat with Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs
Roll each sausage-covered egg lightly in flour, dip it in the beaten egg wash, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This triple layer gives that signature crispy finish.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated scotch eggs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use cold eggs before wrapping them in sausage—it makes handling easier.
- Don’t overcook the eggs initially; they’ll continue cooking slightly in the air fryer.
- For extra crunch, spray the coated eggs lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Try seasoning your breadcrumbs with herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
- If making ahead, you can prepare the wrapped, uncooked scotch eggs and refrigerate them for up to a day before air frying.
FAQs
Can I make these scotch eggs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the breadcrumb stage and keep them in the fridge. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready.
What sausage works best for this recipe?
Pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or turkey sausage works great if you prefer something lighter. Just make sure the sausage is well-seasoned.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to keep this recipe fully gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooked scotch eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze air fryer scotch eggs?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before cooking. Wrap individually, freeze, then air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.