1. Prepare the Eggs:
- Boil Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 9-10 minutes.
- Cool and Peel: Transfer the boiled eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool for a few minutes. Peel the eggs carefully and set them aside.
2. Make the Sausage Mixture:
- Season Sausage: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Mix well until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Scotch Eggs:
- Wrap Eggs: Divide the sausage mixture into 4 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it in your hand. Place a peeled boiled egg in the center and gently mold the sausage around the egg, ensuring it is completely covered and sealed.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each sausage-coated egg in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat for all eggs.
4. Air Fry the Scotch Eggs:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray with Oil (Optional): Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Air Fry: Place the Scotch eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the Scotch eggs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Egg Consistency: Boil the eggs just until they are hard-boiled for the best texture inside the Scotch eggs.
- Sausage Choice: Use your favorite ground sausage meat, such as pork, chicken, or turkey, for variety.
- Serve with Sauce: Scotch eggs are traditionally served with mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Why This Recipe is Special:
Air Fryer Scotch Eggs offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried Scotch eggs, with the same delicious flavors and crispy exterior. The air fryer ensures that the sausage gets crispy and golden while cooking the eggs perfectly inside. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, as a snack, or even as a main course with a side salad.
Prepare these Air Fryer Scotch Eggs for your next gathering or as a fun cooking project at home. They’re sure to be a hit with their hearty and satisfying combination of sausage and egg, all wrapped up in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic dish!