Air fryer Scotch eggs

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

1. Boil Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10-12 minutes.
2. Cool and Peel: Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool quickly. Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

1. Season Sausage: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Scotch Eggs

1. Divide Sausage: Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal portions.
2. Wrap Eggs: Take one portion of the sausage mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a peeled hard-boiled egg in the center and wrap the sausage around it, ensuring the egg is completely covered. Repeat with the remaining eggs and sausage.

Step 4: Coat the Scotch Eggs

1. Prepare Coatings: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
2. Coat Eggs: Roll each sausage-wrapped egg in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the sausage.

Step 5: Air Fry the Scotch Eggs

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Cook Scotch Eggs: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the coated Scotch eggs in the basket, leaving space between them. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air Fry: Air fry the Scotch eggs at 350°F (180°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausage is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool and Slice: Let the Scotch eggs cool slightly before slicing each one in half or into quarters.
2. Serve: Serve the air fryer Scotch eggs warm as a delicious appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard or aioli.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scotch Eggs:

• Egg Doneness: Ensure the hard-boiled eggs are fully cooked before wrapping them in sausage.
• Sausage Choice: Use your favorite ground sausage for the outer coating, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
• Variations: Experiment with different sausage flavors or add herbs and spices to the sausage mixture for added flavor.

Enjoy these air fryer Scotch eggs as a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion!