Crispy Air Fryer Scotch Eggs

Crispy on the outside with a savory sausage hug around a creamy-centred egg, these air fryer Scotch eggs always steal the show at picnics or cozy brunches. They turn a pub favorite into a homemade treat that is fast, mess-free, and deliciously satisfyingly golden with every bite. This recipe lets you enjoy all the crispy comfort but without the fuss or extra oil from deep frying.

My first attempt was on a camping trip and those first taste testers were instantly won over. Now I keep these on rotation for easy lunches or party platters and never have leftovers.

Ingredients

• Large eggs: give a rich flavor and keep the center creamy always use fresh eggs for easiest peeling
• Sausage meat: from your favorite butcher or a quality supermarket brand try mixing in some herbs for variety
• Panko breadcrumbs: create that signature crunchy shell look for ones that are dry and flaky rather than powdery
• Salt and black pepper: for basic seasoning taste and adjust to your liking for best results
• Garlic powder and onion powder: layer in flavor without extra moisture always check the freshness of your spices for best taste
• Olive oil spray: ensures the outer coat gets extra crisp without overloading on fat use a fine mister if possible

Instructions

Boil the Eggs:

Place your eggs in boiling water and cook gently for about six to seven minutes. Once the timer is up transfer the eggs straight into an ice bath. This rapid chill stops the eggs cooking further and makes peeling much easier. Peel gently to keep those yolks slightly soft

Prepare the Sausage:

Thoroughly mix sausage meat with salt black pepper garlic powder and onion powder in a big bowl. Take time to really incorporate the flavors using your hands if you like. This step ensures every bite has good seasoning

Wrap the Eggs:

Take a handful of sausage meat flatten it to about quarter inch thick in your palms then gently place a peeled egg in the center. Mold the sausage upwards and around to completely seal the egg. Pinch closed any seams so filling does not escape while cooking

Coat with Breadcrumbs:

Roll sausage-wrapped eggs gently in panko breadcrumbs. If you want a thicker crunch roll first in a little beaten egg then coat with breadcrumbs again. Be sure to fully cover each egg so they crisp evenly in the air fryer

Air Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred Celsius. Lightly spritz each egg with olive oil spray which works magic for crispiness. Arrange them in the fryer basket with a little space in between so they can brown all over. Cook for twelve to fifteen minutes until the outside is intensely golden and firm

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the eggs rest for a couple minutes then slice or bite in while still warm. The interior should be just set with a luscious sausage shell

Panko breadcrumbs are my secret for that shattering crunch. When my brother bit into his first air fryer Scotch egg he grinned wide and declared it the ultimate picnic food. The contrast between the crispy shell and the soft egg never gets old at my house.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To revive crispness pop them back into the air fryer for a couple minutes. They also taste great sliced cold in a salad or tucked into a sandwich for lunchboxes.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can use gluten free breadcrumbs with no change in texture. For an herby twist mix fresh chopped parsley or chives into the sausage before wrapping.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Slice in half and scatter with flaky salt for savory brunches. Pair with a tangy mustard dip or homemade aioli on party platters. For dinner try serving with a crisp green salad for balance.

Scotch eggs are easy to make ahead and taste just as great hot or cold. Try them with different dips or fresh herbs for a new twist every time.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do you prevent the sausage from splitting during air frying?

Ensure the sausage meat is evenly wrapped around the egg and fully sealed. Avoid thin spots to help maintain shape.

→ Can you use different types of sausage?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite sausage variety, such as spicy, herbed, or even turkey sausage for different flavors.

→ How long do you cook scotch eggs in the air fryer?

Typically, 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) will result in a crispy and golden coating without overcooking the egg inside.

→ What’s the best way to achieve an extra crunchy coating?

Use panko breadcrumbs and consider double dipping in beaten egg and breadcrumbs before air frying for added crispiness.

→ Can these be prepared in advance?

Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate the sausage-wrapped eggs until ready to coat and air fry, saving time for later.