Ingredients

8 large eggs, divided

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

2 1/2 tsp. sweet pickle relish

1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard, divided

1 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard, divided

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup finely ground Ritz cracker crumbs (from 15 to 20 crackers)

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Olive oil or other neutral cooking spray

Ground paprika, for dusting

Fresh dill, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place 6 eggs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 250°F for 17 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool for easier peeling.

Step 2: Slice the cooled eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks into a medium bowl and set the whites aside. To the yolks, add mayonnaise, relish, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp. yellow mustard. Mash and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to a piping bag and refrigerate.

Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the remaining 2 eggs beaten with 1/2 tsp. Dijon and 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard plus a pinch of salt and pepper, and one with a mixture of cracker crumbs, panko, garlic powder, parsley, cayenne (if using), 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Step 4: Dip each egg white half first in flour, then in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Coat generously with the crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray on both sides.

Step 5: Place the breaded egg whites in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly.

Step 6: Arrange the crispy egg whites on a platter. Pipe the yolk mixture back into the whites. Dust with paprika and garnish with fresh dill before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a little smoked paprika or hot sauce to the yolk mixture.

Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.

If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag and snip a small corner off to pipe the filling.

Cook eggs in batches if your air fryer basket is small to ensure even crisping.

FAQs

Can I boil the eggs instead of air frying them first?

Yes, you can hard boil the eggs traditionally, but the air fryer step crisps the whites for a unique texture that boiling alone doesn’t provide.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off the egg whites?

Make sure to press the crumb mixture gently but firmly onto the egg whites after dipping them in the flour and egg wash. Using cooking spray helps the crumbs adhere and crisp evenly.