Tam To’s Air-Fryer Elote Eggs Recipe
Tam To’s Air-Fryer Elote Eggs are a creative twist on traditional hard-boiled eggs, marinated in a tangy, savory blend of oyster sauce, soy, fish sauce, and lime juice, then air-fried with a flavorful spice mix inspired by Mexican elote seasonings. Garnished with fresh cilantro, lime, Parmesan, and scallion oil, these eggs make a delicious, protein-packed snack or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (1 egg per serving) 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion - Mexican-inspired with Asian flavors
Ingredients
Scale
Eggs and Marinade
- 9 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1–1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1–1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1–1/2 teaspoons lime juice
- 50 milliliters water
Spice Blend
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Grated Parmesan
- Scallion oil
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Cover and bring to a boil quickly. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Then, rinse eggs with cold water and cool in an ice bath. Peel the eggs carefully.
- Score the eggs: Using a sharp knife, make 4 vertical slits about 1/4 inch deep around each peeled egg to help flavors penetrate.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and water. Immerse the eggs in this marinade and let them soak for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Mix the spice blend: Combine chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a separate small bowl and set aside.
- Preheat and air-fry the eggs: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place marinated eggs in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.
- Coat eggs and continue cooking: Remove eggs briefly, toss them evenly in the prepared spice blend, then return to the air fryer and cook for 7 more minutes until the spices adhere and the eggs have a roasted, flavorful crust.
- Serve: Transfer eggs to a serving dish and allow to cool slightly. Garnish as desired with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, grated Parmesan, and scallion oil for added freshness and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Adjust the chili powder to control the spice level.
- Use freshly ground spices for more vibrant flavors.
- The slit eggs absorb marinade better, intensifying their flavor.
- Scallion oil can be made by gently heating scallions in oil, then cooling and drizzling over the eggs.
- This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftover eggs refrigerated up to 3 days.
Keywords: Air-fryer eggs, Elote eggs, Spiced hard-boiled eggs, Tam To recipe, Asian-Mexican fusion, Snack, Appetizer
