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 and cook at 250°F for 17 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool before peeling.

Step 2: Slice the peeled eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks into a medium bowl, and set the whites aside. To the yolks, add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard. Mash and stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

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

Step 4: One at a time, dip each egg white half into the flour, then the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and finally coat generously with the cracker and panko crumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. Arrange coated eggs on a baking sheet and spritz both sides lightly with cooking spray.

Step 5: Arrange the coated eggs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is deeply golden and crispy. Allow them to cool slightly.

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the yolk mixture.

Use gluten-free crackers and panko to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off works well for filling the eggs.

Feel free to swap fresh dill for chives or parsley according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use hard-boiled eggs made by other methods instead of air fryer eggs?

Yes, you can use hard-boiled eggs prepared on the stovetop, but cooking them directly in the air fryer gives a unique texture that pairs well with the crunchy coating.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Deviled eggs can be made ahead and stored refrigerated, but it’s best to add the crispy coating and do the final air frying right before serving to maintain texture.