These crispy fried deviled eggs are a standout appetizer for potlucks and holiday tables. Imagine crunchy breaded egg whites filled with a creamy avocado mixture for the perfect balanced bite. Easy to make at home and even easier to love. Deep fry or air fry.
Need another appetizer to feed a crowd? Try this Whipped cottage cheese dip, Salmon cocktail or Fried Halloumi next.
The best deviled eggs
Traditional deviled eggs are usually all about one texture: soft. The whites are tender, the filling is creamy, and while that classic version is always good, this one brings a lot more contrast.
With fried deviled eggs, the breadcrumb coating adds a crisp outer layer that makes every bite way more interesting. You still get that creamy deviled egg center, but now there’s crunch too, and that’s exactly what makes them so good. It’s the kind of upgrade that gives a little extra in the best possible way.
Watch the recipe video
Let me walk you through this recipe with my step-by-step video, or follow along on YouTube.
Make ahead
The best part is that you can prep everything in advance. Boil the eggs up to two days ahead and make the filling in the morning. Coat, fry, and fill just before serving.
Ingredient tips
The ingredients are simple and straightforward. You’ll need eggs, of course. Boil them and cut them in half, then coat the egg whites in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs, just like you would for schnitzel or breaded chicken.
For the filling, I mix the egg yolks with mayonnaise and avocado. You can skip the avocado and use mayonnaise with mustard, cream cheese, pickle relish, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
For the topping, I like chili crisp and scallions, but this is where you can really make it your own. Try sesame seeds, fresh herbs, capers, smoked salmon, crayfish, prosciutto, fried onions, or sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with flaky salt or a pinch of chili flakes.
How to make crispy fried eggs in an air fryer
Preheat the air fryer as you start breading the egg whites. I like to preheat it with the basket inside on the highest setting.
Once the egg white halves are breaded, place them on a tray and lightly drizzle the rounded side with oil. Transfer them to the air fryer basket, rounded side down, and drizzle a little oil on top.
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Check after 3 to 4 minutes. Once golden and crisp, turn off the air fryer and let them sit in the basket for 5 minutes so the coating can set.
Transfer the egg whites to a cooling rack and let them cool for about 5 minutes before filling with your prepared mixture.
How to store leftover fried deviled eggs
Fried deviled eggs are best enjoyed the day they’re made, when the coating is still crisp and the texture is at its best.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The breading will soften a bit, but they’ll still taste great.
Fried Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
- 8 eggs - hard-boiled
- ½ avocado - small, chopped
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground turmeric - for color, optional
- vegetable oil - for frying, use high smoke point oil
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs - beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Toppings
- chili crisp
- scallions - chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the eggs, cover, and boil for 12 minutes. Transfer to an ice-water bath and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Peel the eggs and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Add the avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and set aside, or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop in a few breadcrumbs. If they sizzle right away, the oil is ready.
- Prepare three bowls. Add the flour to the first. In the second, whisk the eggs with the salt. Add the breadcrumbs to the third. Coat each egg white half in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
- Working in batches, fry the egg whites for about 2 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and let cool slightly.
- Pipe the yolk-avocado mixture into each fried egg white and finish with chili crisp and scallions. Serve. Enjoy!
Video
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