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 an air fryer basket and cook at 250°F for 17 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath and let cool until easy to handle, then peel.

Step 2: Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks into a medium bowl and set the whites aside. Add mayonnaise, relish, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp yellow mustard to the yolks. Mash and stir until very smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag and refrigerate.

Step 3: Pour flour into a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs with 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp yellow mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third bowl, mix Ritz cracker crumbs, panko, garlic powder, parsley, cayenne (if using), 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

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

Step 5: Arrange the eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook at 390°F, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

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

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, stir a little sour cream or cream cheese into the yolk mixture.

If you prefer a milder crunch, use just Ritz crackers or panko instead of both.

Try swapping the dill for chives or green onions for a different herb flavor.

If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the coated eggs in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes, turning once.

FAQs

Can I boil the eggs instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can hard boil the eggs on the stove if you don’t have an air fryer. The air fryer step here is for cooking and peeling ease, but traditional boiling works perfectly.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the crumbs gently but firmly onto the egg whites so they stick well. Also, letting excess egg wash drip off before coating helps the crumbs adhere better.