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 c. (60 g) all-purpose flour

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

1/2 c. 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. Cook at 250° for 17 minutes. Immediately and carefully transfer eggs to an ice bath. Let sit until cool enough to handle, then peel.

Step 2: Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolks and transfer to a medium bowl; set egg whites aside. To yolks, add mayonnaise, relish, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp. yellow mustard. Mash and stir with a fork until very smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small piping bag or a gallon zip-top bag. Refrigerate until ready to use.

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

Step 4: Working one egg white shell at a time, dip into flour, then into egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Generously coat in panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere. Arrange on a baking sheet. Spritz both sides of each egg with a light coating of cooking spray.

Step 5: Arrange eggs in air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 390°, turning eggs halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

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

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double coat the egg whites by repeating the flour, egg wash, and crumb steps before air frying.

Try adding a bit of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the yolk mixture for a spicy or smoky flavor.

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, substitute them with finely crushed saltine crackers.

Use a zip-top bag for piping by snipping a small corner if you don’t have a piping bag.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can hard boil the eggs by simmering them in water for about 10 minutes, then cooling in ice water. However, the air fryer method is convenient and requires no stove use.

Can I make these deviled eggs ahead of time?

You can prepare the yolk filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. It’s best to coat and air fry the egg whites right before serving to maintain their crispiness.