Order my new cookbook today! 
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy.
How long to boil quail eggs? Hard boil quail eggs for 4.5 minutes, medium boil quail eggs for 3.5 minutes, or make soft boiled quail eggs in 2 minutes. Put the eggs in and start the timer for boiling quail eggs once the water starts to boil. Don’t put the eggs in the cold water, or they will overcook. You’ll also learn how to cook quail eggs in other ways, like fried, poached, air fryer, and scrambled!
Cooking quail eggs is easy, and makes a delicious breakfast or snack. If you like chicken eggs, you’ll love how these directions for hard boiled quail eggs are even faster.
Watch How to Make It!
How Long to Boil Quail Eggs (How to Cook Quail Eggs 5 Ways)
Ingredients
- 4 quail eggs
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ice water
Instructions
- Put cold water in a pot and stir in baking soda. (The baking soda will make the quail eggs easier to peel.) Put the pot over medium heat and allow it to come to a boil.
- After the water starts boiling, gently place the raw quail eggs in the pot (don’t overcrowd them). Make sure the eggs are covered in the boiling water. Set the timer as follows: Soft-boiled quail eggs: 2 minutes Medium-boiled quail eggs: 3.5 minutes Hard-boiled quail eggs: 4.5 minutes
- After the timer is up, quickly remove the quail eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon or strainer. Plunge them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Peel and enjoy!
- Fried Quail Eggs: Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-low for 3-5 minutes. Add ½ tablespoon of butter, and move it around the pan to coat. Crack 4 quail eggs into the skillet and cook them over medium or medium low heat until done. It only takes 30-60 seconds to get fried quail eggs with a runny yolk and firm egg whites.
- Poached Quail Eggs: Simmer water with a splash of vinegar. Crack the quail eggs, one at a time, into a small bowl or ramekin. Using a spoon, create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water. Carefully slide the quail eggs, one by one, into the center of the whirlpool. Let the eggs poach for about 2 minutes for a runny yolk or 3-4 minutes for a more set yolk. Remove the poached quail eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess water.
- Scrambled Quail Eggs: Heat a skillet with ½ tablespoon butter over medium heat. While the skillet heats up, whisk 4 quail eggs together in a bowl. Scramble the eggs in the hot skillet for about 2 minutes, whisking frequently.
- Air Fryer Quail Eggs:Hard boiled: Air fry quail eggs (no water) for 5-6 minutes at 270°F (132°C). Plunge the quail eggs in ice water immediately after air frying to stop the cooking process.Fried: Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Crack a quail egg into each compartment. Air fry for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the egg whites set. (Air fryer ovens: use top rack.) Scrambled: Mist a mini pie tin with cooking spray. Whisk 4 quail eggs together, and put in the tin. Air fry for 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C), whisk the eggs and air fry 1-2 more minutes, then mash/whisk again.
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Are quail eggs healthy? What are the benefits of quail egg? Quail eggs are considered a nutritious food option, and a good fit in diets supporting weight loss and healthy weight maintenance. While the nutrient composition of quail eggs is similar to chicken eggs, they do have some unique qualities. Like chicken eggs, quail eggs provide protein, vitamins (such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and choline), and minerals (such as iron and selenium). They are also lower in cholesterol compared to chicken eggs, though this is mostly due to their smaller size. Individual dietary needs and overall balanced nutrition should be considered for optimal health. For most individuals, quail eggs are likely a good choice. Nutrition information is for one boiled quail egg.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🥚 How long to boil quail eggs from cold water?
How to boil quail eggs? Don’t put quail eggs in the water until it starts to boil, or they will overcook! Here are the step-by-step instructions that include how many minutes to boil a quails egg:
- Stir together cold water and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in a medium sized pot. Put the pot over medium heat and allow it to come to a boil.
- After it starts boiling, gently place the raw quail eggs in the pot (don’t overcrowd them). Make sure the eggs are covered in the boiling water. Set the timer as follows:
How long to soft boil quail eggs (jammy eggs): 2 minutes
Time to boil quail eggs for medium boil: 3.5 minutes
How long to hard boil quail eggs: 4.5 minutes
- After the timer is up, quickly remove the quail eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon. Plunge them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Peel and enjoy!
How long to boil quail eggs for pickling?
Most pickled quail egg recipes have you boil the eggs for 4-5 minutes before pickling. This is because pickled eggs are typically made with hard boiled eggs, not jammy soft boiled quail eggs.
➕ How to boil quail eggs that are easy to peel?
To make peeling boiled quail eggs easier, add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda or white vinegar to the water before boiling. Keep in mind that older eggs peel easier than fresh eggs. Also, peeling the eggs under cool running water can help keep small shell bits from sticking.
How to Crack Quail Eggs
Cracking quails eggs takes a bit more effort than cracking chicken eggs, but it’s done the same way. Crack quails eggs by tapping them firmly on the counter or with a spoon.
How to Peel Boiled Quail Eggs
How to peel a quail egg? Though the membrane under the shell of a quail egg is thicker than a chicken egg, you can crack and peel both types of eggs similarly. Quail eggs are harder to peel than chicken eggs if you don’t use my tips above.
🤔 How long do boiled quail eggs last?
According to the USDA, hard boiled eggs can keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can keep the cooked quail eggs in their shells or peeled. Don’t leave quail eggs out at room temperature for longer than 1-2 hours.
FAQs
What do quail eggs taste like?
When comparing quail eggs vs chicken eggs, do quail eggs taste different? Quail eggs have a creamy and delicate flavor, similar to chicken eggs but with a slightly richer taste. They are often described as milder and less “eggy.”
Do you wash quail eggs before boiling?
No, the USDA doesn’t recommend washing eggs before boiling. Doing so may actually increase the risk of contamination, which may lead to food poisoning.
Can you eat raw quail eggs?
No, the USDA doesn’t recommend eating raw shell eggs, which includes quail eggs, duck eggs, chicken eggs, and others. Eating raw eggs or undercooked eggs can increase the risk of Salmonella.
What is the best way to eat quail eggs?
I think quail eggs are best boiled, since then you can serve them with their beautiful shells. However, the answer to this question really depends on your preferences. The best way to prepare quail eggs is likely the same way you like your chicken eggs.
Where to buy quails eggs?
I find quail eggs near me at Costco as well as a local store that specializes in East Asian foods. The price of a package of 36 quail eggs is $8.99 at my local Costco. You may also occasionally find quail’s eggs at Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores.
How many quail eggs equal one chicken egg?
About 3-4 quail eggs equal one chicken egg in volume. About 4-5 quail eggs equals one large chicken egg in calories.
Boiled Quail Eggs Calories
One quail egg provides 15 calories, 0 grams of carbohydrates (zero net carbs), and 1 gram of protein. Quail eggs are a naturally low carb, low calorie, gluten free, and vegetarian food.
Quail Eggs Cholesterol
There are 50 mg of cholesterol in one quail egg and no saturated fat. In general, saturated fat is considered more important to reduce than dietary cholesterol if you want a heart-healthy diet that supports optimal blood cholesterol levels.
👨🍳 Quail Egg Recipes
We’ve covered how to cook quail egg by boiling, and you can use the delicious results in many ways. Use quail eggs for ramen, or substitute quail eggs for regular eggs in keto egg salad or keto deviled eggs.
Another quail egg recipe is kwek kwek, a popular Filipino street food made by deep-frying quail eggs coated in orange batter.
Here are a few more ways to get cooking with quail eggs:
How to Fry Quail Eggs
You can fry quail eggs, and it’s faster than making chicken eggs! Simply preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-low for 3-5 minutes. Add ½ tablespoon of butter, and move it around the pan to coat.
Crack 4 quail eggs into the skillet and cook them over medium or medium low heat until done. It only takes 30-60 seconds to get fried quail eggs with a runny yolk and firm egg whites.
Poached Quail Eggs Recipe
To poach quail eggs, follow these simple steps:
- Fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) to the simmering water. The vinegar helps the eggs coagulate and maintain their shape.
- Crack the quail eggs, one at a time, into a small bowl or ramekin.
- Using a spoon, create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water.
- Carefully slide the quail eggs, one by one, into the center of the whirlpool.
- Let the eggs poach for about 2 minutes for a runny yolk or 3-4 minutes for a more set yolk.
- Remove the poached quail eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess water.
- Season with salt and pepper or any desired herbs or spices.
- Serve poached quail eggs immediately as a standalone dish, on toast, salads, or as a garnish for various dishes.
Scrambled Quail Eggs
To scramble quail eggs, heat a skillet with ½ tablespoon butter over medium heat. While the skillet heats up, whisk 4 quail eggs together in a bowl. Scramble the eggs in the hot skillet for about 2 minutes, whisking frequently.
Air Fryer Quail Eggs
Air Fryer Fried Quail Egg: Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Crack a quail egg in each compartment. Air fry for 3-5 minutes at 375F (190C), or until the egg whites set. (Use top rack of air fryer oven.)
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Quail Egg: Air fry quail eggs for 5-6 minutes at 270F (132C). Plunge the quail eggs in ice water immediately after air frying to stop the cooking process. This is one of the easiest answers to how to cook quail eggs for breakfast.
Air Fryer Scrambled Quail Eggs: Mist a mini pie tin with cooking spray. Whisk 4 quail eggs together, and put in the tin. Air fry for 3 minutes at 375F (190C), whisk the eggs and air fry 1-2 more minutes, then mash/whisk again.
Psst… If you enjoyed learning how to cook a quail egg in the air fryer, you may also enjoy my air fryer eggs recipe!
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂