Coffee Milk Frothers Are Key To Top-Notch Scrambled Eggs

Depending on who you ask, there are a variety of secrets for making the best scrambled eggs. Some cooks swear by adding milk or cream for richness, while others keep things simple with just a bit of salt and pepper. But when it comes to creating scrambled eggs that are fluffy and light, there's a kitchen gadget that can help you get the job done: a coffee milk frother.

If you're into making lattes or strong coffee with pillowy milk at home, you might already have this tool on hand. A coffee milk frother is basically a portable, handheld electronic wand with a tiny whisk on the end. When the whisk portion is submerged in milk, it whips it up and makes it creamy and thick. Though it might seem like a milk frother only has one job, it's worthwhile using it to make scrambled eggs that are nice and fluffy, too.

For scrambled eggs that are extra airy and light, it's common to whisk them together with milk (seemingly to no end) until the color lightens and the mixture gets all bubbly. However, this can take a lot of wrist strength to fully mix the eggs — so much so that some cooks mix up their eggs in a blender or with a handheld mixer to incorporate air. However, milk frothers can also whisk up eggs until they're fluffy, all with the press of a button that's small and easy to use.

There's science behind whisking your eggs like you mean it prior to scrambling them. The agitation combines the egg yolks and whites while also incorporating air. Just as whipping egg whites into a foamy texture provides lift to baked goods like angel food cake, whipping scrambled eggs brings air pockets — visible as bubbles — into the eggs' protein and fat matrix.

To froth your eggs with a coffee milk frother, you'll just need to combine your eggs, salt and pepper, and any milk or cream. Then, submerge the little whisk end of the frother into the mixture (just make sure it doesn't touch the bottom of your mixing bowl) and turn it on to start frothing. After you move the milk frother around in the egg mixture for about one to two minutes, the eggs will be pale yellow in color, noticeably bubbly, and a bit foamy. This is a sign that ample air has been incorporated. When the frothy eggs are added to a pan to scramble, the cooked result will be extra light and fluffy. 

The key to top-notch scrambled eggs lies in making them nice and fluffy with a milk frother. But, of course, there are other factors to consider when mastering the art of the classic breakfast meal. For instance, some people also add a splash of seltzer to the eggs to make them even more airy. Either way, before adding your frothy eggs into the pan, melt the butter and make sure the pan is hot — but not too hot. Instead of high heat, you'll want to cook your scrambled eggs gently over medium-low heat.

Once your airy egg mixture is added to the pan, let it set for a few seconds, then continuously stir the eggs around to scramble them as they cook and firm up. As soon as they appear to be cooked through and fluffy, take the pan off the heat to avoid overcooking. Whatever garnishes you add to the eggs (whether that be chopped scallions or cilantro for some herbaceous brightness), when you take a bite, they'll be noticeably light and luxurious, all thanks to the milk frother trick.