Place the eggs directly in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook at 250°F (120°C) for about 15 minutes until fully set. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, cooking the eggs without water.
Transfer the cooked eggs into an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop cooking. This also makes peeling much easier and cleaner. Once cooled, gently peel off the shells and pat the eggs dry.
Roughly chop the eggs into small pieces using a knife or egg slicer. You can mash them slightly if you prefer a creamier texture. Keep some chunks for added texture in the salad.
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. This creates the creamy base that binds everything together.
Add chopped eggs, celery, onion, and chives into the bowl. Gently mix everything until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain some texture.
Refrigerate the egg salad for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.