This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
Whipping egg whites can be one of the most frustrating activities if you don’t have the proper equipment.
Having a blender around makes everything easier, so it’s safe to assume that you can whip egg whites in a blender too!
But, can you whip egg whites in a blender? Yes, you can whip egg whites in a blender but it is NOT the recommended method. Blenders tend to overwhip the egg whites if the blade speeds are not managed correctly. Overwhipping the egg whites will result in an undesirable texture.
However, with proper blender speed management, you can whip the egg whites to your desired texture. In this article, I will explain how…
What Happens When You Whip Egg Whites
No, this isn’t one of those boring science classes – I don’t know much about chemical breakdowns and other scientific egg facts. But I’ll just keep it simple so that you know what it is you’re supposed to be looking for in your whipped egg whites.
You most commonly whip egg whites to achieve that smooth, foamy texture for meringues, soufflé, and cakes. With whipped egg whites, you achieve this texture by incorporating air into the whites.
Egg whites will reach different stages throughout the whipping process. The four main stages are:
- Soft peaks
- Firm peaks
- Stiff peaks
- Overbeaten
You should first decide at what stage you want your egg whites.
Stiff peaks are usually the desired result you want when whipping egg whites. However, by using a blender incorrectly, you run the risk of overbeating the egg whites before you’ve even realized it!
You could probably get away with overbeaten egg whites for something like an egg white omelet, but that’s about it. If you’re going for desserts or cakes, you want to ensure the proper texture and consistency.
The most common methods for whipping egg whites are by hand (with a whisk) or with an electric handheld mixer or stand mixer.
You can still use a blender if that’s all you have access to right now, so let’s talk about the proper way to whip egg whites in a blender…
Whipping Egg Whites In A Blender
If you’re planning to whip your egg whites in a blender, it’s not as easy as tossing them in and pressing a button. The more speed settings your blender has, the better your chances of (near) perfectly whipped egg whites.
The key to whipping egg whites in a blender is to use the lowest speed setting on your blender. Using high speeds will push all the air out of the whites and ruin them.
First, separate your egg whites from the yolks. Then, toss your whites into the blender and switch on at the lowest speed possible.
Typically, it will take about 10 minutes for the egg whites to reach stiff peaks. However, you’ll need to monitor the peak stages throughout the blending process, as different blenders have different speed settings. The last thing you want is to have the blender run too long and overbeat the egg whites.
If you’re adding other ingredients (like sugar) to the whites, then let the blender run until the whites hit the soft peak stage (roughly 4 minutes) before adding anything else to the whites.
Once you’ve added additional ingredients at the soft peak stage, let the blender run on the lowest speed until the whites reach stiff peaks (roughly 6 more minutes).
Even though you CAN achieve stiff peaks with a blender, it’s still an inferior result compared to whipping the egg whites by hand or with an electric mixer. A blender actually knocks the air out of the eggs rather than incorporating air into the eggs.
But if you’re pressed for time, then go ahead and give it a shot!
Does Blending Egg Whites Make Them Fluffly?
When you whisk egg whites by hand or with an electric whisk, they come out nice and fluffy! That’s because the peaks are stiff and soft.
However, whisking your whites in a blender will push out all the air from the whites, leaving the peaks stiff and dry. Blended egg whites won’t be as fluffy as whisked egg whites.
If you want to make a dessert like meringue, for example, just keep in mind that the end result won’t be as good-looking if you’re using a blender instead of a whisk or stand mixer.
Can You Use a Hand Blender Instead of a Whisk?
Yes, you can use a hand blender instead of a whisk.
However, hand blenders (or immersion blenders) basically work the same way as normal blenders. Yes, they are more versatile to use, but you still run the risk of overbeating your egg whites.
So, if you’re using a hand blender to whip your egg whites, just follow the same method I described earlier – slow and steady wins the race!
But keep in mind the end result won’t be the same as the smooth texture you get from a whisk or stand mixer.
Blender Alternatives For Whisking Egg Whites
I would advise you against using a blender just for the sake of using a blender.
You might only have a blender at hand and think that’s your only option, but there are many better ways of whipping your egg whites. If you feel you’re restricted to using a blender, check out the other options below!
The humble fork
You can whip egg whites to perfection with just a fork and a bowl!
You’ll use the fork the same way you would use a balloon whisk – lifting and whipping the eggs in circular motions at a consistent pace until your eggs reach the desired texture.
Using a fork takes the longest time to whip egg whites, but at least you’ll end up with the right consistency. So, if you have the time then go for it!
Balloon whisk
The balloon whisk is probably the most commonly used tool to whip egg whites. And, they’re cheap to buy and add to your kitchenware.
Its design helps incorporate air into the eggs when whipping, leaving you with the best texture you can achieve with egg whites.
Simply place your egg whites into a bowl and whip them in a circular motion using a balloon whisk for about 5 minutes, or until they reach stiff peaks. It really is that simple.
Hand Mixers and Stand Mixers
Hand mixers work like balloon whisks, but are electrically powered. Whipping egg whites is much easier with a hand mixer as you won’t have to manually whisk with your hand for 5 minutes. You can check out the current price of this popular hand mixer here (link to Amazon).
Stand mixers are much more powerful than hand mixers. You can use stand mixers for more than just egg whites. But they are great for egg whites – this requires nearly zero effort from your side, apart from separating the egg whites and throwing them into the bowl.
Check out our article: Immersion Blenders vs Hand Mixers
Conclusion
Although you can use a blender to whip egg whites, rather don’t. You’ll be compromising on the quality of your end product.
However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t really mind an inferior mixture, then there is absolutely no harm in whipping your egg whites with a blender!
We’ve also got an article that’ll help you with your morning coffee as well: Can you use a Vitamix to grind coffee beans
