Air-Frying Quiche: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for much more than just frying foods. They can also be used to bake, roast, and reheat. So, can you cook quiche in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer quiche is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, rich meal on the table with minimal hassle or mess. You can make a variety of quiches in an air fryer, including vegetarian, meat lovers, and classic Quiche Lorraine. The key to success is pre-baking or par-baking the crust to avoid a soggy bottom and cooking the quiche at a low temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

Air fryer quiche recipe and ingredients

Air fryer quiche is a simple and satisfying recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to choose your preferred fillings and ingredients. Here is a basic recipe, along with some variations you can try.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Heavy cream or half-and-half (milk also works)
• Cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fillings of your choice (e.g., broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, ham, bacon, or herbs)
• Pie crust (premade or homemade)

Recipe:

• Grease a ceramic quiche dish or line your air fryer basket with foil.
• If using a pie crust, place it in the air fryer basket and par-bake for about 5 minutes at 350°F.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until scrambled.
• Add cream, cheese, salt, pepper, and your desired fillings to the bowl and combine.
• Pour the mixture into the quiche dish or pre-baked pie crust.
• Air fry at temperatures between 325°F and 400°F for 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of your quiche and the model of your air fryer.
• Check the quiche periodically to ensure even cooking and cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
• Remove the quiche from the air fryer and let it cool before serving.

Variations:

• Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche: Place raw broccoli florets at the bottom of the quiche dish, pour in the egg mixture, and top with grated cheddar cheese. Air fry at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
• Quiche Lorraine: Use a combination of bacon (such as lardons or pancetta), cheese (Cheddar in the pastry and Gruyere in the filling), and eggs. Blind bake the pastry shell before filling it to avoid a soggy bottom. Air fry at 160°C/300°F for 30-35 minutes.
• Spinach Quiche: Add spinach as a filling for a nutritious boost.

Air fryer quiche cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer quiche depend on the size of the quiche, whether it has a crust, and the type of air fryer being used. For example, a 5-inch quiche without a crust can be cooked at 325-350 °F for 10-12 minutes, while a quiche with a crust can be cooked at the same temperature for 12-15 minutes.

For a 4-inch quiche, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 325 °F for 5 minutes and then cooking the quiche for about 10 minutes. Another source recommends preheating to 350 °F for 5 minutes and then cooking for 20-23 minutes, or until the center of the quiche reaches 165 °F.

For a 10-inch quiche, one source recommends cooking at 325 °F (190 °C) for 30 minutes. However, another source with a similar-sized quiche reports that their quiche was still runny after following these instructions. They suggest increasing the heat to 350 °F or adding more cooking time.

Some sources provide instructions for a quiche that does not specify the size. One recommends cooking at 325 °F (160-162 °C) for 10 minutes. Another suggests cooking at 170 °C for 30-35 minutes, checking after 20 minutes and covering with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

It is important to note that different air fryer models can vary in cooking time and temperature, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific air fryer being used. Additionally, the cooking time may depend on the ingredients used in the quiche. For example, one source notes that the browning of the cheese may vary depending on the air fryer model, and recommends stirring the cheese into the egg custard if it browns too much.

Air fryer quiche preparation and pre-baking

Air fryer quiche is a quick and easy dish to make, and you can get creative with the fillings. The preparation and pre-baking process is simple and can be adapted to your taste.

Firstly, decide on your quiche fillings. You can use a range of ingredients, such as broccoli, thyme, cheddar, tomato, mozzarella, basil, ham, spinach, olives, mushrooms, or any other vegetables or proteins of your choice. For a Quiche Lorraine, you will need bacon, cheese, and eggs. You can also add in some cream, milk, or half-and-half for a richer, fluffier quiche.

Next, prepare your pastry. You can make your own shortcrust pastry or use a ready-made one. If you want to make it yourself, simply mix flour, butter, and cheese. You can also add an egg to bind the mixture. Roll out the pastry and place it in a pie dish or tart tin. Prick the base with a fork, line it with baking paper, and fill it with baking beans. This will ensure your pastry case keeps its shape during baking.

Now, it's time to pre-bake the pastry. Place it in the air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Let the pastry cool, then remove the baking beans and paper. Return the pastry to the air fryer for another 2 minutes at 170°C until it is light golden and sandy in texture.

You can now fill your quiche. In a bowl, whisk together your eggs and cream or milk. Add in your chosen fillings, such as chopped broccoli, ham, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and pour the mixture into your pastry case, being careful not to overfill.

Your quiche is now ready to be baked!

Air fryer quiche serving suggestions

Air fryer quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and pairs well with various side dishes, such as:

• Salads: A light salad with greens, vegetables, or fruits can complement the richness of the quiche. For example, a spring salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a fruit salad would make a great pairing.
• Potatoes: Potato wedges, baby potatoes, or home fries can add a hearty and crispy element to your meal.
• Vegetables: Air-fried vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or roasted peppers and onions can enhance the flavour and nutritional value of your meal.
• Meats: Bacon, ham, or sausage can be added to the quiche or served as a side dish. For example, serving the quiche with a side of air fryer turkey bacon can be a delicious option.
• Bread: Toast or a crusty loaf of bread can round out the meal and help soak up any leftover egg mixture.

When serving air fryer quiche, consider the flavour profile of your specific quiche and choose complementary side dishes. For example, if you have made a Quiche Lorraine, which typically includes bacon and cheese, you might want to serve it with a green salad and roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Additionally, don't forget to consider the portion size of your quiche when planning your meal. A larger quiche can serve four to six people with side dishes, while a smaller, individual-sized quiche might be more appropriate for a single serving.

Air fryer quiche storage and reheating

Air fryer quiche is a quick and easy dish to make, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can store and reheat your quiche in an air fryer, too!

Storing your quiche

If you plan to eat your quiche within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the crust from getting soggy. If you want to keep your quiche for longer, consider freezing it. Before freezing, slice the quiche and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating your quiche

When you're ready to enjoy your quiche again, simply follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
• If your quiche has been stored in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to help it heat more evenly.
• Lightly spray or brush the crust with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help it stay crispy and prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
• Place your quiche in the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for proper air circulation.
• Set the timer for 8-10 minutes for a whole quiche or 4-7 minutes for individual slices.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the quiche from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a moment before slicing and serving.

And that's it! You can now enjoy your quiche just like it's fresh out of the oven.

Frequently asked questions