Air Fryer Frittata: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Frittatas are a popular breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly easy and quick. Air fryer frittatas are a great option for those looking for a nutritious, low-carb, high-protein, and healthy breakfast. The air fryer heats up quickly, and the frittata cooks evenly in just minutes, which means you can have a delicious breakfast on the table in no time. You can use any model of air fryer, and any oven-safe dish that fits inside, to make your frittata.

Customise with your favourite ingredients

The beauty of making a frittata in an air fryer is that you can customise it with your favourite ingredients. You can use whatever you have on hand, making this a versatile recipe.

For a Mexican-style frittata, you can add cheese and veggies. This can include bell peppers, green onions, and cayenne pepper. You can also add meat, such as pre-cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or meatless sausage. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the meat and add more veggies, like mushrooms, or even leftover fries.

If you're looking for something on the sweeter side, you can add caramelised onions, apples, or pears. For a more savoury option, try adding herbs like chives or tarragon, feta cheese, and olives. To make it creamy and rich, replace classic potatoes with sweet potatoes or chopped squash.

You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the egg mixture, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to keep the eggs more intact, you can carefully crack them directly on top of the parchment paper in the air fryer basket. However, if you prefer them more blended, whisk the eggs in a bowl before adding them to the basket.

How to get a fluffy frittata

Yes, you can cook a frittata in an air fryer. To make a fluffy frittata, you'll need to prepare your ingredients and use the right tools. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

Frittatas are versatile, so you can get creative with your ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

• Eggs: Use 4 to 18 eggs, depending on the size of your frittata. More eggs will make it thicker.
• Dairy: Add a splash of milk, cream, almond milk, or yogurt for richness and creaminess.
• Meat: Try diced ham, bacon, sausage, or keep it meatless.
• Vegetables: Sautee your favourite veggies. Popular choices include onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
• Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, or any other variety you prefer.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or tarragon, and spices like garlic and pepper will add flavour.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C).
• If using a pan, choose an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket. A 6 to 9-inch cake pan or cast-iron skillet should work well. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk vigorously to create air bubbles. You can also use an immersion blender to make the mixture light and frothy.
• Add your dairy, salt, and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
• Saute your chosen vegetables and meat in a skillet on the stovetop. Season with herbs and spices.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pan and place it in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 6 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your frittata. Check after 12 minutes and adjust the timing as needed.
• Your frittata is ready when the centre is set, and the top is golden brown.

Enjoy your fluffy frittata! You can serve it hot or cold, and it makes for delicious leftovers too.

How to get a crispy exterior

To get a crispy exterior on your frittata, you'll want to cook it in the air fryer until the top is golden brown. Depending on your air fryer, this should take 12 to 20 minutes.

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). You can use any model of air fryer, but note that cooking times may vary. Most air fryers only need a couple of minutes to preheat.

Next, prepare your ingredients. You can use any combination of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and spices. Popular vegetable options include bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and tomatoes. For meat, consider cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or chicken. If you want to make your frittata vegetarian, you can leave out the meat or use meatless sausage.

Once you have your ingredients ready, crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with any spices or herbs you'd like to add. Most recipes call for four large eggs, but you can scale the recipe up or down as needed. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs for a more luxurious frittata.

Now, it's time to combine your ingredients. Pour the egg mixture into a cake pan or oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket. Aim for a frittata thickness of about 1/4 inch, as a thicker frittata may take longer to cook. You can line the pan with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.

Finally, place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook until the frittata is golden brown and cooked through. Check on your frittata after about 12 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. When it's done, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!

How to reheat frittata in an air fryer

Reheating a frittata in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore its warmth and comforting texture without compromising its quality. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat frittata in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 300°F (150°C) and 350°F (175-180°C). Most air fryers only need a couple of minutes to preheat.
• Prepare the frittata: Place the leftover frittata in the air fryer basket. You can line the basket with parchment paper or use an oven-safe dish that fits in the basket.
• Reheat the frittata: Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175-180°C), or for about 12 minutes at 300°F (150°C). Check on your frittata occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook. The frittata is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
• Serve and enjoy: Remove the frittata from the air fryer and serve it warm. You can also cover the frittata with foil to keep it warm until you are ready to serve it.

Note: The reheating time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your frittata. Always keep an eye on your frittata while reheating to prevent overcooking.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for an air fryer frittata depends on the size and thickness of the frittata, as well as the model of the air fryer being used. Most sources indicate that the cooking time for a frittata in an air fryer is between 10 and 15 minutes. However, some sources suggest that checking the frittata after 12 minutes is a good idea, as it may be done by then.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the frittata to ensure consistent cooking. The preheating temperature can vary, with some sources suggesting 360°F (180°C) and others suggesting 400°F (200°C).

The size of the frittata will also impact the cooking time. A thicker frittata made in a smaller pan may take longer to cook through, while a thinner frittata in a larger pan may cook more quickly. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a frittata that is approximately 1/4 inch thick when poured into the pan, as it will rise as it cooks.

Additionally, the type of ingredients used can also affect the cooking time. For example, if using leftover cooked meats or vegetables, they may not need as much time to cook compared to raw ingredients.

It is important to note that every air fryer is different, and the cooking time may vary slightly between models. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the frittata while it is cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

Overall, cooking an air fryer frittata is a quick and easy process, making it a great option for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions