Air-Fried Quiche: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make quiche in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to make this classic French dish. Quiche is an egg-based dish that is usually cooked in a pie crust and served as a brunch meal. Air-fried quiche is a convenient option as it requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients. You can make it with or without a crust, and add your choice of fillings such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of quiche, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes in an air fryer.

How to make quiche in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can make your quiche with or without a crust. If you prefer a crust, you can use a pre-made pie crust, puff pastry dough, or make your own.

For the filling, you will need eggs, milk or cream, and cheese. You can also add meat, such as bacon or ham, and vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or onions.

Method

First, prepare your pie crust or pastry by lining a pie pan or tart tin. If you are using a pre-made pie crust, remove it from the refrigerator and let it soften for about 15 minutes. Then, unroll the dough and place the pan on top, cutting the dough to fit the pan with about a 1-inch overlap.

If you are making a crustless quiche, grease your pan with butter or oil and line with baking paper if necessary.

Next, prepare your filling. Whisk together your eggs, milk or cream, and any seasonings. You can also add shredded cheese to the egg mixture, or sprinkle it on top. If you are using meat or vegetables, cook them before adding them to the egg mixture.

Once your filling is ready, pour it into your prepared crust or pan, being careful not to overfill. Leave at least 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during cooking.

Now, it's time to cook your quiche. Preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F. Place the quiche in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-25 minutes, depending on the size of your quiche. A smaller, individual quiche will take around 10-12 minutes, while a larger, 8-inch quiche may take up to 25 minutes.

Your quiche is ready when the crust and top are golden brown, and the centre has reached 160°F. Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you are making a quiche with a crust, it is a good idea to "blind bake" the crust before adding the filling. This will ensure that the bottom of the crust gets fully cooked. Simply place the empty crust in the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes at 300°F.
• To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can also bake your crust at a higher temperature of 380°F for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling.
• If you are making a crustless quiche, be sure to grease your pan well and use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• For an extra crispy crust, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before adding the filling. This will allow steam to escape and help the crust crisp up.
• Let your quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Reheating and Storing

You can reheat your quiche in the air fryer by placing it in the basket without a pan and air frying at 360°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover quiche by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. Frozen quiche can be reheated in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating quiche in an air fryer

Preparing the Quiche:

Before reheating, it's important to bring the quiche to room temperature. This ensures even heating and prevents the quiche from drying out. If your quiche has been stored in the freezer, you can reheat it directly without thawing. However, if it's been in the refrigerator, take it out and let it sit for a while until it reaches room temperature.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Most sources recommend this temperature for reheating quiche. Preheat the air fryer while your quiche is returning to room temperature.

Arranging the Quiche in the Air Fryer:

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange your quiche slices. Place them directly on the air fryer rack or basket. If you're reheating a whole quiche, consider cutting it into smaller slices for more even heating.

Reheating Time:

The reheating time will depend on the size of your quiche slices and the power of your air fryer. As a general guideline, reheat the quiche for 4 to 7 minutes for smaller slices, and up to 10 minutes for larger slices or a whole quiche. Check the quiche periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook. The inside of the quiche might take longer to heat up than the outside, so make sure both the pastry and the egg filling are hot before serving.

Serving:

Once your quiche is heated through, it's ready to be served! Pair it with a side salad, fries, or roasted vegetables for a delicious meal.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat only a few slices at a time to ensure even heating.
• If your quiche has a crust that is already dark golden brown, consider covering it with foil before reheating to prevent it from burning or drying out.
• Let the quiche rest for a minute or two after reheating before serving. This helps ensure the heat is distributed evenly throughout the quiche.

How to make your quiche base crispy

To make your quiche base crispy, it is important to bake your crust first. This is called "blind baking" and ensures a crispy and flaky exterior. Here are the steps to blind-bake your pie crust:

Step 1: Remove the refrigerated pie crust from the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Unroll the pie dough and place your tart pan on top of the crust. Cut around the tart pan, leaving a 1-inch gap so that there is enough crust to go up the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Press the crust into the tart pan, tucking the edges down along the sides. Cut off any excess dough at the top so that the crust is even with the top of the pan.

Step 4: Place the tart pan into the air fryer basket and cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. The crust won't be fully cooked, but this step ensures that it gets a head start before adding the filling.

Additionally, to ensure a crispy quiche base, you can slightly reduce the liquid content of your quiche and avoid using frozen ingredients, as they can make the bottom of your quiche soggy.

Can you put a ramekin in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a ramekin in an air fryer. In fact, using ramekins in an air fryer is a "game-changer" according to some. Ramekins are small ceramic or glass bowls that are perfect for creating individual servings of various dishes. They are ideal for portion control and ensuring that each serving is cooked to perfection.

When using ramekins in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right type. Use oven-safe ceramic, glass, or porcelain ramekins that can withstand high temperatures without cracking. The size of the ramekins is also important. Choose ramekins that fit comfortably in your air fryer basket, allowing enough space for air circulation. Typically, 4- to 6-ounce ramekins work well for most air fryers.

Before placing the ramekins in the air fryer, it is recommended to grease or line them with cooking spray, butter, or oil to prevent sticking. Parchment paper liners can also be used for easy removal and cleanup. It is also important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and the desired texture.

Ramekins can be used in air fryers to create a variety of dishes, including desserts, appetizers, main courses, and breakfast options. For example, you can make molten chocolate lava cakes, crème brûlée, mini cheesecakes, mini quiches, baked oatmeal, and air fryer baked eggs.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. milk or cream (optional)
• 4 (4-ounce) ceramic ramekins
• 4 eggs
• Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

• Spray the inside of the ramekins with nonstick spray.
• Place the ramekins in your air fryer basket.
• Carefully break one egg into each ramekin, being careful not to break the yolk.
• If desired, swirl 1/4 teaspoon of milk or cream into each egg white.
• Cook at 300°F for 7-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are just set.
• Use tongs to carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer, as they will be very hot.
• Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired.

So, not only can you put a ramekin in an air fryer, but doing so opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for you to explore and enjoy!

How to freeze quiche

Yes, you can freeze quiche! Here are some tips on how to do it.

How to Freeze an Unbaked Quiche

• First, clear a level space in your freezer that is large enough to hold the quiche for its initial freezing.
• Place the pie shell on a sheet pan or platter to catch any drips. Fill the shell with your chosen fillings and pour in the egg custard.
• Transfer the quiche on the pan to the freezer and leave until solid, which should take around 3 hours.
• Remove the frozen quiche and wrap it securely in two layers of plastic wrap, then wrap again in foil. Label and date it, then return it to the freezer.
• When you are ready to bake the quiche, unwrap it and place it straight into the oven, baking at 350 degrees F or the temperature recommended by your recipe. Increase the baking time by 50 to 100%.

How to Freeze an Already Baked Quiche

• Cool the quiche completely after baking, then wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap and then cover it securely in foil. Label and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When you are ready to eat the quiche, unwrap it and bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees F until very hot in the centre. Check frequently; baking time will vary but should be about 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the size and type of pan. Allow the quiche to set for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• Mix your custard, cheese, and fillings together in a large bowl, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label and place in the freezer for 1 to 3 months.
• Defrost the custard mixture for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator, then transfer to a crust and bake as directed by your recipe.

How to Freeze Slices of Baked Quiche

• Wrap cooled slices of baked quiche in a layer of plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze them for up to a month.
• When you are ready to eat, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, place one or more unwrapped slices on a baking sheet and bake until very hot, about 25 minutes. Alternatively, unwrap a slice, wrap it loosely in a paper towel, and microwave on 50% power until very hot, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions