Air-Fried Crustless Quiche: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a crustless quiche in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also a great option for those on a gluten-free or keto diet, as it's lower in carbs and calories without the crust. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the quiche without the need for oil or butter, making it a healthier choice. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables, and meat, to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Choosing your ingredients

Eggs

Eggs are the base of your quiche, so make sure you have enough on hand. You will typically need around 4-6 large eggs, depending on the size of your quiche.

Milk or Cream

Milk is often used in crustless quiche recipes, as it mixes well with the eggs and creates a light filling. However, you can also use double cream or heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent quiche. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond or coconut milk.

Cheese

Cheese is a key ingredient in quiche and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Popular options include Parmesan, Gruyere, mature cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Feel free to mix and match different cheeses for extra flavour.

Meat

You can add a variety of meats to your quiche, such as bacon, ham, sausage, or pancetta. If you're using raw meat, make sure to cook it before adding it to your quiche. You can also make your quiche vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether.

Vegetables

Vegetables add texture, flavour, and nutrients to your quiche. Common choices include spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes. You can steam or sauté your vegetables before adding them to the quiche mixture.

Seasonings

Don't forget to season your quiche with salt and pepper to enhance the flavours. You can also add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, chives, or oregano. A pinch of nutmeg can also provide a lovely depth of flavour.

Flour (for a "pretend crust")

If you want to create a "pretend crust" for your quiche, simply add some self-raising flour to the quiche batter. This will give your quiche a thicker consistency and define the quiche look without the need for a traditional pastry crust.

Preparing your fillings

The beauty of a crustless quiche is that you can get creative with your fillings and use up whatever you have in your fridge. You can also easily adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences or requirements. Here are some ideas for fillings to get you started:

Meat:

• Sausage (remove the casing and cut into pieces)
• Bacon
• Smoked bacon lardons
• Ham (finely diced)
• Chicken

Vegetables:

• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Asparagus
• Green onions

Cheese:

• Parmesan
• Gruyere
• Mature cheddar
• Swiss
• Goat cheese

Herbs and spices:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Fresh dill
• Thyme
• Chives

Other:

• Milk or heavy cream
• Eggs
• Flour

Simply choose your desired fillings and mix them together in a bowl. You can then pour this mixture into your prepared air fryer pizza pan or quiche dish and cook according to the instructions in your chosen recipe.

Mixing your batter

Mixing the batter for your crustless quiche is a straightforward process. First, crack your eggs into a mixing jug or bowl. Add milk to the eggs and mix well with a fork to create a smooth quiche batter. You can also season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Next, add in your fillings of choice. For a classic quiche Lorraine, you can use cooked bacon or pancetta, and grated cheese such as Parmesan, Gruyere, or mature cheddar. You can also add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions. If you want to make a crustless quiche with a thicker consistency, you can add flour to the batter. Simply stir the flour into the egg and milk mixture until you have a thick batter.

Once you've added all your desired fillings and seasonings, give the batter a final mix to ensure everything is well combined. Then, you're ready to pour the batter into your prepared pie dish or pizza pan.

Cooking your quiche

Now that you have gathered your ingredients and prepared your fillings, it's time to cook your crustless quiche in the air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect quiche:

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. This step is crucial as it ensures your quiche starts cooking evenly as soon as it's placed in the air fryer basket.

Prepare your baking tin: Line a 20cm square or round baking tin with baking paper. Choose the shape that fits best in your air fryer basket. This step will prevent your quiche from sticking to the tin and make removal easier.

Cook your fillings: If you're using raw meat or vegetables, cook them before adding them to your quiche. For example, cook your sausage or bacon in the air fryer or on a stovetop, and steam your spinach in the microwave.

Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, and your chosen seasonings. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add flour to create a thicker "pretend crust" for your quiche.

Assemble your quiche: Place your cooked fillings into the prepared baking tin. If using meat and vegetables, you can top them with cheese before pouring the egg mixture on top.

Air-fry your quiche: Place the baking tin into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time according to your air fryer's instructions. As a guide, cook at 350°F/175°C-180°C for around 12-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cool and serve: Once your quiche is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it firm up and make it easier to cut into neat slices.

Your crustless quiche is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it with a simple green side salad, roasted vegetables, or bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Remember that each air fryer may vary slightly in temperature and power, so keep an eye on your quiche towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and customising your quiche to your liking!

Serving suggestions

• For breakfast or brunch, serve the quiche with a simple green side salad.
• For lunch or a main meal, pair it with air fryer chips or roasted sweet potatoes.
• For a meat-free option, omit the bacon and replace it with cooked mushrooms, baby spinach, or chopped peppers.
• Add extra cheese or experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or mature cheddar.
• For a luxurious treat, incorporate smoked salmon and fresh dill into your quiche mixture.
• Swap Parmesan for goat cheese and top your quiche with cherry tomatoes for a tangy variation.
• Add fresh herbs, such as thyme or chives, to the egg mixture for enhanced flavour.
• For a springtime variation, pair fresh asparagus spears with nutty Gruyère cheese.
• Use a muffin tin to create individual quiches, perfect for picnics or portable meals.

Frequently asked questions