Air Fryer Quiche Recipe | Quick, Fluffy & Delicious Breakfast
I whipped up this crustless air fryer quiche recipe this morning and was actually surprised by how fluffy and satisfying it turned out. I’ve played around with my air fryer a lot, and this little dish really hit the mark for a quick breakfast or light lunch.
The texture is delightfully light, the flavour is fresh, and cleanup is minimal — exactly my kind of recipe. I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to tips I discovered as I baked it. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Note: serves 1
- 1 egg – The whole egg gives structure and volume for a single-serving.
- 3–4 tbsp (45 ml–60 ml) heavy cream – This keeps the custard rich and smooth; using full-fat cream helps the eggs set firmly without drying out.
- 4–5 tiny broccoli florets – Using raw broccoli works here, and trimming them into small, bite-sized pieces makes sure they cook fully in the air fryer.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely grated cheddar cheese – Freshly grating the cheese melts better and gives more flavour than pre-shredded.
Variations
If you’d like to swap things up, here are some alternate ideas:
- Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based cream substitute (e.g., almond cream) and a vegan cheddar alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Lower-carb or richer version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add a tablespoon of cottage cheese into the mix for extra protein.
- Add-in flavour boosters: Try diced ham and cheddar for a hearty take, or smoked salmon and dill for something elegant. Mushrooms with thyme are also a great savoury twist — or you may enjoy something similar like mushroom-fettuccine-alfredo-recipe for another creamy, mushroom-forward dish.
- Vegetable-heavy: Swap broccoli for raw chopped spinach (well-drained) or small tomato slices with fresh basil for a bright version, especially if you love flavours like those in lemon-basil-chicken-cutlets-recipe.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Air fryer – The key appliance for rapid, even cooking and light texture.
- 5″ oven-safe ceramic quiche dish – Fits well in most air fryers and helps with even heat distribution.
- Measuring spoons/cups – To ensure correct ratios of cream and egg for that perfect set.
- Whisk or small fork – To beat the egg and cream together smoothly.
- Oven mitts or folded dish towel – The dish gets hot in the air fryer so you’ll want safe handling.
How to Make Air Fryer Quiche
Prepare the Filling
Start by lightly greasing your 5″ ceramic dish, then scatter the small broccoli florets across the bottom. Keeping them small helps them cook fully during the short air frying time.
Mix the Egg Custard
Crack the egg into a measuring cup or pitcher and add enough heavy cream until you reach about ½ cup total. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Seasoning after baking is advised for better texture.
Pour and Top
Pour the egg-cream mixture evenly over the broccoli so the florets peek through. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. If your air fryer tends to brown cheese quickly, you can stir it into the custard instead.
Air Fry
Place the dish into your air fryer basket and set it to 325 °F (about 160 °C). Cook for around 10 minutes. If you like a creamier centre, you can check around 8-9 minutes; for firmer, cook a little longer.
Garnish and Serve
Once done, the quiche should be lightly golden and puffed up. Add a pinch of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and some chopped parsley for a fresh pop of colour. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some things I picked up while making it:
- I found that keeping broccoli florets small makes a big difference in how evenly they cook.
- If your air fryer runs hot, watch the cheese on top so it doesn’t over-brown; mixing it in the custard helped me avoid that.
- I let the quiche rest for a minute out of the fryer — it continues to set slightly and makes cutting easier.
- Use a ceramic dish that fits your basket snugly, so air circulates properly without getting uneven heating.
How to Serve Air Fryer Quiche
I like to plate this quiche alongside a crisp tossed salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. Fresh parsley or chives on top add a nice green contrast. You could also serve it with toasted sourdough or a slice of whole grain bread for extra texture.
For a brunch feel, add a small fruit side or berries for colour. Presentation matters: a clean white plate, a sprinkle of herbs, and maybe a lemon wedge if you like a little brightness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition for one serving:
- Calories: ~656 kcal
- Protein: ~21 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fat: ~58 g (Saturated fat about 34 g)
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
If you’ve got leftovers (or make ahead for brunch), cover the quiche and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It holds up well and the texture remains nice.
Freezing
You can freeze portions — wrap tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the air fryer at ~300 °F for 5-7 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as delicate as fresh, but still enjoyable.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the air fryer rather than microwave. Use a low setting (300-325 °F) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. That helps preserve the light, fluffy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons this dish stands out:
- Fast and fuss-free: It comes together in about 20 minutes and uses minimal prep — perfect for busy mornings.
- Light, fluffy texture: The air fryer gives eggs a lifted, airy quality you don’t always get in a conventional oven.
- Flexible and adaptable: You can vary the fillings, swap dairy or cheese types, and tailor to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Single-serve friendly: Ideal for one person (or double up if needed) without committing to a full-size quiche.
- Great for brunch or light lunch: Works equally well as an easy breakfast or a midday meal, especially paired with a salad or toast.
Air Fryer Quiche Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by lightly greasing your 5″ ceramic dish, then scatter the small broccoli florets across the bottom. Keeping them small helps them cook fully during the short air frying time.
- Crack the egg into a measuring cup or pitcher and add enough heavy cream until you reach about ½ cup total. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Seasoning after baking is advised for better texture.
- Pour the egg-cream mixture evenly over the broccoli so the florets peek through. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. If your air fryer tends to brown cheese quickly, you can stir it into the custard instead.
- Place the dish into your air fryer basket and set it to 325 °F (about 160 °C). Cook for around 10 minutes. If you like a creamier centre, you can check around 8-9 minutes; for firmer, cook a little longer.
- Once done, the quiche should be lightly golden and puffed up. Add a pinch of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and some chopped parsley for a fresh pop of colour. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- I found that keeping broccoli florets small makes a big difference in how evenly they cook.
- If your air fryer runs hot, watch the cheese on top so it doesn’t over-brown; mixing it in the custard helped me avoid that.
- I let the quiche rest for a minute out of the fryer — it continues to set slightly and makes cutting easier.
- Use a ceramic dish that fits your basket snugly, so air circulates properly without getting uneven heating.