Air Fryer Quiche (Spinach and Cheese)
A small air fryer quiche bakes in a 6-inch pan with a crisp refrigerated pie crust, a creamy spinach and cheese custard and a golden top. It takes about 27 minutes at 350 °F with a short pre-bake for the crust, which keeps the bottom from turning soggy. The page also covers crustless quiche and how to reheat a slice.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 52min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 400kcal
Why the air fryer works for quiche
A quiche has two parts that need different treatment: a crust that should be crisp and a custard that should stay soft. In a conventional oven the crust is baked first, then filled, and the whole thing bakes for 40 minutes or more. In the air fryer the crust gets strong heat from all sides in minutes, so the pre-bake takes only 5 minutes, and the custard sets quickly with a golden top.
The size limit is real. A basket holds a 6-inch pan, not a 9-inch pie dish, so this recipe makes a small quiche for four slices. The custard must be set, because eggs in a quiche need to reach 160 °F, and the center should barely jiggle. The same basics apply when you make a quiche in the air fryer from a store-bought crust, a crustless version, or the classic quiche Lorraine with bacon.
How to make quiche in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Line the pan Press the pie crust into a greased 6-inch round pan with 1½-inch sides, trimming the extra dough so it is level with the rim. Prick the bottom all over with a fork.
- Pre-bake the crust Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Place the pan in the basket and cook for , pressing down any puffed spots with a spoon halfway.
- Make the filling Whisk the eggs, cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth. Spread the spinach and half of the cheese over the crust, then pour in the egg mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake Carefully return the pan to the basket and cook at 350 °F for , until the top is golden and the center barely jiggles. If the crust edge darkens early, shield it with a strip of aluminum foil folded tightly over the rim.
- Check the temperature An egg dish is done at 160 °F in the center. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the middle to check.
- Rest Let the quiche rest in the pan for . It firms up and slices cleanly.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Quiche (Spinach and Cheese) | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade 6-inch quiche5 min crust pre-bake, then 22 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 27 min |
| Crustless quiche | 330 °F (170 °C) | 20–22 min |
| Mini quiches in silicone cups | 330 °F (170 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Chilled store-bought quiche | 330 °F (170 °C) | 12–15 min |
| Reheat a slice | 320 °F (160 °C) | 4–5 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Dry the spinach. Squeeze thawed spinach in a clean towel until no water drips. This is the most important step for a firm custard.
- Use heavy cream for richness. Half-and-half works too, but the custard will be a little less creamy and set more firmly.
- Cool before cutting. The custard continues to firm up for 10 minutes. Cut too soon and the slices collapse.
What to serve with quiche
Quiche is a classic brunch dish, served with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, fresh fruit or air fryer asparagus. For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes such as air fryer potato wedges. Warm it up next to a bowl of soup for an easy lunch.
Storing and reheating
Cool the quiche completely and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 320 °F for 4–5 minutes, until they reach 165 °F in the center. You can freeze baked slices for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen at 320 °F for 10–12 minutes, covering the top with foil if it browns too much.
Variations
- Quiche Lorraine: Replace the spinach with 4 slices of crumbled cooked bacon and use Swiss cheese. Bake as written. This version is not vegetarian.
- Mushroom and onion: Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms and ¼ cup diced onion until the liquid evaporates, then use in place of the spinach.
- Mini quiches: Divide the filling among 6 greased silicone cups or tortilla-lined muffin molds and cook at 330 °F for 12–14 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The bottom crust is soggy
- Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes and squeeze the spinach completely dry. Wet fillings are the main cause of a soggy bottom.
- The top browns but the center is wobbly
- Cover the top with foil crimped tightly around the pan rim and cook 5 more minutes. A quiche is set when only the center 1 inch jiggles slightly and the thermometer reads 160 °F.
- The custard puffs up and then falls
- The air was too hot or the eggs were overbeaten. Whisk just until blended, and rest the quiche for 10 minutes. It will settle.
Questions and answers
How long does quiche take in the air fryer?
A homemade 6-inch quiche takes about 22 minutes at 350 °F after a 5-minute crust pre-bake. A crustless quiche takes 20–22 minutes at 330 °F, and mini quiches take 12–14 minutes.
Can you cook a store-bought quiche in the air fryer?
Yes, if it fits. A chilled quiche takes about 12–15 minutes at 330 °F, and a frozen one 20–25 minutes at 320 °F. Cover the top with foil if it browns too fast, and heat until the center is 165 °F.
How do I reheat quiche in the air fryer?
Place a slice in the basket at 320 °F for 4–5 minutes, until the center reaches 165 °F. The crust crisps back up better than in a microwave.
Can I make a quiche without a crust?
Yes. Grease the pan well, add the filling and cook at 330 °F for 20–22 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the eggs for a firmer, sliceable result.
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