To cook a frittata in an air fryer, pour whisked eggs and fillings into a greased pan, then air fry at 320°F until the center is set.
Air fryer frittata gives you a golden top, tender center, and almost no mess. You get the feel of a baked brunch dish without heating the whole kitchen or guessing when the middle is ready.
This guide shows how to cook a frittata in an air fryer from pan choice to timing, so you get a puffed slice that feels light and works for breakfast, lunch, or quick dinner.
Why Make A Frittata In An Air Fryer
Frittata started as an Italian stovetop and oven dish, but an air fryer handles the same job with less hassle. The fan blows hot air over the surface, so the top browns nicely while the inside sets in a steady way.
Compared with a pan on the stove, you do not need to juggle low heat, lids, and broilers. You set a temperature, slide the pan into the basket, and let the machine handle the heat. The compact space also cuts cooking time, so you can go from eggs to plate in under half an hour.
Another perk is clean up. A lined cake pan or small baking dish catches every drop, so the air fryer basket stays cleaner.
Ingredients For A Basic Air Fryer Frittata
You can keep an air fryer frittata simple with eggs, dairy, and cheese, or load it with vegetables and small bits of meat. The goal is to keep the ratio balanced so the eggs can set without turning stiff or watery.
Core Ingredients And Ratios
A good starting point is six large eggs, a quarter cup of milk or cream, and about one cup of fillings and cheese combined. This amount fits a pan that is six to seven inches across, which suits many basket air fryers.
| Ingredient | Typical Amount For 6 Eggs | Notes For Air Fryer Frittata |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 6 large | Room temperature eggs whisk more evenly and puff better. |
| Milk Or Cream | 1/4 cup | Whole milk keeps the texture light; cream makes it richer. |
| Grated Cheese | 1/2 cup | Cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese all work well. |
| Cooked Vegetables | 1/2–3/4 cup | Spinach, onions, peppers, or mushrooms, squeezed dry. |
| Cooked Meat | 1/4–1/2 cup | Bacon, sausage, or ham, cooked and drained of excess fat. |
| Salt And Pepper | 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper | Adjust to taste; remember cheese and cured meats are salty. |
| Oil Or Cooking Spray | 1–2 tsp | Grease the pan well so slices release cleanly. |
Fillings That Work Well
Lightly cook moisture heavy vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes before they go into the egg mixture. This step prevents puddles in the center. Frozen vegetables should be thawed and patted dry before they hit the pan.
Small diced pieces give the best bite. Large chunks take longer to heat through and can stop the frittata from cooking evenly. Sprinkle cheese through the mixture instead of leaving it in one thick layer on top, so each slice tastes balanced.
Pan, Basket, And Setup For Air Fryer Frittata
Most air fryers do not like loose batter poured straight into the basket. For this dish you need an oven safe pan that fits inside the basket with a bit of space around the sides for air flow. Short cake pans, springform pans wrapped in foil, and small ceramic dishes all work.
Line the base with parchment or brush the pan with oil. If your pan is light colored, the sides of the frittata stay tender. Dark metal browns faster, so you may shave a couple of minutes off the time near the end.
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for three to five minutes while you whisk the egg mixture and arrange fillings.
How To Cook A Frittata In An Air Fryer Step By Step
This section shows how to make an air fryer frittata with repeatable steps. Once you know this pattern, you can swap fillings based on what you have in the fridge.
Step 1: Prep The Pan And Air Fryer
- Place an oven safe pan that fits your basket on the counter.
- Brush the base and sides with a thin layer of oil or coat with cooking spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for about 3–5 minutes while you assemble the eggs.
Step 2: Cook And Cool Wet Fillings
Cook any raw meat in a skillet until no pink remains, then drain extra fat. Sauté onions, peppers, or mushrooms until the edges soften and most of the moisture steams off. Let these fillings cool for a few minutes so they do not start cooking the eggs on contact.
Step 3: Whisk The Egg Mixture
Crack six eggs into a mixing bowl. Add the milk or cream, salt, pepper, and any dried herbs. Whisk until the yolks and whites look blended and the surface shows a light layer of bubbles. Stir in the grated cheese and cooled fillings.
Step 4: Pour And Level
Set the greased pan near the air fryer. Pour the egg and filling mixture into the pan and nudge it so the fillings spread evenly. If you like a slightly browned top, sprinkle a little extra cheese or a dusting of grated hard cheese over the surface.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Just Set
Lower the pan into the hot basket. Cook at 320°F for 12–18 minutes. The exact time depends on the depth of your pan, the amount of fillings, and the strength of your machine. Start checking at the 12 minute mark.
To test doneness, shake the pan gently. The outer edge should look set and pull slightly from the sides, while the center may still have a light wobble but no visible liquid. A thin knife or toothpick inserted near the middle should come out mostly clean.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, And Serve
Once the frittata is set, remove the pan from the basket and place it on a heat safe surface. Let it rest for about five minutes. This rest lets the protein strands relax so slices hold together neatly.
Run a thin spatula or knife around the edge, loosen the base if needed, and cut the frittata into wedges or squares. Serve warm with toast, salad, or roasted potatoes.
Food Safety And Internal Temperature For Egg Dishes
Egg dishes such as frittata should reach a safe internal temperature so that any harmful bacteria are reduced. FoodSafety.gov states that mixed egg dishes need to reach 160°F in the center of the dish.
Use a quick read thermometer if you have one. Insert it into the thickest part of the frittata, avoiding the pan. When the center hits 160°F, you can pull the pan from the air fryer with confidence. This follows guidance from the official safe minimum internal temperature chart.
The American Egg Board also notes that eggs in dishes such as frittatas are ready when they are thickened and no liquid egg remains.
Timing Guide For Different Air Fryer Setups
Every brand of air fryer has its own airflow pattern and strength, so times always need a little adjustment. The chart below gives starting points; your first batch is a chance to learn how your unit behaves so later batches are simple.
| Pan Size And Depth | Suggested Temperature | Approximate Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inch pan, shallow (about 1 inch deep) | 320°F | 12–14 minutes |
| 6 inch pan, deeper (1.5 inches) | 320°F | 14–18 minutes |
| 7 inch pan, shallow | 320°F | 13–17 minutes |
| 7 inch pan, deeper | 320°F | 16–20 minutes |
| Mini pans or ramekins | 300–320°F | 8–12 minutes |
| Heavily loaded with fillings | 320°F | Add 2–4 minutes |
| High wattage air fryer (above 1700 W) | 300–310°F | Reduce time by 2–3 minutes |
Flavor Variations When Cooking A Frittata In An Air Fryer
Once you know how to cook a frittata in an air fryer with the basic method, changing the taste is as simple as swapping a few fillings. Use the same egg and dairy ratio, then change the vegetables, cheese, and seasonings.
Classic Combinations
- Spinach And Feta: Sauté spinach with garlic, squeeze dry, and pair with crumbled feta and a touch of lemon zest.
- Ham And Cheddar: Use diced ham, green onions, and sharp cheddar for a brunch plate that feels like a diner favorite.
- Mushroom And Swiss: Brown sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture, then add Swiss cheese and fresh thyme.
- Veggie Loaded: Mix bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and a sprinkle of mozzarella for a colorful slice.
Dairy Swaps And Seasoning Ideas
You can swap regular milk for unsweetened almond milk or another plain plant based milk if someone at the table avoids dairy. The texture stays soft if you keep the total liquid around a quarter cup for six eggs.
Seasoning can stay as simple as salt, pepper, and dried oregano, or you can stir in smoked paprika, chili flakes, or pesto. Add fresh herbs after cooking so they keep their color and aroma.
Common Mistakes When Cooking A Frittata In An Air Fryer
Using Raw Or Wet Vegetables
Raw vegetables release moisture into the egg mixture, which slows down cooking and leaves the center soggy. Always sauté or roast moisture heavy vegetables and pat them dry before they meet the eggs.
Choosing The Wrong Pan Size
If the pan is too large, the frittata spreads thin and dries out. If the pan is too small and deep, the top may darken while the center lags behind. Aim for a depth of about one to one and a half inches for steady cooking.
Cooking Too Hot Or Too Long
High heat seems tempting when you want breakfast fast, but with eggs it often leads to a rubbery edge and a dry center. Staying near 320°F gives the proteins time to set slowly. Once the middle no longer looks glossy, start checking every few minutes instead of walking away.
Storage, Reheating, And Meal Prep
Let leftover frittata cool to room temperature for no longer than two hours, then place slices in an airtight container and chill. Many food safety guides suggest eating egg dishes within three days for best quality. Leftover wedges travel well.
To reheat, place a slice in the air fryer basket on a piece of parchment or in a small pan. Heat at 300°F for 4–6 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the surface dry and the inside tender. The American Egg Board offers storage tips for egg dishes on its egg handling and storage page, which pairs well with this method.
You can also freeze portions of frittata. Wrap each slice tightly, freeze for up to two months, and reheat from frozen at a slightly lower temperature so the edges do not overcook while the center warms.