Easy Mini Ham and Cheese Air Fryer Quiche with Flaky Crust: A Perfect Any-Time Meal
Quiche truly is one of those culinary delights that masterfully balances a feeling of lightness with undeniable decadence. It effortlessly transitions across breakfast, brunch, and lunch, making it a versatile staple for any meal of the day. This simple yet sophisticated recipe for mini air fryer quiche with crust allows you to bake these golden-brown beauties in just about 20 minutes! Each bite is filled with a savory combination of tender ham and rich cheese, creating a delicious experience that’s perfect whether you’re starting your day, enjoying a mid-day treat, or looking for a light dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Quiche Recipe
The combination of ham and cheese is undeniably a timeless classic, but let’s be honest, there’s only so many ham and cheese sandwiches one can truly enjoy before craving a new culinary adventure. This recipe ingeniously transforms that beloved pairing into a fresh and exciting format, ditching the conventional bread for a delightful, golden-brown, flaky crust. It’s an elevated take on comfort food that feels both familiar and wonderfully novel.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe offers a fantastic solution for utilizing leftover ham, particularly after major holiday feasts like Christmas, Easter, or even Thanksgiving. Instead of letting that spiral ham go to waste, you can easily repurpose it into these elegant mini quiches. They make for a surprisingly fancy yet effortless breakfast or brunch, perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating your family to something special without extensive effort. Imagine the joy of serving these perfectly portioned quiches, showcasing your culinary resourcefulness!
The magic of your air fryer truly shines here, cooking these mini quiches to absolute perfection. Each one boasts a beautifully flaky crust and a creamy, savory filling, making them the ideal portion size for a satisfying lunch or a delightful snack. While these mini versions are incredibly convenient, the flexibility of the recipe means you can easily adapt it to create a larger, full-sized quiche to share with a crowd. The air fryer ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly set egg custard and a wonderfully crisp crust every time.
Katie’s Tip
For those who prefer a lighter option or are following a gluten-free diet, you can also omit the crust entirely! Discover how to make a delicious and equally satisfying version with my crustless steak and spinach air fryer mini quiche recipe. It’s a fantastic alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or convenience!
For ultimate convenience, especially on those extra busy days, you can always bypass the prep work by cooking pre-made quiches from frozen. The air fryer excels at reheating and cooking frozen items, transforming them into perfectly crispy and warm meals. Consider trying delicious options like Trader Joe’s air fryer quiche or exploring my dedicated guide for cooking air fryer frozen mini quiche recipe. These methods ensure you can enjoy a comforting quiche with minimal effort, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or emergency lunches.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Mini Quiches
Creating these delightful mini ham and cheese quiches requires just a handful of common ingredients, many of which you might already have in your refrigerator or pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Refrigerated Pie Crust: This is your shortcut to a perfectly flaky and golden base without the hassle of making dough from scratch. One box typically contains two crusts, which should yield approximately 5-6 mini quiches depending on the size of your molds.
- 3 Large Eggs: The foundation of any quiche, providing the rich, custardy texture. Large eggs ensure enough volume and proper setting.
- ½ tsp each Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the quiche filling. Adjust to your personal taste.
- ½ tsp Mustard Powder: A secret ingredient that doesn’t make the quiche taste “mustardy” but instead adds a subtle tang and deepens the savory notes of the cheese and ham. It truly elevates the flavor without being overpowering.
- 1 tsp Dried Chives: These add a delicate oniony flavor and a touch of color to the filling, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- ½ cup Diced Ham: The star protein! This is an excellent opportunity to use up leftover spiral-sliced ham from holidays, or you can opt for high-quality deli ham for convenience. Ensure it’s finely diced for even distribution.
- ½ cup Shredded Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts wonderfully and offers a distinctive nutty flavor that pairs exquisitely with ham. Shredded varieties melt more smoothly and integrate better into the egg mixture.
- ⅓ cup Heavy Cream: The key to achieving that luxurious, creamy quiche texture. Heavy cream provides richness and body, making the custard incredibly smooth and satisfying.
Special Equipment Note:
To achieve the perfect mini quiche shape, you’re going to need small, oven-safe dishes. I highly recommend using mini fluted tartlet pans, as their design gives a lovely decorative edge to your quiches. However, if you don’t have these, other excellent and viable options include mini pie pans, small tart pans, dedicated mini quiche pans, or even wide, shallow ramekins. Just ensure whatever you choose fits comfortably in your air fryer basket and is safe for high temperatures.
Smart Substitutions and Creative Variations
One of the best aspects of quiche is its incredible adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these suggestions to suit your pantry or taste preferences:
- Pie Crust Alternatives: If refrigerated pie crust isn’t available, you can substitute with puff pastry for an even flakier texture or use pre-made mini tart shells, both typically found in the freezer section of your grocery store. A single package containing two standard pie crusts usually yields enough for 5-6 mini quiches, depending on the exact size of your chosen pans.
- Egg Substitutes: For dietary reasons or convenience, you can easily substitute regular large eggs with an equivalent amount of Egg Beaters or a plant-based alternative like Just Egg. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
- Ham Options: While leftover spiral-sliced ham (cubed, about 2 slices for the recipe’s ½ cup) is ideal for its rich flavor and sustainability, high-quality deli ham, such as Black Forest or honey ham, diced into small pieces, also works wonderfully.
- Mustard Adjustment: If you’re not keen on the subtle tang of mustard powder, or simply don’t have it on hand, a pinch of paprika can be a nice substitute. It adds a touch of warmth and color without any mustard flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While Swiss cheese offers a distinct nutty flavor, shredded cheddar cheese is an excellent alternative, providing a sharper, more universally loved taste. Other good options include Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
- Cream Alternatives: To reduce the calorie and fat content, fat-free half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream. While regular milk (2% or whole milk is best) will work and allow the quiche to set, it won’t deliver the same luxurious, creamy texture that heavy cream provides. Therefore, it’s generally not recommended unless it’s your only option.
- Flavorful Variations:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate about ¼ cup of finely chopped broccoli florets or sautéed spinach (ensuring excess moisture is squeezed out) into the filling for added nutrients and texture.
- Mini Quiche Lorraine: Transform this recipe into a classic Quiche Lorraine by swapping the ham for crispy cooked and crumbled bacon (lardons are traditional) and using rich Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a vibrant, savory profile.
- Mushroom & Onion: Sauté finely diced mushrooms and caramelized onions (as suggested in the “Final Thoughts” with air fryer caramelized onions) before adding them to the egg mixture for an earthy depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Mini Ham and Cheese Air Fryer Quiche with Crust
Follow these easy instructions to create perfect mini quiches every time. Precision and proper timing are key for a flaky crust and a creamy, set filling.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (or 325°F if your specific model offers this option). Allowing the air fryer to fully preheat ensures even cooking from the moment your quiches enter the basket.
- Prepare the pie crusts: Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts. To perfectly size them for your tart pans, place a tart pan upside down on the crust. Use a sharp knife (a paring knife works well) to cut a rough circle about ½ inch larger than the pan’s circumference. This extra half-inch will give you enough slack to press into the fluted edges and create a neat crust.
- Form the crust in the pans: Carefully transfer each cut crust circle into its respective mini tart pan. Gently press the dough against the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring it fits snugly. Use your fingers to crimp the edges around the rim of the pan, creating a decorative finish. Trim any excess dough that hangs too far over the edge.
- Prick the crust bottoms: Using a fork, prick several holes in the bottom of each pie crust. This crucial step prevents the crust from puffing up excessively during baking, ensuring a flat base for your filling and preventing a “soggy bottom.”
- Par-bake the crusts: Carefully place the crust-lined pans into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for 4 minutes at 320°F. This par-baking step (also known as blind baking) helps the crust become firm and slightly golden, preventing it from getting soggy once the liquid filling is added.
- Prepare the filling: While your crusts are par-baking, whisk together the large eggs, heavy cream, mustard powder, dried chives, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Remove par-baked crusts: Once the 4 minutes are up, carefully remove the hot par-baked crusts from the air fryer basket. They will be hot, so use oven mitts or tongs.
- Add ham and cheese: Evenly distribute the diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese among the par-baked crusts. Make sure each mini quiche gets a good amount of both for optimal flavor in every bite.
- Pour in egg mixture: Gently pour your prepared egg mixture over the ham and cheese in each crust. Fill each one to about ¾ full, leaving approximately ¼ inch of space at the top. This prevents spillage as the quiche bakes and rises slightly.
- Final bake: Return the filled quiches to the air fryer basket. Cook for another 10-15 minutes at 320°F. Baking time can vary, so check for doneness: the tops should be beautifully browned, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. A slight jiggle in the center is perfectly normal and indicates a creamy, perfectly set custard. Overcooking can lead to rubbery eggs, so keep an eye on them!
- Rest before serving: Once cooked, remove the quiches from the air fryer and let them rest in their pans for 10-15 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the egg custard to fully set and firm up, preventing it from collapsing when sliced or removed from the pan.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the quiches from their pans, slice if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy these delightful mini ham and cheese quiches as a satisfying meal or snack!
Perfect Pairings: Sides to Serve With Your Air Fryer Quiche
These versatile mini air fryer quiches pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them suitable for any meal or occasion. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your spread:
- Fresh & Light: Serve your quiche alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A simple fruit salad with seasonal berries and melon also offers a sweet and palate-cleansing accompaniment.
- Comforting Soups: Pair with a warm bowl of roasted tomato soup for a classic combination, or a hearty vegetable soup for a more substantial meal.
- Heartier Additions: For a more filling brunch or lunch, consider serving with airy air fryer focaccia or savory butternut squash fries. Crispy maple bacon brussel sprouts add a touch of sweet and savory crunch.
- Beverage Pairings: For a delightful brunch, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa is perfect. For cooler evenings, some comforting microwave mulled wine makes a surprisingly lovely pairing with savory quiche.
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Do I Prebake Crust For Quiche?
Yes, it is highly recommended to prebake (or blind bake) the crust for quiche. This step serves two crucial purposes that greatly impact the final quality of your quiche.
Firstly, prebaking helps to prevent the dreaded “soggy bottom.” Quiche filling is very wet, and without a prebaked crust, the moisture can seep into the dough, resulting in a soft, uncooked, or unpleasant texture. By par-baking the crust, you create a barrier that keeps it crisp and flaky.
Secondly, prebaking ensures that both the crust and the delicate egg filling cook evenly and at approximately the same time. If you don’t prebake, the crust often takes longer to fully cook through, which can lead to the egg custard overbaking. Overbaked eggs become rubbery and lose their desirable creamy texture, compromising the overall enjoyment of the quiche.
What Temperature Should a Quiche Be Cooked To?
For food safety, a quiche should be cooked until its internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the eggs are fully cooked and any cooked meats or vegetables in the filling are safely reheated to the proper temperature. Using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the quiche (avoiding the crust) is the most accurate way to check this.
However, while 165°F is the minimum for safety, it’s also important not to overcook the quiche. Overcooking the egg custard can cause it to become dry, crumbly, or rubbery, rather than the desirable silky, creamy texture. Ideally, aim for an internal temperature between 165°F and 180°F (74°C-82°C). If the center still has a slight jiggle, that’s often a good sign of a perfectly cooked quiche that will continue to set as it cools.
How Long Does it Take To Cook Mini Quiches in an Air Fryer?
On average, it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to fully cook mini quiches in an air fryer, after the initial crust par-bake. This timing can be influenced by a few factors, including the precise size and depth of your mini quiche pans, the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, and whether your ingredients started at room temperature or were chilled.
This estimate assumes a cooking temperature of around 320°F (160°C). While you might be tempted to use higher temperatures to speed up the process, cooking at a slightly lower temperature for a bit longer is generally preferable for quiche. Higher temperatures can lead to the crust, cheese, or the surface of the eggs burning before the center is fully set, resulting in an unevenly cooked or unsightly quiche. The lower temperature allows for a more gentle and thorough cook, ensuring a golden crust and a perfectly set, creamy filling.
Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream For Quiche?
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream in quiche, and the custard will still set. However, it’s important to understand that using milk will result in a noticeable difference in the final texture of your quiche. Heavy cream provides a rich, luxurious, and incredibly creamy consistency that is characteristic of traditional quiche. Milk, being lighter, will produce a less rich and somewhat firmer, sometimes more “eggy” texture.
If you do choose to use milk, opt for 2% or whole milk over skim milk, as the higher fat content will contribute more to the texture and flavor. Alternatively, fat-free half-and-half is a good compromise if you’re looking to reduce fat and calories while still retaining a decent level of creaminess compared to regular milk.
How Long to Reheat Quiche in an Air Fryer?
To reheat leftover quiche in an air fryer, first allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Then, place it in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the inside is thoroughly warmed through and the crust is crisp again.
It’s generally more effective and leads to better heat distribution when reheating individual slices or mini quiches rather than attempting to reheat a whole, large quiche at once. This ensures that the entire piece heats evenly without the edges becoming overcooked or dry while the center is still cold. For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I Prepare Mini Quiches Ahead of Time?
Yes, mini quiches are fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare the full recipe, cook them, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual quiches (cooked) for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
Recipe Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Quiches
Achieving consistently perfect mini quiches in your air fryer is simple with a few expert tips. Keep these in mind for the best results:
- Non-Stick Spray is Your Friend: Always make sure to thoroughly spray your mini tartlet pans with a good quality nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures that your beautifully baked crusts will release cleanly from the molds, preserving their shape and preventing frustration.
- Scaling Up to a Full-Size Quiche: If you’re looking to make a larger quiche for a crowd rather than individual mini ones, simply use a standard pie plate or tart pan that comfortably fits into your air fryer basket. Adjust the cooking time to 20-30 minutes for a full-size quiche at the same 320°F temperature, or until the center is set and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Air Fryer Specifics Matter: The cooking times provided are a guideline. For instance, these mini crusted quiches achieved perfect doneness in about 12 minutes in my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer. Keep in mind that different air fryer brands and models can vary in wattage and heating efficiency. It’s always a good idea to monitor your quiches and adjust cooking times slightly based on your specific appliance.
- Pan Size and Yield: My chosen tartlet pans are 4.7 inches in diameter, and the listed ingredients yielded 5 mini quiches. If your pans are significantly different in size, you may need to adjust the amount of crust or filling slightly to accommodate. It’s better to have a little extra filling than not enough for your last quiche!
- Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the crust or the top of the quiche browning too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely tent the quiches with a small piece of aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
- Cooling is Key: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing the quiches to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the custard set properly, preventing it from crumbling or becoming too soft when you remove it from the pan.
Explore More Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Recipes
How to Make a Hot Ham and Cheese Bagel in the Air Fryer
How To Cook Hot Pockets In An Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Easy Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Pretzel Rolls
Final Thoughts on These Delightful Mini Quiches
These adorable mini ham and cheese air fryer quiche with crust are more than just a recipe; they’re a versatile and satisfying addition to your regular meal rotation. Their small size makes them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, elegant brunches, or even a light, protein-packed lunch. I often find myself making a batch of these at the beginning of the week, allowing me to enjoy a convenient and delicious meal throughout the days that follow.
What I particularly love about this recipe is its inherent flexibility. While the classic ham and cheese combination is undeniably a winner, these mini quiches are incredibly forgiving and can be filled with almost anything you have on hand. They are a brilliant way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers or to clear out those odds and ends from your refrigerator. For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, I’ve even experimented with incorporating some air fryer caramelized onions, which adds a wonderful depth and sweetness to the savory quiche.
Embrace the ease of your air fryer and the simplicity of this recipe to create truly impressive and delicious mini quiches that will surely become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
Easy Mini Ham and Cheese Air Fryer Quiche With Crust Recipe
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Sharp knife (such as a paring knife)
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Mini pie, tart, or tartlet pans, or ramekins
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
- 1 box 2 9” refrigerated pie crusts (such as Pillsbury)
- 3 large Eggs
- 1/2 tsp Salt & Pepper (each)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard powder (not hot)
- 1 tsp Dried chives
- 1/2 cup Diced ham (about 2 slices of a spiral sliced ham)
- 1/2 cup Shredded swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (or 325°F depending on your air fryer’s options)
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Cut the pie crust to fit your tart pans. I do this by laying the pan upside down on the crust and cutting a rough circle with a knife about ½” around it
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Place the crust into the pan, then crimp the edges around the crust with your fingers, trimming any excess
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Prick the bottoms of the crust with a fork
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Place the crust filled pans into the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at 320°F
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While the crusts are cooking, whisk together eggs, cream, mustard, chives, and salt and pepper in a bowl
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Remove the par baked crusts from the air fryer (careful they will be hot)
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Distribute the ham and cheese evenly amongst the crusts
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Pour your egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the crusts, filling each one about ¾ full (you’ll want about ¼” left at the top)
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Return the quiches to the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes at 320°F, or until tops are browned and the interior reaches 165°F (if the center jiggles slightly it’s completely fine)
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Rest the quiche for 10-15 minutes to allow the eggs to finish setting
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Remove from pans, then cut, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- In place of pie crust, you can substitute puff pastry or mini tart shells (both typically found in the freezer section)
- You can substitute Egg Beaters or Just Egg if you’d like in place of real eggs
- I like to use leftover spiral sliced ham that I cube up (about 2 slices should be enough). However, you can use deli ham as well
- Mustard may be swapped for for paprika if preferred (but it is not mustard forward)
- Cheddar cheese is another good option if you prefer it over swiss
- To skip heavy cream, try fat free half and half instead. Milk works, but doesn’t give that same creamy texture so I don’t recommend it unless you don’t have another option
- Quiche flavor variations: Feel free to add about ¼ cup of broccoli florets into the mix if you want some veggies. For a mini quiche Lorraine, use bacon instead of ham and Gruyere instead of regular swiss
- For a full size air fryer quiche (instead of mini) just use a pie plate or tart pan that fits in your air fryer, and cook for 20-30 minutes instead
- These mini air fryer crusted quiches took about 12 minutes in my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone to be cooked perfectly. Other air fryers and sizes may vary slightly
- My tartlet pans are 4.7” which nets the 5 servings as indicated with the ingredients as listed. Feel free to adjust if needed should your pans be a different size
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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