Easy Air Fryer Frittata Recipe - Golden, Fluffy and Crisp (2024)

FAQs

How does the frittata get its fluffy texture? ›

Making a good frittata involves vigorously beating eggs. A non-negotiable, this allows air to be incorporated into the custard. Consequently, as the frittata cooks, this trapped air causes the eggs to puff up, giving the dish its iconic light and fluffy texture.

Dairy, like milk or cream, is a crucial component of frittatas. This is the ingredient that gives frittatas their signature creamy, fluffy texture. Without this important addition, frittatas cook up flatter and a bit more dense. Follow this tip: After whisking the eggs together, be sure to whisk in some milk or cream.

If meat and vegetables figure into your frittata, cook them in the pan before you add your eggs—and I leave mine ever so slightly underdone. That way, they don't get soggy when they keep cooking in the oven (and I tend to like my vegetables with a little “bite” anyway, but it's a personal preference).

Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

Go for high moisture cheeses

According to Cheese Science, high moisture cheeses like mozzarella and smoked Gouda are great melting cheeses that give frittatas their desired texture. Meanwhile, a low moisture cheese like Parmesan won't melt in the oven, especially when it's surrounded by a mixture of eggs.

Adding a bit of dairy, whether it's cream or thick yogurt, is essential for getting the moisture and creaminess of the frittata just right. For every dozen eggs, use a half cup of dairy. It can be cream, whole milk, sour cream, yogurt, crème fraîche, even cottage cheese.

This also holds true for aromatics, like onions, and sturdy veggies, like raw potatoes. "They won't get much more tender once you add the beaten eggs," says Perry, "So cook them fully before combining everything." Don't be afraid of getting a little color on the vegetables: That's what makes them so delicious!

Use a cast-iron skillet.

The best choice for making frittatas, cast iron skillets can safely go from stovetop to oven, and they conduct heat well and evenly. Seasoning a cast-iron pan gives it a non-stick quality, so a well-seasoned skillet will result in the easiest slicing & serving.

The Frittata Formula

Frittatas are incredibly simple. For every six large eggs, you'll want to mix in ¼ cup of milk or cream, ¼ cup of cheese, and about 3 cups of meat or vegetables. The small amount of milk and cheese keeps the eggs soft and creamy and the meat and vegetables give you endless options.

The egg to dairy ratio: If you are making a smaller frittata use 6 eggs and 1/4 cup of dairy, and if you are making a larger frittata use 12 eggs and 1/2 cup of dairy. You can use milk, sour cream, yogurt, milk kefir, or any other form of dairy you have on hand - just make sure it is full fat.

How do you know when to flip a frittata? ›

Here's an important tip: Don't flip your eggs until they're mostly cooked on the first side. This isn't an even split.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer, but it should only go in the basket. Acidic foods react with aluminum, so avoid using foil when air frying tomatoes, peppers, or citrus. Using parchment paper or a bare basket is better because it won't interfere with cooking.

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Fast 'n' Fluffy Omelets

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. In a medium-sized bowl, crack eggs then add cream of tartar. With the bowl at an angle, use a whisk to beat eggs for almost 2 minutes. This will get air into the eggs and the cream of tartar will make them fluffy.

The main way to make cakes fluffy is to incorporate air. This can be done by beating the egg whites separately from the yolks and incorporating them carefully into the batter. Like that, you retain the air bubbles created while beating the egg whites and your cake is fluffier.

A hot pan will lead to the rapid creation of steam within the egg mixture, adding fluffiness and giving it a soufflé-like quality, while eggs started in a cold pan will remain dense and creamy as they cook. I like my eggs somewhere in the middle: mostly creamy with a few lighter, fluffier curds interspersed.

I personally like adding a splash of milk or cream directly to my eggs before I start cooking. I find that it makes them more tender—plus, it's a great way to add more volume to your scrambled eggs if you're maybe running low and need to feed a few.