Introduction
Discover the breakfast sensation that’s taking social media by storm! This incredibly easy Air Fryer Frittata combines farm-fresh eggs, vibrant spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a blend of melty cheeses to create a protein-packed meal ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick lunch, this viral recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The air fryer creates a perfectly cooked frittata with a golden cheesy top and a tender, fluffy interior. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a speedy breakfast solution, this versatile dish will revolutionize your morning routine!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 70g (2.5 oz) fresh spinach
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 100g (3.5 oz) grated Emmental or mozzarella cheese
- Cooking oil spray
- Parchment paper (sized to fit your air fryer basket)
Instructions
Preparing the Air Fryer:
- Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket.
- Place the parchment paper in the basket and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 2 minutes if your model requires preheating.
Making the Frittata:
- In a medium bowl, crack the 4 eggs and beat until well combined.
- Season the eggs with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and whisk to incorporate.
- Roughly chop the spinach and add it to the egg mixture, stirring to combine.
- Pour the egg and spinach mixture onto the parchment paper in the air fryer basket, spreading it evenly.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and distribute them evenly across the surface of the egg mixture.
- Place the small mozzarella balls evenly throughout the frittata.
- Sprinkle the grated Emmental or mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.
Cooking the Frittata:
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (356°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the frittata from the air fryer using the parchment paper to lift it out.
- Allow to cool slightly for 1-2 minutes before cutting into portions.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 3 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2-4
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 2 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Check for doneness: Every air fryer model varies slightly. The frittata is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the cheese is golden brown.
- Prevent sticking: Don’t skip the parchment paper and oil spray – they’re essential for easy removal.
- Vegetable prep: Make sure to remove excess moisture from the spinach by patting it with a paper towel to avoid a soggy frittata.
- Cheese distribution: For the most visually appealing result, save some of the grated cheese to sprinkle on top after adding the tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
- Air fryer basket space: Don’t overcrowd the basket; the frittata should have room to puff up slightly during cooking.
- Temperature check: If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Reheating tip: If reheating leftovers, 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) will restore the crispy exterior.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetable options: Replace spinach with kale, arugula, or sautéed bell peppers and onions.
- Cheese alternatives: Try feta, goat cheese, or cheddar instead of Emmental.
- Protein additions: Add 50g of diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or smoked salmon for extra protein.
- Mediterranean style: Include 1 tablespoon of chopped black olives, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
- Herb enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, or parsley to the egg mixture.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño.
Common FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-18 minutes in a parchment-lined small baking dish.
How do I know when the frittata is fully cooked?
The frittata is done when the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted and slightly crispy, and the center is set (not jiggly). If uncertain, insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.
Can I prepare this the night before?
You can mix the eggs and seasonings and store them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, stir in the spinach and continue with the recipe. This saves a few minutes of prep time.
Will this recipe work with egg whites only?
Yes! Replace the 4 whole eggs with 8 egg whites for a lower-fat version. The cooking time remains the same.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it in batches unless you have a very large air fryer. Doubling the ingredients in a standard air fryer would make the frittata too thick to cook properly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover frittata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Individually wrap cooled frittata portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 160°C (320°F) or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Meal prep: Make a batch on Sunday and portion for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Serving temperature: This frittata is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches.
- Accompaniments: Store separately from any sauces or side dishes to prevent sogginess.
This viral air fryer frittata is not just quick and delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, this recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated techniques to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. With endless variation possibilities, you can enjoy this speedy frittata multiple times a week without ever getting bored!
