Quiche is just one of those dishes that feels lightweight yet decadent. It spans breakfast, brunch, and lunch all with ease. This easy mini air fryer quiche with crust recipe bakes up in just about 20 minutes! They’re filled with a savory ham and cheese filling that’s delicious any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ham and cheese is such a classic combo, but you can only eat so many ham and cheese sandwiches. This recipe changes it up for a new use that ditches the bread and gives you a golden brown crust filled with savory egg custard instead.
It’s one of my favorite quiche recipes to use up leftover ham (like my Air Fryer Hot Honey Ham) after your Christmas, Easter, or other holiday celebrations as well. Turn it into a fancy breakfast or brunch for your family, and don’t let that spiral ham go to waste!
Your air fryer cooks everything up perfectly, and these mini quiches in a flaky crust are the perfect portion for lunch (though you can totally make a large size one to share as well).
Katie’s tip
You can also ditch the crust if you prefer! Check out my crustless steak and spinach air fryer mini quiche recipe to learn how!
Of course, you can always ditch the prep and make things easier by cooking from frozen, like with Trader Joe’s air fryer quiche or my air fryer frozen mini quiche recipe.
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Ingredients List
- Refrigerated pie crust
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp dried chives
- ½ cup diced ham
- ½ cup shredded swiss cheese
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
special equipment note:
You’re going to need small, oven safe pie dishes to make your mini quiche in. I’m using mini fluted tartlet pans, but mini pie pans, mini tart pans, mini quiche pans, or wide ramekins are other viable options.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pie Crust. If you can’t find refrigerated pie crust, you can substitute puff pastry or mini tart shells (both typically found in the freezer section). One package of 2 pie crusts should get you 5-6 mini quiches depending on your pie dish size
- Egg. You can substitute Egg Beaters or Just Egg if you’d like
- Ham. I like to use leftover spiral sliced ham that I cube up (about 2 slices should be enough). You can also use deli ham as well
- Mustard. If you don’t like mustard, swap it out for paprika
- Chives. You can also use fresh instead of dried (I usually do 2 tsp in that case). Feel free to substitute parsley, basil, or green onions instead for other good options
- Swiss Cheese. Cheddar is another good option if you prefer it over swiss
- Cream. If you’re trying to cut calories, you can use 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 (and if you do use milk, opt for 2% or whole milk for better results)
- Variations: Feel free to add about ¼ cup of broccoli florets or cooked, drained spinach into the mix if you want some veggies. For a mini quiche lorraine, use bacon instead of ham and Gruyere instead of regular swiss (and add in an optional pinch of grated nutmeg too)!
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (or 325°F depending on your air fryer’s options)
- 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
- Place the crust into the pan, then crimp the edges around the crust with your fingers, trimming any excess
- Prick the bottoms of the crust with a fork
- Place the crust filled pans into the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at 320°F. I usually don’t have any issues, but if they puff too much, you can add parchment paper and pie weights or dry beans on top of the crusts to weigh them down while cooking
- While the crusts are cooking, whisk together eggs, cream, mustard, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl
- Remove the par baked crusts from the air fryer (careful they will be hot)
- Distribute the ham and cheese evenly amongst the crusts
- Pour your egg filling over the ham and cheese in the crusts, filling each one about ¾ full (you’ll want about ¼” left at the top)
- 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)
- Rest the quiche for 10-15 minutes to allow the eggs to finish setting
- Cut, serve, and enjoy!
Pairings For Ham and Cheese Quiche
Fresh Pairings
- Mixed greens salad – A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the eggs and cheese beautifully
- Fresh fruits – Berries, grapes, or sliced apples add sweetness and contrast to the savory ham
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette – Peppery greens + citrus keep the plate from feeling heavy
- Cucumber and tomato salad – Crisp, juicy, and refreshing alongside a warm slice of quiche
Cozy Soups
- Roasted tomato soup – The acidity balances the creamy filling perfectly
- Vegetable soup – Light but hearty enough to round out the meal
- Creamy potato leek soup – Echoes the comfort factor without competing with the quiche
- French onion soup – Savory-on-savory in the best way for a winter brunch
Breads & Starches
- Air fryer focaccia – Soft, herby, and perfect for soaking up any cheesy bites
- Butternut squash fries – Slight sweetness complements the salty ham
- Breakfast potatoes or home fries – Classic brunch pairing
- Flaky croissants – Lean into the French café vibe!
Veggie Sides
- Maple bacon Brussels sprouts – Sweet, smoky notes play beautifully with ham and cheese
- Roasted asparagus – Bright and elegant for brunch. My Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a great choice too!
- Garlic sautéed spinach – Simple and balanced
Drink Pairings
- Microwave mulled wine – Warm spices contrast the creamy, savory filling (especially for fall or winter)!
- Sparkling wine – Bubbles refresh the palate between bites
- Light-bodied Pinot Noir – Smooth and subtle enough not to overpower the quiche
- Fresh orange juice or a mimosa – Bright citrus works especially well at brunch
- Hot coffee or tea – Classic and comforting
Recipe FAQs
Do I Prebake Crust For Quiche?
Yes, you should prebake (blind bake) crust for quiche. It serves two purposes. First, it keeps your pie shell from getting soggy on the bottom.
Secondly, it ensures that the crust and filling are both cooked at about the same time. Otherwise, the egg tends to overbake and get rubbery by the time the crust is ready.
What Temperature Should a Quiche Be Cooked To?
A quiche should be cooked to at least 165°F for food safety. Not only are you cooking the eggs, but you’re also reheating cooked meats and vegetables, so it’s important to get it to that level.
However, you don’t want to overcook either, as you’ll get rubbery eggs. About 180°F is the maximum temperature it can get to before the texture becomes unpleasant.
How Long Does it Take To Cook Mini Quiches in an Air Fryer?
It takes between 10 and 15 minutes on average to cook mini quiches in an air fryer. This can vary slightly based on the actual size of the quiche and your specific air fryer.
This is assuming a cooking temperature of around 320°F. While it takes less time at higher temperatures, this is more likely to burn your crust, cheese, or eggs. That’s why it’s preferable to cook it slightly longer at a lower temperature.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Quiche With Crust
- Spray your pans well with nonstick spray if they are not already nonstick so that the crust releases cleanly
- 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 may vary slightly
- My tartlet pans are 4.7” and I could make 5 mini quiches with the ingredients as listed. Feel free to adjust slightly if needed should your pans be a drastically different size
- I do not typically have an issue with the crust overbrowning. However, if you feel yours is getting too dark, you can use a pie crust shield or wrap the edges of the crust in foil while waiting for the center to set
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Cool completely first. Let the quiche cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy crust
- Refrigerator. Store in the fridge wrapped well in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freeze for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes reheating super easy!
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (best for crisp crust). Reheat at 300–325°F for 3–6 minutes (depending on the size of your piece) until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling creamy! Slices work best for reheating, as they get better heat distribution vs a whole pie
- Oven method. Cover loosely with foil and warm at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want the crust crispier.
- Microwave (quick option). Heat in short 30-second bursts. It works, but the crust will soften
- Reheat from frozen. Air fry or bake at 325°F until heated through. No need to thaw first, though it will take a few extra minutes!
- Pro tip: Avoid overheating. Quiche is custard-based, so too much heat can make it rubbery. You just want it warmed through, not re-cooked!
Final Thoughts
These adorable mini ham and cheese air fryer quiche with crust are just perfect addition to your breakfast, brunch, or lunch rotation. I normally make a few at a time and then grab them throughout the week.
I love that you can just kind of fill this easy quiche recipe with whatever you have on hand as well. While ham and cheese is a classic, it’s a great way to use up leftovers! I’ve even used seafood, changed up or added various spices, and even some air fryer caramelized onions to give my quiche great depth of flavor.
The crust comes out perfectly flaky and delicious, while the custard filling is creamy and decadent. This mini quiche recipe is always a win in my house, especially after Easter or Christmas when we have extra ham to use.
Easy Mini Ham and Cheese Air Fryer Quiche With Crust
Equipment
- Sharp knife (such as a paring knife)
- 4-5 Mini pie pans (or tart or tartlet pans, ramekins, or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 box of 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
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (or 325°F depending on your air fryer’s options)
- 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 it1 box of 2 9” refrigerated pie crusts
- Place the crust into the pan, then crimp the edges around the crust with your fingers, trimming any excess. Prick the bottoms of the crust with a fork
- Place the crust filled pans into the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at 320°F
- While the crusts are cooking, whisk together eggs, cream, mustard, chives, and salt and pepper in a bowl3 large eggs, 1/2 tsp salt & pepper, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp dried chives, 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Remove the par baked crusts from the air fryer (careful, as they will be hot). Distribute the ham and cheese evenly amongst the crusts1/2 cup diced ham, 1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 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)
- 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 fine)
- Rest the quiche for 10-15 minutes to allow the eggs to finish setting. 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
- 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, size of dishes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
