Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Hashbrown Crust
If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch recipe, this Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Hashbrown Crust is a must-try. It combines a crispy golden hashbrown crust with a creamy egg filling loaded with smoky bacon and melted cheddar cheese—all cooked conveniently in the air fryer.
This recipe is perfect when you want something comforting yet impressive, without turning on the oven. The air fryer not only saves time but also delivers a beautifully crisp crust and evenly cooked quiche every time.
Why Make Quiche in the Air Fryer?
Faster than oven baking
Crispy hashbrown crust without excess oil
Perfect for small kitchens or summer cooking
Even cooking with less energy
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or light dinner
Ingredients for Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Hashbrown Crust
Hashbrown Crust
3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Quiche Filling
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Equipment Needed
Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
7-inch or air-fryer-safe round pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Silicone spatula or spoon
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the hashbrown crust crisp properly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Hashbrown Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns with the melted butter. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of an air-fryer-safe pan, forming an even crust.
Step 3: Air Fry the Hashbrown Crust
Place the pan into the preheated air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover with foil.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the crust is cooking, whisk together:
Eggs
Half-and-half
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Once the hashbrown crust is crisp, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the crust, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the cheese and bacon, allowing it to settle evenly.
Step 6: Air Fry the Quiche
Reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F (165°C).
Return the pan to the air fryer and cook for 18–22 minutes, or until:
The center is set
The top is lightly golden
A knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean
Check at the 15-minute mark and cover loosely with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the quiche from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the quiche firm up and makes clean slices easier.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Option
Omit the bacon and add:
Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Bell peppers
Caramelized onions
Cheese Swaps
Try Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Spicy Version
Add:
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Chopped jalapeños
Red pepper flakes
Gluten-Free Friendly
Ensure your hashbrowns are certified gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat slices in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 4–6 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing:
Quiche can be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas
Fresh fruit salad
Green salad with vinaigrette
Toast or croissants
Coffee or fresh juice
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, but shred and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with butter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
What size pan works best?
A 7-inch round pan fits most standard air fryers perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Quiche with Hashbrown Crust is everything you want in a comfort-food breakfast—crispy, creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The air fryer makes it faster, easier, and just as delicious as the oven version.