Veggie Air Fryer Frittata

Last Sunday morning, I was staring at a half-empty carton of eggs and some wilting veggies from the farmers market, feeling too lazy to turn on the oven. That's when my air fryer caught my eye—sitting there like a kitchen superhero waiting to save breakfast. Ten minutes later, I was pulling out this gorgeous frittata with the fluffiest texture I've ever achieved, and I haven't looked back since.

My sister stayed over last weekend and watched me make this, initially skeptical about the air fryer method. When she took her first bite and immediately asked for the recipe, I knew this was going into our regular rotation. Now she texts me photos of her own variations every weekend.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk up better and create that signature fluffiness we're after
• 1/4 cup milk: Any milk works here—I've used everything from whole milk to oat milk with great results
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes: These burst beautifully in the air fryer, creating little pockets of sweetness throughout
• 1/2 cup baby spinach: Fresh spinach wilts perfectly without becoming watery like frozen might
• 1/3 cup red bell pepper: Adds crunch and color—red brings natural sweetness that balances the eggs
• 1/4 cup red onion: Finely chopped so it distributes evenly without overwhelming each bite
• 1/4 cup zucchini: Dice it small so it cooks through in the same time as the eggs
• 1/3 cup feta or cheddar: Totally optional but honestly, the salty kick from feta is my absolute favorite
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For greasing your pan—butter works too if that's your preference

Instructions

Whisk your base:

Beat those eggs with milk, salt, pepper, and herbs until everything's incorporated and slightly frothy—about 30 seconds of energetic whisking does the trick.

Add the vegetables:

Fold in all your chopped vegetables and cheese gently, being careful not to deflate those air bubbles you just created.

Preheat strategically:

Give your air fryer a 3-minute head start at 350°F while you grease your pan with olive oil.

Pour and position:

Pour that gorgeous mixture into your prepared 7-inch oven-safe pan and carefully place it in the air fryer basket.

Cook to perfection:

Let it work its magic for 12-15 minutes until the center's set and the top has this beautiful golden glow.

Rest before serving:

Give it just 2 minutes to settle—it makes slicing so much cleaner and helps the flavors meld together.

Save

This recipe saved me during that chaotic week when my kitchen was being renovated and I had nothing but a counter full of appliances and random vegetables. Something about eating something this wholesome made the construction dust feel a little more manageable.

Make It Yours

Swap in whatever vegetables speak to you—broccoli, mushrooms, kale, or even leftover roasted vegetables from last night's dinner work beautifully. I've made this with everything from asparagus in spring to butternut squash in fall, and it never disappoints.

Dairy-Free Hacks

The texture remains surprisingly lush without dairy. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk in the egg mixture, and either skip the cheese entirely or try a dollop of dairy-free pesto swirled in before cooking for that same savory hit.

Serving Suggestions

This frittata holds its own beautifully, but I love serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, peppery greens cut through the richness perfectly. It's also incredible stuffed into a crusty roll for the most satisfying breakfast sandwich you'll ever eat.

• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes
• Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill after cooking for a bright finish
• This freezes beautifully for up to 2 months if you want to meal prep

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about pulling this out of the air fryer, all puffed and golden, like you've somehow tricked breakfast into being this easy and this good at the same time.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables in this frittata?

Yes, you can substitute seasonal vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or kale to suit your taste and availability.

→ Is it necessary to use cheese in the frittata?

Cheese is optional. You can omit it or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option without compromising flavor.

→ What is the best way to cook the frittata in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), use an oven-safe pan greased with olive oil, and cook for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the frittata can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to maintain texture.

→ Is this frittata suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this dish is inherently gluten-free, relying on eggs and vegetables without any wheat-based ingredients.