Easy Crustless Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Quiche (Low-Carb, High-Protein)

Start your morning with a rich, savory classic reimagined for effortless, modern cooking. This crustless air fryer quiche pairs smoky, crisped bacon with

Equipment

• Air Fryer (basket or oven style): Circulates rapid dry heat to brown the top while gently baking the custard interior.
• 6-inch or 7-inch Round Cake Pan (or silicone air fryer mould): Fits securely into the basket to contain the wet custard safely during cooking.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowl: Fully emulsifies the eggs and dairy to incorporate air for a fluffy, even rise.
• Parchment Round or Silicone Oil Sprayer: Coats the baking pan evenly to prevent sticking and guarantee clean slice removal.

Ingredients

• 4 large Whole Eggs
• 2 large Egg Whites (enhances lean protein density without excess fat)
• 1/3 cup Heavy Cream or Unsweetened Almond Milk (heavy cream yields the richest custard; almond milk lowers total calories)
• 4 strips Thick-Cut Bacon (cooked until crisp and finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded bagged cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives or Green Onions (finely minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• Olive oil spray or butter (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

1. Prep the baking vessel: Lightly grease a 6- or 7-inch round metal or silicone baking dish with olive oil spray. Line the bottom with a small round of parchment paper for effortless removal later.
2. Whisk the egg base: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper for 60 seconds until smooth, slightly frothy, and fully uniform.
3. Fold in mix-ins: Stir in the chopped crispy bacon, half of the minced chives, and 1/2 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining cheese and chives for the topping.
4. Fill and top: Pour the egg mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and chives evenly across the surface.
5. Air fry at moderate heat: Place the pan directly into the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 16 to 18 minutes .
6. Check texture and visual cues: The quiche is done when the top is puffed and deep golden-brown, with edges that are set and a center that exhibits only a very slight, firm jiggle when shaken gently. A toothpick inserted near the center should emerge clean.
7. Rest and serve: Remove carefully using silicone tongs or heatproof mitts. Let the quiche rest on a cooling rack for 8 to 10 minutes to allow the custard matrix to fully set before slicing into 4 neat wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 265 kcal · Protein: 21 g · Fat: s: 19 g Cholesterol: 225 mg · Carbohydrates: 2.5 g · Fiber: 0.2 g · Sugar: 1 g · Sodium: 480 mg