Looking for an easy meal that uses simple ingredients without spending a fortune? This air fryer potato and onion frittata is a satisfying option for breakfast, lunch or a light family dinner.
Made with tender new potatoes, gently softened onions and eggs, it has a golden top and a soft, savoury centre. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, and it is a useful way to turn leftover cooked potatoes into another meal.
Serve warm with a green salad, or enjoy a slice cold as part of a packed lunch. It is a flexible vegetarian recipe that fits easily into a budget-conscious weekly meal plan.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Frittata
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Uses just a few affordable supermarket ingredients.
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A practical way to use leftover cooked potatoes.
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Suitable for breakfast, lunch or a simple family dinner.
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Naturally meat-free, with no need for expensive speciality ingredients.
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Easy to portion into six slices for meal planning.
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Can be served warm or cold.
Recipe at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | Approximately 25 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time | Approximately 15–20 minutes |
| Total time | Approximately 40–45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cooking temperature | 175°C |
| Cooking method | Hob and air fryer |
| Main ingredients | Eggs, potatoes and onions |
The preparation time includes cooking the potatoes and softening the onions. Times may vary depending on your air fryer and the depth of your baking tin.
Ingredients
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350g new potatoes, cooked and sliced
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2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
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8 large eggs
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Low-calorie cooking spray or a little vegetable oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Potato and Onion Frittata
1. Prepare the potatoes
If using uncooked potatoes, place them in a saucepan of water and boil until just tender. Drain well, allow them to cool slightly, then cut into slices.
If you have leftover cooked potatoes, you can use those instead, provided they have been stored safely.
2. Soften the onions
Lightly coat a non-stick frying pan with cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil.
Add the sliced onions and cook over a medium-low heat for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the egg mixture
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until the yolks and whites are combined.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Combine the ingredients
Add the sliced potatoes and softened onions to the eggs. Stir gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed without breaking up the potatoes too much.
5. Prepare the air fryer tin
Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking tin or silicone mould that fits comfortably inside your appliance, leaving enough space for air to circulate.
Do not pour the uncooked egg mixture directly into a perforated air fryer basket.
6. Cook the frittata
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin.
Set the air fryer to 175°C and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the centre is fully set.
Cooking time will depend on the size and depth of your tin, so check the centre before removing it. If necessary, continue cooking in short intervals.
7. Rest and serve
Carefully remove the tin from the air fryer and allow the frittata to rest for around 5 minutes.
Turn it out onto a serving plate or slice it directly from the tin. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using, and divide into six portions.
Serve warm with salad or your favourite vegetables.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frittata
Use a suitable baking tin. A shallow tin helps the eggs cook evenly. Check your air fryer’s instructions before choosing a metal or silicone mould.
Cook the onions first. Softening the onions before adding them to the eggs improves their texture and brings out their natural sweetness.
Drain the potatoes well. Excess moisture can affect the finished texture of the frittata.
Avoid overfilling the tin. The egg mixture needs enough space to expand slightly during cooking.
Check the centre. The top may turn golden before the middle has finished cooking, particularly when using a deep tin. The eggs should be fully set, with no runny centre.
Budget-Friendly Ingredient Swaps
This is a flexible recipe, making it useful when you want to cook with ingredients already in your kitchen.
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Potatoes: Use leftover boiled potatoes instead of cooking a fresh batch.
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Onions: Ordinary brown onions work perfectly, so there is no need to buy a speciality variety.
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Parsley: Leave it out if you do not have any; it is optional.
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Extra vegetables: A small quantity of cooked spinach, peppers or peas can be added if you want to use up leftovers. Drain any watery vegetables before adding them.
If you add extra ingredients, avoid overcrowding the tin, as this may increase the cooking time.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frittata
A slice of potato and onion frittata is satisfying on its own, but simple side dishes can help turn it into a more substantial family meal.
Try serving it with a mixed green salad, sliced tomatoes, cucumber or steamed seasonal vegetables. For lunch, a small portion also works well alongside salad leaves.
Using whatever vegetables are already in the fridge can help keep the overall meal affordable and reduce food waste.
Can You Make Air Fryer Frittata Ahead?
Yes. You can cook the frittata in advance, allow it to cool and store it in the fridge.
It is also a convenient option for preparing lunches ahead of time because it can be divided into individual portions.
For the best texture, avoid repeatedly reheating the entire frittata. Take out only the portions you need.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the cooked frittata to cool, then refrigerate promptly in an airtight container. Eat within 48 hours.
You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual portions until piping hot throughout. If using the air fryer, check frequently to prevent the eggs from becoming dry.
Only reheat a portion once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook a frittata in an air fryer?
Yes. An air fryer can cook a frittata successfully when you use a suitable baking tin or mould. The exact cooking time depends on your appliance and the thickness of the egg mixture.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Yes. The potatoes should be cooked before being added to the eggs, as raw potato slices may not become tender during the relatively short air fryer cooking time.
Can I use leftover potatoes?
Absolutely. Leftover cooked potatoes are ideal for this recipe and can help reduce food waste. Make sure they have been stored correctly.
Why is my frittata still runny in the middle?
Your baking tin may be too deep, or your air fryer may need a little longer. Continue cooking in short intervals until the centre is fully set.
Is this frittata suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the basic recipe contains eggs, potatoes, onions and seasonings, with no meat or fish ingredients.
Can I add cheese?
Yes. A small amount of grated Cheddar can be added for a variation, although this will change the original recipe and its nutritional values.
More Budget-Friendly Family Meal Ideas
Looking for easy meals that make weekly food shopping simpler? Visit our UK Family Meal Planner for practical meal ideas and inspiration for planning affordable family dinners.