Tortilla española — the classic Spanish omelette of potato, onion and egg — is usually a nervy stovetop flip. In the air fryer, you cook it in a tin until set and golden, no flip needed. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make a Spanish tortilla in an air fryer?
A: Soften potato and onion, mix with egg in a tin, and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for about 20 minutes, until set and golden.
Q: Do you need to flip it?
A: No — cooking it in a tin sets it through with no flip.
The method
Soften sliced potato and onion gently first (in the air fryer or a pan) until tender, then mix with beaten egg and season. Tip into an oiled tin that fits your basket and air fry until set in the middle and golden on top — the air fryer cooks it evenly so there's no anxious flip. Rest, then turn out.
The recipe
Air Fryer Tortilla Española
Ingredients
- 500g potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 eggs
- Olive oil, salt
Method
- Soften the potato and onion until tender.
- Mix with beaten egg; season.
- Tip into an oiled tin.
- Air fry at 180°C for ~20 min until set.
Tips
- Soften the potato first so it's tender.
- No flip needed — the air fryer sets it through.
- Rest before turning out so it holds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a Spanish tortilla in an air fryer?
Soften potato and onion until tender, mix with beaten egg in an oiled tin, and air fry at 180°C for about 20 minutes until set and golden — no flip needed.
Do you have to flip a tortilla española?
On the hob, yes — but in the air fryer it cooks evenly in a tin, setting through without the tricky flip.
Is it served hot or cold?
Both — it's traditionally served warm or at room temperature, as a tapa, light meal or in a sandwich.