• Quince seed gum (QSG) and gelatin were used to prepare hydro- and aerogels. • High levels of QSG decreased the gel strength and elasticity of hydrogels. • Gelatin/QSG aerogels had manifestly higher gel strength than the hydrogels. • QSG interacted with gelatin by electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions. • QSG increased porosity and thermal stability of gelatin aerogels.