Can I Cook Desserts In An Air Fryer?

We admit when we first heard about cooking desserts in an air fryer, we were skeptical.

After all, isn’t an air fryer primarily used for crispy, savory dishes like french fries and chicken wings? But curiosity got the better, and we decided to try it.

To our surprise and delight, the air fryer was a versatile tool for whipping delicious desserts. From gooey chocolate lava cakes to crispy apple fritters, the air fryer has quickly become our go-to appliance for satisfying our sweet tooth.

So, if you’re wondering whether you can cook desserts in an air fryer, the answer is a resounding yes!

Allow us to guide you through the world of air fryer desserts and showcase how this unassuming countertop device can transform your dessert game like never before.

Overview

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation to cook food, providing a healthier and more efficient alternative to traditional frying methods.

It works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excessive amounts of oil. Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to cook a wide range of dishes, from main courses to snacks and desserts.

Why use an air fryer for cooking desserts?

Using an air fryer for cooking desserts offers several advantages. First and foremost, it allows for healthier dessert options since air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep frying.

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are conscious of their calorie intake or are following a specific diet plan. Additionally, air fryers provide a quick and convenient cooking method, which can be especially useful when craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The hot air circulation in an air fryer ensures even cooking, resulting in desserts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Types of Desserts That Can Be Cooked in an Air Fryer

Cakes and cupcakes

Yes, you read that right – you can bake cakes and cupcakes in an air fryer! Air frying desserts like cakes and cupcakes might sound unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to achieve a moist and fluffy texture with a golden-brown exterior.

When baking a cake or cupcakes in an air fryer, it’s essential to use a smaller pan or individual cupcake liners that fit within the appliance’s basket. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. The cooking time may be slightly shorter than in a traditional oven, so monitoring the cake closely and performing a toothpick test to ensure it’s fully cooked is essential.

Cookies and brownies

Air fryers are perfect for baking cookies and brownies. When it comes to cookies, you can use your favorite cookie dough or opt for pre-made refrigerated dough for a quick and easy treat.

The air fryer creates a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and chewy center. The air fryer helps achieve a fudgy texture for brownies, with a slightly crisp top. It’s essential to cook cookies and brownies in small batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.

Pies and tarts

Air fryers can be used to bake delicious pies and tarts as well. The air fryer can create a perfectly golden and flaky crust from classic apple pies to custard tarts. To achieve this, it’s important to preheat the air fryer and use the appropriate baking pan or dish that fits within the appliance. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary from a traditional oven, so it’s essential to monitor the pie or tart closely.

Doughnuts and pastries

Craving doughnuts but don’t want to deal with the mess and excessive oil from deep frying? Look no further than your air fryer. Air frying doughnuts and pastries can create a delightfully crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.

To make doughnuts in an air fryer, simply shape the dough and let it rise, then air fry until golden brown. Brushing the doughnuts with melted butter or oil before air frying can help achieve a beautiful golden color.

Fried dough desserts

If you’re a fan of carnival-style fried dough desserts like churros or funnel cakes, you’ll be delighted to know that you can easily recreate them in an air fryer.

By using a simple dough recipe and shaping it into desired shapes, you can achieve a crispy and delicious treat without the need for deep frying. Air frying these desserts results in a lighter and healthier version while still maintaining the delightful taste and texture.

Frozen desserts

Love ice cream but want to add a twist to your favorite frozen treat? An air fryer can be used to create unique and delicious desserts using frozen ingredients.

For example, you can transform frozen bananas into creamy and dairy-free “nice cream” by blending them and then air frying the mixture for a few minutes.

The result is a soft-serve-like dessert with a slightly caramelized flavor. You can also use the air fryer to create crispy toppings for your frozen desserts by air frying crumbled cookies, nuts, or coconut flakes.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Desserts in an Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving optimal cooking results. Like a traditional oven, preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before placing the desserts inside. This helps with even cooking and prevents undercooking or uneven browning.

Using the right temperature and cooking time

Every air fryer model is different, so it’s essential to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cooking temperatures and times for specific desserts. As a general rule, desserts typically require a lower temperature than savory dishes. It’s always best to start with a lower temperature and adjust as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.

Choosing the right baking pan

When baking desserts in an air fryer, it’s crucial to use a baking pan or dish that fits within the appliance. Most air fryers come with a basket or tray, so selecting the appropriate size ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. Non-stick baking pans or silicone molds are ideal for easy removal of desserts and quick cleanup.

Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats

To prevent desserts from sticking to the baking pan or basket, it’s recommended to use parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

These non-stick liners not only make it easier to remove the desserts but also help with cleanup afterward. Just make sure to trim the parchment paper or baking mat to fit correctly within the air fryer.

Adding moisture to avoid dryness

Air frying tends to remove some moisture from desserts, potentially resulting in a dry final product. To combat this, you can add moisture by brushing butter or oil on the surface of the desserts before cooking. Another option is to place a small container of water inside the air fryer while baking, which helps create a moist cooking environment.

Avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket

To ensure even cooking and achieve the desired texture, it’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving enough space between desserts allows for proper air circulation and prevents them from sticking together. If needed, cook desserts in multiple batches to maintain the optimal cooking conditions.

Rotating the dessert halfway through cooking

To ensure even browning, it’s recommended to rotate the desserts halfway through the cooking process. This helps achieve a uniform color and texture on all sides. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip or rotate the desserts, ensuring they cook evenly from top to bottom.

Testing for doneness

Different desserts may require different cooking times, so it’s crucial to test for doneness to avoid undercooked or overcooked treats. Use a toothpick or skewer to insert into the center of the dessert. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the dessert is likely done. However, if it comes out wet or with raw batter, it needs more cooking time.

Allowing desserts to cool before serving

While the aroma of freshly cooked desserts may be tempting, allowing them to cool before serving is essential. This allows the flavors and textures to fully develop. Additionally, some desserts may be delicate when hot, so giving them time to cool and set slightly helps with easier handling and enjoyment.

Recipe Ideas for Desserts in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• One large egg
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an air fryer-safe baking pan or parchment-lined basket.
8. Place the pan or basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Air Fryer Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• Two refrigerated pie crusts
• 4 cups thinly sliced apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• One tablespoon lemon juice
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
• One egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• One tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Roll out one pie crust and fit it into an air fryer-safe pie dish, leaving some overhang.
3. Combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Mix until the apples are coated.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly. Dot the diced butter on top.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
6. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Place the pie dish in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Ingredients:

• One can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• One tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Three tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the biscuit dough from the can and separate it into individual discs.
3. Use a small round cookie cutter or bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, creating the doughnut shape.
4. Place the doughnuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip the doughnuts with tongs or a spatula.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the doughnuts are golden brown.
7. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
8. Dip each hot doughnut in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
9. Place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• One tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• One large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Line the air fryer basket with muffin liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Fill each muffin cup with batter, filling about 2/3 full.
8. Place the muffin-filled basket in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• Three ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• One large egg
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth in a large bowl.
3. Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Do not overmix.
6. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Place the loaf pan in the air fryer and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the air fryer and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Cheesecake

Ingredients: For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased springform pan, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat the vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (148°C) for 5 minutes.
8. Place the springform pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 35-40 minutes until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before removing it from the springform pan and serving.

Air Fryer Churros

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Three large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the dough, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Fit a piping bag with a star-shaped tip and fill it with the churro dough.
6. Pipe the dough into desired lengths onto an air fryer-safe baking pan or parchment-lined basket, leaving space between each churro.
7. Place the pan or basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the churros are golden brown and crispy.
8. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
9. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy and delicious homemade churros.

Air Fryer Oreo Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 Oreo cookies, crushed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for 5 minutes.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. Whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl.
4. Add the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
5. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.
7. Grease a small baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Remove from the air fryer and let cool in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy the rich and fudgy Oreo brownies.

Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients: For the biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• One tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2/3 cup milk

For the strawberry filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Two tablespoons granulated sugar

For the whipped cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• Two tablespoons powdered sugar
• One teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: Biscuits:

1. Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 inch.
6. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds of dough and place them on an air fryer-safe baking pan or parchment-lined basket.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
8. Place the pan or basket in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let the biscuits cool on a wire rack.

Strawberry filling:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar.
2. Let the strawberries sit for a few minutes to macerate and release their juices.

Whipped cream:

1. Wash the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.

Assembly:

1. Slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
2. Spoon a generous amount of strawberry filling onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
3. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
4. Place the other half of the biscuit on top and press gently.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic and refreshing strawberry shortcake.

Benefits of Cooking Desserts in an Air Fryer

Healthier alternative

One of the significant benefits of cooking desserts in an air fryer is that it offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. Air frying requires significantly less oil, resulting in lower calorie and fat desserts. Using hot air circulation instead of oil, air fryers can create crispy and delicious desserts without the added grease. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are watching their calorie intake or following a specific diet plan.

Faster cooking time

Air fryers are known for their quick and efficient cooking. When it comes to desserts, using an air fryer can significantly reduce the baking or frying time compared to a conventional oven or stovetop. This means you can enjoy your favorite sweet treats in less time. This can be especially useful when you’re craving a quick dessert fix or need to prepare treats for unexpected guests or special occasions.

Crispy and evenly cooked desserts

Another advantage of using an air fryer for desserts is that it allows for crispy and evenly cooked results. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the desserts are evenly browned on all sides, creating a desirable texture. Whether you’re baking cookies, frying doughnuts, or making churros, the air fryer can help achieve a perfectly golden exterior while maintaining a soft and moist interior.

Less mess and easy cleanup

Unlike traditional frying methods that involve large amounts of oil and leave a greasy mess behind, air fryers offer a cleaner and more convenient cooking experience. Since air frying requires minimal oil, there is less splatter and grease to clean up.

Additionally, most air fryer baskets and accessories are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning quick and hassle-free. This is especially beneficial when you’re crunched for time or want to enjoy your desserts without worrying about the aftermath.

Considerations When Cooking Desserts in an Air Fryer

Adjusting recipes for air fryer cooking

When cooking desserts in an air fryer, it’s essential to consider that adjustments may be needed to ensure optimal results. Air fryers cook differently than traditional ovens so that recipe modifications may be necessary.

It’s recommended to follow air fryer-specific recipes or make adjustments to cooking times and temperatures if using traditional oven recipes. Experimentation and monitoring during the cooking process will help determine the ideal adjustments for your air fryer desserts.

Potential for uneven browning

While air fryers are designed to promote even cooking, there is still a possibility of uneven browning, especially with sure desserts.

Due to the air fryer’s compact size and intense heat, desserts with intricate designs or multiple layers may not brown evenly. To minimize this, rotating the desserts halfway through the cooking process and using lighter-colored baking pans or silicone molds can help achieve a more even color distribution.

Limited capacity for larger desserts

One drawback of air fryers is their limited capacity, especially for more giant desserts like whole cakes or pies. Air fryer baskets and trays have a specific size, and desserts must fit within these dimensions. If you’re planning to make a large cake or pie, you may need to prepare it in smaller portions or use multiple batches. It’s essential to consider the capacity of your air fryer and adjust recipes accordingly to ensure proper cooking and avoid overcrowding.

Specific air fryer settings and features

Each air fryer model comes with its specific settings and features, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these to ensure successful dessert cooking. Some air fryers have preset dessert functions or temperature options specifically designed for baking or frying desserts.

Others may require manual adjustments to temperature and time settings. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or recipe guidelines for the best settings based on your specific air fryer model.

Cautions with greasy or sticky desserts

While air fryers are versatile and can handle a variety of desserts, it’s essential to exercise caution when cooking greasy or sticky treats. Sure desserts that are coated in heavy batter or have a high sugar content can result in excessive smoke or sticky residue in the air fryer.

It’s recommended to monitor these desserts closely during cooking and adjust as needed to prevent any mishaps or damage to the air fryer.

Conclusion

Using an air fryer for cooking desserts can open up a world of possibilities for creating delicious and healthier treats.

Whether baking cakes, cookies, or pies, air frying allows for crispy and evenly cooked desserts with reduced oil. The quick cooking time, easy cleanup, and convenience of air fryers make them valuable to any kitchen.

Just keep in mind the considerations and tips mentioned, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a wide array of mouthwatering air fryer desserts.