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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Best Air Fryer Desserts of 2024!
By Rashko Arnaudov/ Last Updated January 18, 2024
One of the notable health benefits of air-frying desserts is the reduced fat content. In comparison to traditional deep-frying methods, air frying minimizes the amount of fat absorbed by the dessert. The result is lighter and healthier treats that don’t sacrifice taste or indulgence. Check out our list of the best air fryer desserts that’ll get dessert (and breakfast) on your table in no time flat.
Moreover, air fryers operate at lower temperatures and cook quickly, helping to preserve the nutritional value of ingredients. This makes air-fried desserts a healthier alternative to some traditional baking methods, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Beyond the culinary advantages, the convenience of air fryers makes healthier baking more accessible. The streamlined process, combined with the ease of cleaning, encourages individuals to embrace a balanced approach to indulgence and health. With fewer pots and pans to clean, air fryer desserts offer a hassle-free experience, making them more appealing to those seeking a wholesome treat.
If you’ve not yet bought an air-fryer, discover our top picks in our best air-fryers guide, which is filled with options to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
The Best Air Fryer Desserts
Air Fryer Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the Doughnuts: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two differently-sized round cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes.
Air Fry the Doughnuts: Lightly grease the air fryer basket and arrange the doughnuts in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the doughnuts are golden brown.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the doughnuts are still warm, brush each one with melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Serve Warm: Place the cinnamon sugar-coated doughnuts on a serving plate. Serve them warm and savor the homemade goodness of these delightful air fryer doughnuts!
Air Fryer Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Roll Out the Pie Crusts: Roll out one pie crust and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket, letting the edges drape over the sides. Trim any excess dough.
Add the Apple Filling: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Cut Ventilation Holes: Use a knife to make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Sugar-Cinnamon Topping: Brush the top crust with melted butter and sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the top for a delicious golden finish.
Air Fry the Apple Pie: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the apple pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Air Fryer Molten Lava Cake
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare Ramekins: Grease four ramekins with cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Whisk in Sugar and Eggs: Whisk in the powdered sugar, followed by the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Ensure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add Vanilla and Flour:
Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the flour and a pinch of salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
Air Fry: Place the ramekins in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly soft.
Serve Warm: Carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer. Allow the lava cakes to cool for a minute before running a knife along the edges and inverting them onto serving plates.
Optional: Garnish and Serve: Optionally, serve the lava cakes with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Roll-Ups:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar filling.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Brush each triangle with a thin layer of melted butter, then spread a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface of each triangle.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough towards the pointed end to create crescent roll-ups.
Brush with Butter: Place the roll-ups in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Brush the tops of the roll-ups with additional melted butter.
Air Fry: Air fry the cinnamon roll-ups for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze: While the roll-ups are cooking, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze the Roll-Ups: Once the roll-ups are done, drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon treats.
Serve Warm: Serve warm air-fried cinnamon roll-ups, and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon goodness!
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 Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For Topping (Optional):
- Fresh berries, fruit compote, or whipped cream
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of a 7-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides of the pan.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Incorporate Flour and Sour Cream: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Fill the Pan: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
Air Fry: Place the springform pan in the preheated air fryer. Air fry the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Top and Serve (Optional): Before serving, add your choice of toppings such as fresh berries, fruit compote, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Slice and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice it, and enjoy your air-fried cheesecake!
Air Fryer Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
Prepare the Pan: Grease a small baking pan or line it with parchment paper, ensuring it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for an extra chocolatey touch.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Air Fry: Place the baking pan in the preheated air fryer. Air fry the brownies for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet).
Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your air-fried brownies as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Dough: Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
Shape the Crescent Rolls: Roll each crescent roll triangle starting from the wider end towards the pointed end, creating a crescent shape.
Enhanced Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Brush with Enhanced Butter Mixture: Brush each shaped crescent roll with the enhanced butter mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the butter-coated crescent rolls in the Air Fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion.
Air Fry: Air fry the crescent rolls at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model and the size of the crescent rolls.
Serve Warm: Once the crescent rolls are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Serve them warm.
Optional: Additional Brushing: If desired, brush the warm crescent rolls with more of the enhanced butter mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy: Enjoy your upgraded air-fried crescent rolls with a delicious hint of honey, garlic, and parsley!
Air Fryer Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
Prepare Cupcake Liners: Place cupcake liners in the wells of your air fryer basket or use silicone cupcake molds.
Make the Cupcake Batter: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Air Fry: Place the cupcake-filled liners in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the prepared frosting. Optionally, add food coloring or sprinkles for decoration.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your air-fried cupcakes and enjoy the delightful homemade goodness!
Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. If the bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are slightly crisp.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until well combined.
Combine with Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture, ensuring that all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Optionally, fold in raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor.
Grease the Air Fryer Pan: Grease the bottom and sides of the air fryer pan or basket to prevent sticking.
Transfer mixture to Air Fryer: Transfer the bread and custard mixture to the greased air fryer pan, spreading it out evenly.
Air Fry: Air fry the bread pudding at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center. You can insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean when the pudding is done.
Make Caramel Sauce (Optional): If making caramel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serve Warm: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the air-fried bread pudding. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy: Serve your delicious air-fried bread pudding warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and shape them into rounds. Place them on a plate or tray.
Air Fry: Arrange the cookie dough rounds in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for expansion. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air Fry for 8-10 Minutes: Air fry the cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes in the air fryer basket before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your air-fried chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Air Fryer Churros
Ingredients:
For the Churro Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce
Ingredients:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Churro Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and add the flour, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth.
Transfer Dough to Piping Bag: Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe Churros onto Air Fryer Basket: Pipe 4-6 inch strips of churro dough onto the preheated air fryer basket, cutting the dough with scissors. Leave space between each churro to allow for even cooking.
Air Fry: Air fry the churros at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the churros are still warm, roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Optionally, serve the air-fried churros with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chocolate or caramel.
Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade air fryer churros as a delightful treat!
What foods should you not put in an air fryer?
When using an air fryer, it’s essential to choose foods that complement this cooking method. While air fryers are versatile and convenient, certain foods may not yield optimal results. Here are two foods to avoid placing in your air fryer:
Whole Grains and Rice: Cooking grains and rice in an air fryer can be challenging as they require water to cook properly, which the air fryer lacks. These ingredients are better suited for traditional cooking methods.
Fruits with High Water Content: Similar to vegetables, fruits like watermelon or citrus fruits may not fare well in an air fryer. The high water content in these fruits can lead to a less desirable texture when air-fried.
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Always check your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations to ensure the best outcomes for your culinary creations.
Is it okay to eat air fried food everyday?
While air-fried food is generally considered a healthier alternative to deep-frying, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet. Eating air-fried food every day can be acceptable as part of a well-rounded and diverse meal plan, but moderation and variety are key.
Air frying typically requires less oil, reducing overall calorie and fat intake compared to deep-frying. However, it’s crucial to incorporate a variety of cooking methods and include a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods in your daily diet.
Remember that the nutritional value of the food you air fry also depends on the ingredients you choose. Opt for a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Are there any harmful chemicals in air fryers?
Air fryers, when used according to manufacturers’ guidelines, typically do not introduce harmful chemicals into the food. The cooking process in an air fryer involves circulating hot air to crisp and cook the food, eliminating the need for excessive amounts of oil and minimizing the formation of potentially harmful compounds associated with deep-frying.
However, it’s essential to follow proper usage instructions, such as preheating the air fryer and avoiding cooking with materials that may release harmful substances at high temperatures. Additionally, choosing quality cookware and utensils specifically designed for air frying can contribute to a safe cooking experience.
Are air fryers a waste of money?
The value of an air fryer depends on individual preferences, cooking habits, and lifestyle. For some, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, providing crispy results with less oil. They are versatile appliances that can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats.
However, whether an air fryer is considered a worthwhile investment varies from person to person. If you frequently enjoy fried or crispy foods and appreciate the convenience of quick cooking times, an air fryer might be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
What do chefs say about air fryers?
Opinions among chefs about air fryers can vary. Some chefs appreciate air fryers for their ability to produce crispy results with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. The speed and convenience of air frying also appeal to those who value efficiency in the kitchen.
However, not all chefs are unanimous in their praise for air fryers. Some culinary professionals argue that while air fryers can create a crisp texture, they may not achieve the same depth of flavor as traditional cooking methods.
