I know that the air fryer is essentially a way to make certain foods without deep-frying them, and that you might not think about cakes and desserts in that category. But if you have the right recipe, anything is possible with this appliance! Air fryers are big, and I know they take up a lot of room on the counter. So with that in mind, you’ll ideally want to be able to use yours as often as possible. What better way than to whip up a batch of cookies or some churros? Or how about some sticky monkey bread? Just be sure you’ve wiped out any leftover fries, and then let’s get started on this list of 25 Air Fryer desserts.
25 Best-Ever Air Fryer Dessert Recipes to Make ASAP
1. Air Fryer Churros
This might just be the perfect recipe for your first air fryer dessert! Churros are made by dropping ropes of dough into hot oil and then rolling in cinnamon sugar once they’re golden and crisp. The key to handling your churros is to pipe and refrigerate them. Be sure to make them when you want to eat them, as they don’t keep well, and roll them in sugar as soon as they’re done cooking.
2. Air Fryer Oreos
When you go to the state or local fair, do you run to the rides or the concession stand first? Between the fried Oreos and corn dogs, I can’t help but hit the food first. This recipe is so creative and a great way to get fried Oreo taste without all that grease. Using crescent rolls is the perfect way to get a fantastic tender coating and bring a piece of the fun home.
3. Air Fryer Cake
I know I said that the air fryer is best for making crispy foods without having to deep-fry, but it’s also a great little oven. A coil and a mini-fan that heats the drawer just like a convection oven, and if you have the right sized baking dish, you can make one cute little cake.
4. Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Apple fritters are pastries that are a little like donuts but can be made with a simple batter rather than using yeast. That means no resting or proofing, and you can make and eat them right away. You will need to spray these with a touch of cooking spray to help get that great crunch on the outside, and I highly recommend using an ice cream scoop when portioning.
5. Air Fryer Apple Fries
Come apple season; I admit I might go a tad overboard. Between the pies and cakes and apple butter, I just can’t get enough. But these might just be one of my favorite little snacks. Not only are they insanely easy, but they’re so delicious! The sugar and graham cracker crust is ideal, and it’s like eating a slice of apple crisp without all the hassle.
6. Air Fryer S’mores
Not only is this genius, but it’s also mess-free. You’ll still get your gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate, but it comes together in one neat little package. After just a few minutes, you’ll see the marshmallow start to turn beautifully golden. When you place the chocolate on top, the residual heat will melt it down just right.
7. Copycat Domino’s Cinnamon Bread Twists
Even after a pizza, I would still be happy to devour a box of these warm, tender, sweet bread twists. This bread is a fantastic twist on those incredible yogurt bagels (which you can also make in the air fryer)! Just brush them with some cinnamon sugar and serve with a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
8. Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
All you’ll need for this recipe is pie dough, pie filling, egg wash, and sugar. Of course, this specific recipe calls for apple pie filling, but I’ve made it with blueberry and cherry and plan to make a peach and raspberry version soon. The air fryer is actually the perfect little appliance for the job here. The convection will ensure they get cooked evenly, and the faux-deep-fry will give you the best crunchy texture on the edges.
9. Air Fryer Beignets
If you’re dreaming of New Orleans and a batch of Cafe Du Monde’s beignets, I’m thinking you’ll have to wait a while for the real thing. And granted, these won’t be exactly how you remember them. But they are such a great substitute and come together in a snap. Just be sure to use self-raising flour for this recipe, or you might end up with flat, dense beignets.
10. Air Fryer Baked Apples
Baked apples are such a fabulous dessert, and with the oat topping, it’s like a self-contained apple-crisp. I would recommend cutting the back a little to give you a flat surface and sprinkle with a touch of brown sugar before cooking.
11. Air Fryer Bread Pudding
If you have some leftover bread, you really need to make bread pudding. It’s soft, sweet, and incredibly delicious. Not to mention, it saves on wasting stale bread. If you can, make the recipe at least a couple of hours ahead, so the custard has time to soak into the bread.
12. Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies
Here’s another beautiful hand pie recipe; only this one uses jam as a filling. This will give you an even sweeter finish and plenty of flavor. Just remember that the jam will be scorching once they come out, and you won’t be able to bite into them right away.
13. Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas
I fell in love with these before I even made the recipe. Cheesecake and banana that doesn’t take hours to perfect? Yes, please! I love that you can whip up a quick cheesecake mix and modify it with fresh fruit, jam, Nutella, or even pie filling. And you can always omit the cinnamon if you don’t like it! Just brush with butter and sprinkle with a touch of sugar for crunch.
14. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
I know I said it before, but the air fryer is perfect for this recipe. Unless you’re making enough for a crowd, using the air fryer will save you having to turn on the big oven for just one little skillet. Depending on how you like your cookie, you might want to keep it cooking a few minutes longer. But I like mine chewy and gooey in the middle, so this recipe’s timing is just right.
15. Apple Chips
I love making apple chips. As much as I love taking a big bite of a crisp, fresh apple, there’s something super satisfying about crunchy slices of apple. Use a mandolin if you have one, or be sure to cut your slices thin. The only downside to this recipe is that you’ll have to make them in batches since they can’t overlap on the tray.
16. Air Fryer Grilled Peaches
Four ingredients and 15 minutes are all you’ll need for this recipe. You might not get the gorgeous grill marks when using the air fryer, but you get all the flavor and them some! I really enjoy the graham cracker crumble, but these would be just as good with just a touch of brown sugar.
17. Air Fryer Strawberry Pop-Tarts Recipe
Even as an adult, I’ll still occasionally buy a pack of Pop-Tarts. I don’t know if it’s the sugar rush or the nostalgia, but I just can’t resist. Making your own, though, is such a fun way to spend an afternoon, and you can go crazy with those fillings! Banana and Nutella are my go-to’s.
18. Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies
I don’t know what I love more about this recipe: the brilliant bright filling or the creamy, dreamy glaze. Letting the glaze set will be tough, but if you don’t mind sticky hands, I won’t tell if you dive right in.
19. Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins
If you’re thinking that your cupcake tin won’t fit in your air fryer, don’t worry! All you’ll need is a batch of these adorable paper liners that don’t need a tray to keep their shape. Since there’s only two of us in the house, making smaller batches is such a nice way to get our sweet cravings without having leftovers for weeks to come!
20. Monkey Bread Recipe in the Air Fryer
Warm, sweet, sticky, tender, and impossible to resist, monkey bread is a family favorite that you’ll want to make at least once a week. Not only can you proof your bread in your air fryer, but you can then go on to bake this gooey and delicious pull-apart sweet bread for everyone to share.
21. Apple Pie Air Fryer Egg Roll
Who doesn’t love a batch of crunchy egg rolls? And when it comes to a book club or just coffee with your friends, having some warm, sweet finger food will be a sure-fire hit. Using egg-roll wrappers will guarantee a crunchy coating and perfectly tender filling. And if you like it with a little more texture, try making your own filling and dicing the apples small enough to cook but still keep their shape.
22. Air Fryer Dessert Empanadas
I have to admit that I love the pre-made empanada pastry. It’s so easy and cuts the prep time down by more than half! The trick to getting the perfect empanada is not to overfill it. I know, it’s tough! But you’ll want just enough to get some filling in each bite, but not so much that it will bubble up and spill out.
23. Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Your air fryer may have come with a baking dish, which makes baking a lot easier. But you can use any oven-safe dish for this recipe. It looks great in a decorative ceramic dish, and you can eat right from the container. Or if you want individual portions, 4 oz ramekins are the perfect fit!
24. Air Fryer Shortbread
If you’re looking for an easy recipe to get your feet wet, this one is for you. It needs just three ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. You can make these into shortbread cookies or roll, and slice into fingers that taste unbelievable dipped into coffee.
25. Air Fried Banana
Another super simple little recipe that will please anyone with a sugar craving is fried bananas. The fruit gives just enough natural sugars, and the added brown sugar will add a crisp layer on top. Serve with some crunchy granola and a dollop of whipped cream. Or better yet, make them as a topping for your morning pancakes! Click on a star to rate it!
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