Air fryer dessert recipes
Not all of us have an oven – and if you’ve been enviously watching IG stories of hunger-inducing home bakes and desserts by circuit bakers, you’re not alone.
But the good news is, you don’t necessarily need an oven to get those drool-worthy desserts. An air fryer can bake up a surprisingly wide variety of sweet treats as well – not just savoury food! For those with one at home, here are 13 easy air fryer dessert recipes to try out – they’re fuss-free, quick and simple, so even the noobest of bakers will be able to breeze through them.
Check out our other simple recipes for level 1 chefs :
1. Fried Oreos – 10-min cook time
Image credit: Jessica Snead
You can twist it, lick it and dunk it. But for possibly the best way to eat Oreos, you air fry it. Fried Oreos are a sinful treat indeed, but it’s something everyone needs to try at least once in their lives. Here’s how you can make them in under 10 minutes at home.
Pro-tip: You can switch out the Oreos for your favourite cookie or chocolate bar.
Makes: 9 fried Oreos
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pancake mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 9 Oreo cookies
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine pancake mix and water and stir.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Take each Oreo and dip it into the pancake mix, then line them on the parchment paper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes in the air fryer before flipping and cooking for another 2-3 minutes on the other side
- Dust it with powdered sugar and serve.
Recipe adapted from Yoly via allrecipes.
2. Molten lava cake – 15-min cook time
Image credit: My Forking Life
There’s nothing quite as drool-worthy cutting into your dessert and watching gooey chocolate escaping like lava. Lucky for us, the pinnacle of molten chocolate dessert, molten lava chocolate cake, can be made at home – not just in a microwave or steamer, or but in an air fryer too.
This works great as a last-minute dessert you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it’ll be heaven on earth.
Makes: 3 lava cakes
Ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons of white caster sugar
- ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 30g of semi-sweet chocolate
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cream (optional)
Image credit: Mama Shire
Steps:
- Mix the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Beat the egg and egg yolk and add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until the mixture has a creamy consistency.
- Add flour and salt into the mixture and fold it into the mixture with a spatula.
- Heat your chocolate in the microwave for about a minute or until melted, and pour the chocolate into the batter and quickly mix well.
- Transfer this mixture into a greased ramekin or any air fryer-safe bowl, and fill it to the brim.
- Pop the bowls into an air fryer for 180°C for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool for about a minute before using a butter knife to loosen the cake. Turn the ramekin or bowl over onto a plate and top with ice cream (optional) before serving.
Recipe adapted from My Forking Life and Nicko’s Kitchen.
3. Basque burnt cheesecake – 40-min cook time
Image credit: HK ulifestyle
Those without an oven might be glad to hear that you can easily make the trendy basque burnt cheesecake with your handy dandy air fryer – and it’s a lot easier than it looks. All you need are pretty basic ingredients, most of which you can get from your nearest supermarket.
Enjoy the cake warm to enjoy it in its jiggly form. Else, let it sit in the refrigerator for 8 hours and it’ll be just as satisfying cold.
Makes: 4 servings of burnt cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 250g cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 whole eggs
- 70g sugar
- 0.5g vanilla extract (or heavy cream)
- 170g whipping cream, at room temperature
- 6g cake flour (or 6g plain flour with a pinch of baking powder)
Image credit: KL Foodie
Steps:
- Preheat the air fryer at 200°C.
- Using a mixer or whisk, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and until the sugar has been incorporated.
- Add egg yolk and whole eggs bit by bit and mix until the mixture has a thick, watery consistency.
- Pour in the whipping cream and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Then, sieve the cake flour into the mix and stir until mixture is smooth.
- Line a pan with non-stick baking paper and pour the mixture in.
- Bake at 180°C for 18 minutes followed by 200°C for about 3-5 minutes, until the surface of the cake is dark.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Recipe adapted from Kuali.
3. Cinnamon rolls – 15-min cook time
Image credit: Happy Foods Tube
Let the aroma of fresh bakes waft through your home with this air-fried cinnamon roll recipe. All you need is 15 minutes, a few ingredients and a stomach ready to devour the easiest homemade cinnamon rolls imaginable. The recipe makes 8 rolls – enough for everyone in the fam with extras to spare.
Makes: 8 cinnamon rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 80g unsalted butter at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Image adapted from: Happy Foods Tube
Steps:
- Combine cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar in a bowl and mix.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape and thinly spread the cinnamon mixture over it.
- Gently roll up the sheet up loosely to form the cinnamon swirls.
- Cut the roll into 2.5CM long pieces.
- Place this in a 200°C preheated air fryer and cook for 7 minutes or until golden brown.
- To make the icing, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk.
- Pour icing over the cooked cinnamon rolls and serve warm.
Pro-tip: Use dental floss to slice the roll in step 4 for a cleaner cut.
Recipe from Happy Foods Tube.
5. Mini-churros – 25-min cook time
Image credit: @airfryerlady
Although typically deep-fried, air fried churros are a much more beginner-friendly variation, great for those thinking about preparing the ultra-addictive dessert at home. On top of having less to clean up, it’s also a healthier alternative with virtually no oil involved.
Given the space constraints of the fryer, you’ll be making mini-churros instead of full-sized ones, but this also means more crisp edges for us to chomp on.
Makes: 24 mini churros
Ingredients (churros):
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or white sugar)
Ingredients (toppings):
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Image credit: Hip2Save
Steps:
- On a saucepan with medium-high heat, add the water, butter, brown sugar and salt.
- Once all the butter is melted bring it to a simmer and add in the flour.
- Whisk it until there are no lumps left and continue to cook the dough until it can be formed into a ball.
- Remove the dough from the heat and add the egg and vanilla extract into the dough.
- Fold the ingredients together until it has a soft and sticky consistency.
- Allow the dough to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner cut out.
- Pipe your churros into 10CM lengths on a baking sheet in your air fryer pan. Pop it into a 190°C preheated air fryer for 10 minutes.
- For the toppings, combine the ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow plate. Once the churros are done, toss it in the mixture to coat.
Recipe adapted from kitchn and allrecipes.
6. Apple pie – 45-min cook time
Image credit: Fluster Buster
Fans of the McDonalds apple pie, try replicating the delicious treat at home with this recipe. You’ll get a similar crisp outer shell, warm and sweet apple in the core topped with I-made-this bragging rights.
For those who prefer something sweeter, this recipe also comes with an optional glaze to add an extra layer of flavour.
Makes: 4 pies
Ingredients (apple pie):
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
- 400g pie crust pastry (or find out how to make your own here)
- ½ tablespoon grapeseed oil
- Cooking spray
Ingredients (glaze):
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
Image credit: Kims Cooking Now
Steps:
- In a non-stick pan, combine apple, butter, cinnamon and brown sugar and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water and stir it to the apple mixture before setting the pan aside to cool.
- Preheat your air fryer at 195°C.
- Unroll your pie crust and cut it into 8 dough rectangles of about 12CM x 6CM.
- Place the cooked apples in the centre of a rectangle dough and wet the outer edges.
- Cover with a second dough rectangle and use a fork to gently crimp the edges to seal. Pierce the top of the pie twice to allow steam to escape.
- Spray your air fryer tray with cooking spray, brush the pies with grapeseed oil, and cook it in the air fryer for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk in a bowl and brush it onto the pie.
Recipe adapted from Kim’s Cooking Now via allrecipes.
7. Nutella-stuffed Kodiak Balls – 15-min cook time
Image credit: @sweetandspicymacros
For the gym junkie looking for some healthy junk food, these Nutella-stuffed Kodiak Balls are made with healthier ingredients and packed with protein to keep the gains coming. Not to mention, they’re bound to satisfy the taste buds with a dollop of melted Nutella spread within.
Makes: 6 Nutella balls
Ingredients:
Steps:
- Mix the Greek yoghurt and Kodiak in a bowl.
- Roll it out and cut into 6 equal rectangles.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of Nutella and place it in the middle of the cut-out dough.
- Using your hands, wrap the dough around the Nutella and form it into a ball.
- Once you’re done with all 6 balls, place them in a preheated air fryer at 160°C for 5 minutes.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar and roll the baked balls in it before serving.
Recipe adapted from @sweetandspicymacros.
8. Cinnamon-coated donuts – 30-min cook time
Image credit: @thewoodfieldfarmhouse
Here’s a fun fact: Amidst this 2020 chaos, 5th June a.k.a., Donut Day, passed by without any of us noticing. But it’s alright, the donut is a timeless childhood snack that’s appropriate any time of the year, any time of the day, and anywhere. It’s hard to say no to a freshly baked donut.
Baking this at home is that different from making bread. And while the entire process takes up over 2 hours, you’ll actually only need to spend about 30 minutes in the kitchen. The rest of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise so get your Netflix show or K-drama ready!
Makes: 10-12 donuts
Ingredients (donut):
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 2½ teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray
Ingredients (topping):
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, sugar and yeast and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- Add in salt, egg, melted butter and flour and whisk until the mixture forms into a soft dough.
- Grease a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a cling wrap and let it rise for 1½ hours, or until it’s double in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out 10-12 donuts in 8CM-wide circles. Then, cut out a 2.5CM-wide centre.
- Place these cut out donuts on a sheet of parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the donuts in without overlapping.
- Cook for 4 minutes, flip and cook for another 4 minutes.
- To add the toppings, brush the donut with melted butter and flip it in the topping mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon to coat on both sides.
Recipe adapted from Plated Cravings and Sally’s Baking Addiction.
9. Portuguese egg tarts – 25-min cook time
Image credit: @lindaang
There’s no arguing it – egg tarts are best eaten freshly baked, when the crust is still flaky and ASMR-worthy. Mmm. Dive into a piping hot Portuguese egg tart, by making it at home in your air fryer with this quick and easy 4-ingredient recipe.
Makes: 4 egg tarts
Ingredients:
Steps:
- In a saucepan, stir the milk and sugar and bring it to a boil. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk the egg in a large bowl.
- Pour the milk mixture in and stir. Then, strain this through a sieve to get rid of bubbles.
- Unroll your pastry sheet and cut out circles 10-12CM in diameter. Place these into aluminium tart moulds.
- Press the dough down gently to fit, and pour in the mixture until it’s 80% full.
- Bake in a preheated air fryer at 150°C for 15 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and serve.
Recipe adapted from The Hedgehog Knows.
10. Banana muffin – 20-min cook time
Image credit: @stepmom
Muffins are one of the easiest desserts to make if you’re working with an oven. But if you don’t have one, they’re just as quick and easy to make in an air fryer. Also, the riper the bananas used, the better – so this is a great way to clear any overripe bananas and upgrade them into something tasty.
Makes: 6 muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup self-raising flour
Image credit: @stepmom
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas then add in the egg, brown sugar, olive oil and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add in the flour and cinnamon and fold the mixture in until everything is combined.
- Divide this mixture evenly into muffin cake moulds.
- Pop this into a preheated air fryer at 160°C for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Recipe from Cook It Real Good.
11. Chocolate chip brownies – 20-min cook time
Image credit: Kimspired DIY
Makes: 4 servings of brownies
Instructions:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Grease a baking pan with butter and pour the mixture in.
- Place this in a preheated 160°C air fryer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool and serve.
Recipe adapted from My Forking Life.
12. Cassava cake – 1-hour cook time
Image credit: Pengs Kitchen
Requiring a little more time than the rest, cassava cake, or kuih bingka ubi, is best saved for the weekend. Most of the time required goes to waiting for it to bake – so rest assured, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. In fact, all you need to do is mix the ingredients together and pop it into the air fryer. All that’s left after is to await the delightful “ding” of the air fryer that signifies its time to eat!
Makes: 2-3 servings of cassava cake
Ingredients:
- 450g grated cassava
- 200ml coconut cream
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix.
- Transfer to a baking tray and cover the tray with foil.
- Place in a preheated air fryer at 180°C and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top of the cake is browned.
- Allow it to cool before serving.
Recipe from Jackie M.
13. Rotiboy’s Coffee Bun – 90-min cook time
Image credit: @chotip.gram
While technically not your typical dessert, it’s not uncommon to have the buttery and pillowy-soft Rotiboy Coffee Bun in hand after a meal in JB. While the bad news is that we can’t go to the land of cheap and good food just yet, the good news is we can bake the famous bun at home without a sweat. With just 6 ingredients and an air fryer, it’ll be an easy bake, even if you aren’t the most domestically-inclined person around.
Makes: 2 coffee buns
Ingredients (bread):
- 150g fresh milk
- 250g wheat flour
- 50g sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 egg yolk
- 30g butter
Ingredients (topping):
- 30g sugar
- 60g butter
- 2 tablespoons of instant black coffee dissolved in 2 tablespoons of warm water
- 1 egg
- 70g wheat flour
Steps:
- In a large bowl, add the milk, flour, sugar, yeast and egg and mix well.
- Add in butter and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Allow the dough to rise for 40 minutes under a damp cloth. Split into 2 portions and allow it to rise for another 10 minutes.
- To make the topping, beat the butter and sugar together. Add in the dissolved instant coffee, egg and flour and mix well.
- Transfer the topping into a piping bag and swirl it on the raised dough.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Recipes adapted from dearami and Juju Minhad.
Air fryer recipes to try
Nothing beats biting into a freshly-baked flaky crust or cutting into a dessert to find that the chocolate core is still warm and melty. So if you like your desserts freshly baked, try out these recipes at home to get your dessert fix with your handy air fryer, made in as little time as 10 minutes!
For more recipes check out:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): HK ulifestyle, Kimspired DIY, My Forking Life, Happy Foods Tube