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If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite sweet treats, then an air fryer might just be what you need. Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook food without the need for oil, making them perfect for creating delicious and healthy desserts. In this post, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite air fryer dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Doughnut Recipes
Who doesn’t love a good doughnut? With an air fryer, you can enjoy this classic treat without all the excess oil. Here are some of our favorite air fryer doughnut recipes:
Classic Glazed Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add the melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag and pipe into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the doughnuts are cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze and enjoy!
Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag and pipe into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the doughnuts cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for air fryer doughnuts. Here are a few recipes to try:
Tips for Making the Perfect Doughnut in an Air Fryer
- Use a piping bag to get the batter into the air fryer basket. This will help you get even-sized doughnuts and prevent the batter from sticking to the sides of the basket.
- Don’t overfill the basket. Leave some space between the doughnuts so that they have room to expand while cooking.
- Check the doughnuts frequently to make sure they don’t burn. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
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Apple Chip Recipes
If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, then apple chips are a great choice. They’re easy to make in an air fryer and can be flavored in a variety of ways.
Cinnamon Apple Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced thinly
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
- Let the apple chips cool before serving.
Salted Caramel Apple Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
- Let the apple chips cool before serving.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Chips in an Air Fryer
- Slice the apples thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get thin slices.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the apple slices so that they can cook evenly.
Churro Recipes
Churros are a delicious Spanish snack that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier twist. Here are some of our favorite air fryer churro recipes:
Classic Cinnamon Sugar Churros
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.
- Add the flour and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe the dough into the air fryer basket in 4-5 inch lengths.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture and enjoy!
Chocolate-Filled Churros
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.
- Add the flour and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe the dough into the air fryer basket in 4-5 inch lengths.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the churros are cooking, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Once the churros are done, use a piping bag or a small knife to fill them with the melted chocolate.
- Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture and enjoy!
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for air fryer churros. Here are a few recipes to try:
Tips for Making the Perfect Churros in an Air Fryer
- Use a star tip on your piping bag for the classic churro shape.
- Don’t overfill the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the churros so that they have room to expand while cooking.
- Coat the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm for maximum flavor.
Other Sweet Treats
In addition to doughnuts, apple chips, and churros, there are plenty of other sweet treats that can be made in an air fryer. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Banana bread
- Fruit crisps
For more recipes and ideas, check out Air Fryer Desserts on Delish.
FAQs
Can you use an air fryer to bake desserts?
Yes! Air fryers are not just for frying foods. They can also be used to bake desserts such as cakes, cookies, and fruit crisps.
Can you make healthy desserts in an air fryer?
Absolutely! One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil, which means you can enjoy healthier versions of your favorite treats.
What types of air fryers are best for making desserts?
Any air fryer can be used to make desserts, but it’s important to choose one with a large enough capacity to fit your desired dessert. Look for models with at least a 3-quart capacity.
Tips for cleaning your air fryer after making desserts
Cleaning your air fryer after making desserts is easy. Simply unplug the appliance and allow it to cool down. Once it’s cool, remove the basket and wash it in warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the interior of the air fryer. Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the non-stick coating.
Conclusion
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of delicious desserts. From doughnuts to apple chips to churros, there’s no shortage of sweet treats you can make in an air fryer. Not only are these desserts easy to make, but they are also healthier versions of your favorite treats since they require little to no oil. So go ahead and give these air fryer dessert recipes a try – your sweet tooth will thank you!
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