17 Fast Desserts to Make in Your Air Fryer Recipe

The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook, and desserts are no exception! Gone are the days when you need to wait for your oven to preheat or spend hours baking. With an air fryer, you can whip up incredible desserts in minutes, not hours. Whether you’re craving something warm and gooey, crispy and sweet, or rich and indulgent, your air fryer can deliver restaurant-quality desserts right in your kitchen.

Air fryer desserts are perfect for those spontaneous sweet tooth cravings, last-minute dinner party treats, or when you want to impress guests without the stress. The circulating hot air creates perfectly crispy exteriors while keeping interiors soft and delicious. Plus, most air fryer desserts cook in under 15 minutes!

Why Choose Air Fryer Desserts?

Air fryer desserts offer several advantages over traditional baking methods. They cook faster, use less energy, and often require minimal cleanup. The intense, circulating heat creates unique textures that are difficult to achieve in a conventional oven. You’ll get crispy edges, gooey centers, and perfectly caramelized surfaces in a fraction of the time.

Essential Tips for Air Fryer Dessert Success

Before diving into our delicious recipes, here are some crucial tips to ensure your air fryer desserts turn out perfectly every time:

Temperature Control: Air fryers cook faster and hotter than conventional ovens. Start with temperatures 25-50°F lower than traditional recipes suggest, then adjust as needed.

Timing is Everything: Check your desserts frequently, especially the first time making a recipe. Air fryer models vary, and cooking times can differ significantly.

Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between items for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.

Use the Right Accessories: Invest in air fryer-safe baking dishes, silicone molds, and parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Shake and Flip: For even cooking, gently shake the basket or flip items halfway through cooking time.

17 Amazing Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

1. Classic Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine melted butter, both sugars, egg, and vanilla.
3. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment paper in air fryer basket.
6. Cook at 320°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool for 2 minutes before removing.

2. Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 minutes | Serves: 8 donuts

Ingredients:

• 1 tube refrigerated biscuits
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Cut holes in center of each biscuit using a bottle cap.
2. Cook biscuits at 350°F for 3 minutes per side.
3. Brush warm donuts with melted butter.
4. Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Serve immediately while warm.

3. Decadent Air Fryer Brownies

Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Serves: 9 squares

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Combine cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Pour into greased air fryer-safe pan.
7. Cook at 320°F for 12-15 minutes until set.

4. Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 8 fritters

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup diced apples
• Oil spray

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in apples.
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter into air fryer basket.
5. Spray with oil and cook at 375°F for 4 minutes.
6. Flip, spray again, and cook 4 more minutes.

5. Quick Air Fryer Banana Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 8 slices

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Mash bananas and mix with melted butter.
2. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla.
3. Mix in baking soda and salt.
4. Fold in flour until just combined.
5. Pour into greased loaf pan that fits your air fryer.
6. Cook at 320°F for 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

6. Air Fryer Churros

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 12 churros

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Boil water, butter, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time until glossy.
4. Pipe mixture into churro shapes on parchment.
5. Cook at 375°F for 8 minutes until golden.
6. Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm.

7. Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Prep Time: 12 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced peaches
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Toss peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
2. Mix flour, remaining sugar, and baking powder.
3. Stir in milk and melted butter.
4. Place peaches in air fryer-safe dish.
5. Drop batter over peaches.
6. Cook at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden.

8. Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Butter for ramekins

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate and butter together.
2. Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until thick.
3. Mix in chocolate mixture and flour.
4. Pour into greased ramekins.
5. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve immediately with centers molten.

9. Air Fryer S’mores Dip

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• Graham crackers for dipping

Instructions:

1. Place chocolate chips in air fryer-safe dish.
2. Cook at 350°F for 2 minutes until melted.
3. Top with marshmallows.
4. Cook 2-3 more minutes until marshmallows are golden.
5. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

10. Air Fryer Funnel Cake Bites

Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 6 minutes | Serves: 20 bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 egg
• Oil spray
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Mix pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
2. Drop spoonfuls into air fryer basket.
3. Spray with oil.
4. Cook at 375°F for 3 minutes per side.
5. Dust with powdered sugar while warm.

11. Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Serves: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Combine melted butter, egg, and milk.
3. Fold wet ingredients into dry, add blueberries.
4. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
5. Cook at 320°F for 12-15 minutes.

12. Air Fryer Strawberry Hand Pies

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 8 pies

Ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts
• 2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Mix strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cut pie crust into circles.
3. Place filling on half of each circle.
4. Fold over and seal edges with fork.
5. Brush with beaten egg.
6. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden.

13. Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Prep Time: 12 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 7 pineapple rings
• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in air fryer-safe pan.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter.
3. Arrange pineapple rings on top.
4. Mix remaining ingredients for cake batter.
5. Pour over pineapple.
6. Cook at 325°F for 20-25 minutes.

14. Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Serves: 8 rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Place cinnamon rolls in air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden.
3. Brush with melted butter.
4. Drizzle with included icing.

15. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Muffins

Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
2. Combine melted butter, milk, and egg.
3. Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Fill muffin cups and cook at 320°F for 10-12 minutes.

16. Air Fryer Baked Apples

Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, cored
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Core apples, leaving bottom intact.
2. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts.
3. Fill apple centers with mixture.
4. Top with butter pieces.
5. Cook at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until tender.

17. Air Fryer Rice Pudding

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in air fryer-safe dish.
2. Cook at 320°F for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
3. Let cool slightly before serving.
4. Serve warm with additional cinnamon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Desserts

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating ensures even cooking from the start. Most air fryers need 2-3 minutes to preheat.

Use Parchment Paper: Air fryer parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Never use regular parchment paper as it can blow around.

Check Doneness Early: Air fryers cook quickly, so check your desserts a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.

Let Them Rest: Allow baked goods to cool in the air fryer for a minute or two before removing to prevent breaking.

Experiment with Temperatures: Every air fryer is different. Keep notes on what works best for your model.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Most air fryer desserts are best enjoyed fresh, but many can be stored and reheated successfully. Store cookies and muffins in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Cakes and brownies can be covered and kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat, use your air fryer at a lower temperature (around 300°F) for just 1-2 minutes to restore crispness without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular baking pans in my air fryer? A: Only if they fit properly and are made of materials safe for air fryers (metal, ceramic, or silicone). Avoid anything too large that blocks air circulation.

Q: Why did my dessert cook unevenly? A: This usually happens when the air fryer is overcrowded or the temperature is too high. Make sure to leave space between items and consider lowering the temperature by 25°F.

Q: Can I double recipes for my air fryer? A: It’s better to cook in batches rather than doubling. Air fryers work best when not overcrowded, ensuring proper air circulation.

Q: How do I prevent my desserts from drying out? A: Don’t overcook, and consider covering with foil if the outside browns too quickly. Also, using ingredients like applesauce or yogurt can help retain moisture.

Q: Can I make sugar-free or gluten-free versions of these recipes? A: Absolutely! Most recipes can be adapted using sugar substitutes and gluten-free flour blends. Cooking times may vary slightly, so watch carefully.

Q: What’s the best way to clean my air fryer after making desserts? A: Let it cool completely, then wash removable parts with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. For stuck-on bits, soak removable parts before scrubbing gently.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time? A: Many batters can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, but most desserts are best cooked fresh. Cookies and muffins reheat well in the air fryer.

Q: Why do my cookies spread too much in the air fryer? A: The butter might be too warm, or the air fryer temperature too high. Chill your dough for 15 minutes before cooking and try reducing temperature by 25°F.

Conclusion

Air fryer desserts open up a world of quick, delicious possibilities for satisfying your sweet tooth. From classic cookies to indulgent lava cakes, these 17 recipes prove that great desserts don’t have to take hours to make. The key to success is understanding your specific air fryer model and adjusting times and temperatures accordingly.

Start with these tried-and-true recipes, then feel free to experiment and adapt your favorite traditional dessert recipes for air fryer cooking. Remember to check frequently, don’t overcrowd, and most importantly, have fun creating these delicious treats that will impress family and friends while saving you time in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your dessert-making journey, these air fryer recipes will help you create memorable sweet treats with minimal effort and maximum flavor. So fire up that air fryer and start exploring the wonderful world of quick and delicious homemade desserts!