6 air fryer summer desserts that require no oven: easy, irresistible, no-fuss recipes
There’s that exact moment when a craving for something sweet hits you hard, but the thought of turning on the oven seems like a huge hassle. It’s too hot, you’re short on time, and you have zero desire to wait for it to preheat. That’s where the air fryer comes in: it’s become a handy little ally even for those who love making quick and easy desserts.
Don’t just think of it for fries and crispy vegetables: with a little know-how, the air fryer can turn into a compact mini-oven, perfect for chocolate cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes, and spoon desserts. The best part? It cooks quickly, heats up the kitchen less, and lets you make smaller portions: ideal when you want something indulgent without filling your home with baking pans.
Can you make desserts in an air fryer?
Yes, and the results are often surprising. An air fryer works by circulating a stream of hot air around the food, resulting in quick and fairly even cooking. For desserts, this means something very interesting: you can achieve different textures.
Of course, not all desserts behave the same way. Very runny batters require suitable molds, while single-serving treats are among the easiest to handle.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to keep a few simple rules in mind:
- use molds that fit inside the basket;
- avoid overfilling the molds, as some batters rise during baking;
- check the dessert a few minutes before the indicated time;
- use perforated parchment paper or heat-resistant baking cups;
- let the cakes rest for a few minutes after baking, especially the creamy ones.
What baking pans should I use for desserts made in an air fryer?
One of the most common questions when it comes to making desserts in an air fryer is about the pans. In general, you can use silicone, ceramic, or aluminum pans, or small metal pans, as long as they’re heat-resistant and the right size to fit in the basket.
For cupcakes, cheesecakes, and baked custards, it’s best to use single-serving molds: they cook faster, are easier to monitor, and look more elegant when served.
What desserts can you make in an air fryer without turning on the oven?
When it comes to desserts made in an air fryer, the first thing to know is that you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the simplest recipes. Sure, mini cakes are among the quickest to make, but with the right molds and a few simple tricks, you can also make creamy desserts, spoon desserts, mini cheesecakes, and puff pastry treats.
The advantage is clear: you don’t need to turn on a traditional oven, you don’t have to wait for long preheating times, and you can make smaller portions; perfect for a quick snack, an impromptu after-dinner treat, or a sweet indulgence when the craving strikes unexpectedly. The air fryer thus becomes a practical solution for making a homemade dessert even when it’s hot outside, you’re short on time, or you simply don’t want to make a mess of half the kitchen.
Here are 6 delicious, practical, and perfect ideas for making a no-bake dessert.
Chocolate fondants in an Air Fryer
This air-fryer chocolate fondant is one of those desserts that looks like it came from a restaurant, but is actually quite simple to make. The magic is all in the creamy center: crisp on the outside, soft and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
Crème brûlée made in an Air Fryer
Who says spoon desserts have to be complicated? Crème brûlée made in an air fryer is creamy, elegant, and perfect for anyone who loves velvety desserts. The most fun part is always the finale: the sugar on top that turns into a thin, delicious crust.
Cheesecake in an Air Fryer
Air-fryer cheesecake is one of those recipes that immediately piques your curiosity. We’re used to thinking of cheesecake as a dessert that’s either baked or kept in the refrigerator, but this compact and convenient version proves that the air fryer can hold its own, too.
Chocolate and walnut brownies in an Air Fryer
This air fryer brownie is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves rich, dense chocolate desserts that are slightly moist in the center. The walnuts add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the batter and makes every bite more interesting.
Perfect pasteis de nata in an Air Fryer
Pasteis de nata made in an Air fryer are a little Portuguese treat that you can make even without a traditional oven. The combination of crispy pastry and soft custard is irresistible, especially when served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Egg custard in an Air Fryer
Egg custard made in an Air fryer is the perfect dessert when you want something delicious without a lot of prep work: soft, fragrant, and best served cold. Once it’s ready, drizzle a little caramel on top and turn it into a little spoonful of indulgence.
Leandra Masha





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