27 Ideas for Air-Fryer Desserts

Air-Fryer Brownies

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour
Level: Beginner

These classic brownies are crispy on the top and soft in the middle. Air fryers vary, so test the brownies with a toothpick at 40 minutes as overbaking will affect the texture. Add a little instant coffee or espresso for a deeper chocolate flavor.

“These small-batch fudgy air-fryer brownies come together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat.” —Recipe contributor Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Total time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, brown sugar, flour, quick-cooking oats, instant vanilla pudding mix, chocolate chips
Level: Beginner

The addition of vanilla pudding mix makes these chocolate chip cookies extra moist and soft in the center. Count on reaching for seconds and thirds! The recipe makes a large batch of cookies; to cut the recipe in half, you’ll need a scant 2/3 cup pudding mix.

“I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family.” —Recipe contributor Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota

Bakewell Pie Tarts

Total Time: 35 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated pie dough, lemon curd, cherry jam, almond paste
Level: Intermediate

Inspired by the English favorite Bakewell tarts, these pretty pastries are like homemade Pop-Tarts. Made with refrigerated pie dough and stuffed with jarred lemon curd, fruit jam of your choice and almond paste, they bake up to golden, flaky perfection in the air fryer in 10 minutes.

“With my busy family of five, I’m always burning things in the oven because I get pulled into other tasks. But the air fryer, with its time-controlled powers, has been a godsend. Now when the inevitable family emergency pops up, I don’t have to worry about setting off the smoke alarm! My British heritage means I grew up on tea and Bakewell tarts. This easy rendition uses similar components of the iconic tart, but it’s easier for bustling families to make. You can use any type of jam you want!” —Recipe contributor Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona

Air-Fryer Lemon Oreos

Total time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Oreos, buttermilk pancake mix, lemon creme Oreos, lemon yogurt, milk
Level: Beginner

Use your air fryer to get all the crisp, sweet fun of the deep-fried Oreos from the state fair without a deep fryer. This easy recipe uses pancake mix, lemon yogurt and milk to make a zingy batter for lemon Oreos. Be sure to trim the parchment so it fits in the bottom of the air-fryer basket or the overhang will become brittle and break off.

“I love to get fried Oreos at the county fair every summer. Since this version cooks up quickly in the air fryer, I can enjoy my favorite summer treat all year round! Lemon zest and lemon yogurt add a burst of flavor to the batter, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes for a pretty presentation.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Air-Fryer Apple Danish

Total time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated crescent rolls, chunky apple sauce, apple cider/juice, cinnamon
Level: Beginner

These mini pastries taste just like cinnamon apple Danishes from the bakery. Canned crescent rolls stand in for the usual puff pastry, so they’re a snap to roll up. Air-fry these little treats in batches with plenty of room between them to allow for air circulation for even browning.

“I came up with this quick and tasty treat when my daughter had a sleepover. I whipped these together in no time, and the girls devoured them!” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Air-Fryer Cookie Pie

Total time: 25 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, flour, toffee bits, Nutella
Level: Beginner

Like a giant toffee chocolate chip cookie, this cookie pie can be baked in the air fryer in an 8-inch cake pan. With two layers of toffee cookie and a melty layer of Nutella in the middle, it looks like a fancy dessert when cut into wedges, but it couldn’t be simpler to make. Make sure your chocolate hazelnut spread is room temperature for easy spreading over the cookie dough.

“My mom used to make cookie bars for every school even growing up. This is my updated version. It takes half the time and tastes just like Mom used to make.” —Recipe contributor Ashley Long, Mission, Kansas

Air-Fryer Mocha Cupcakes

Total time: 40 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, flour, coffee, cider vinegar, cocoa, chocolate chips, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Intermediate

This recipe pairs rich chocolate cupcakes with silky mocha buttercream for a dessert you can fall back on again and again. Wait for the cupcakes to cool completely, then pipe on the frosting or spread it on with a spatula if you’re in a hurry.

“These luscious air-fryer cupcakes smell wonderful while they cook. If you have the drawer-type air fryer, you’ll need to use individual silicone cupcake liners. If you have a bigger air fryer, a 6-cup muffin tin should fit in nicely.” —Recipe contributor Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Total time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Peanut butter, sugar, eggs
Level: Beginner

This classic flour-free peanut butter cookie recipe is one of our easiest 3-ingredient desserts. You’ll need to portion the dough and smash the cookies slightly before adding them to the air fryer.

“An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes.” —Recipe contributor Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Fried Cookies

Total time: 15 minutes + freezing
Main Ingredients: Biscuit mix, Oreos, milk, egg
Level: Beginner

What’s better than an Oreo? A warm, battered Oreo! These fun cookies on a stick taste just like the carnival favorite but they’re less greasy thanks to the air fryer. Arrange the cookies around the edge of the air-fryer basket with the sticks facing in like spokes on a wheel. Flip once halfway through cooking for the best results.

“Deep-fried Oreos are a county fair favorite. Now you can make them at home quickly, easily and mess free.” —Recipe contributor Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Air-Fryer Cheesecake

Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, sour cream
Level: Beginner

Simple cheesecake gets an air-fryer twist. For easier transfer from the air fryer, set the pan on a sling made from a piece of foil folded into a 2-inch strip. Top it with cherry pie filling or sliced fresh berries tossed with a little sugar spooned over each slice for a colorful twist.

“This air-fryer cheesecake is something I’ve been making and perfecting for years. My daughter insisted it be served at her wedding.” —Recipe contributor Howard Koch, Lima, Ohio

Air-Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

Total time: 45 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, crushed pineapple, sliced pineapple
Level: Advanced

Classic cheesecake meets caramelized pineapple upside-down cake in this fun dessert mash-up. Instead of a graham cracker crust, sprinkle toasted graham crackers over the top right before serving to add a buttery crunch.

“Taking inspiration from my mom’s pineapple upside-down cake, I added a cheesecake layer and baked it in an air fryer. So delicious and so easy.” —Recipe contributor Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins

Total time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cornbread muffin mix, bacon, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut butter chips, buttermilk
Level: Intermediate

This recipe takes everyday cornbread muffin mix and gives it a sweet-salty glow-up with crispy bacon and a trifecta of peanuts—chopped, peanut butter, and peanut butter chips. They’re cooked in just 20 minutes, so they’re ideal for a last-minute dessert. Top with a scoop of caramel ice cream.

“My family can’t get enough of bacon and peanut butter, so I created these quick and easy cornbread muffins using ingredients I regularly keep stocked in my pantry and fridge. The streusel topping adds a delicious sweet and salty crunch!” —Recipe contributor Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina

Air-Fryer Mocha Pudding Cakes

Total time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, milk, sugar, coffee, milk, cocoa powder
Level: Beginner

If you love the size of ramekin recipes, try these decadent little chocolate ramekin cakes. They have a crisp top and gooey center with just the right amount of coffee flavor. Be sure to use half-cup (4-ounce) ovenproof ramekins and mist them with cooking spray before spooning in the batter.

“These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for two. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up and pop them in my air fryer for a speedy dessert.” —Recipe contributor Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups

Total time: 50 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Phyllo dough, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, honey, butter
Level: Intermediate

These baklava-like roll-ups deliver the same crisp golden brown layers of phyllo pastry, cinnamon, walnuts and honey syrup as the original Greek dessert. This version just happens to be much easier to prepare. Watch the rolls carefully as they bake in the air fryer, and gently rotate them with tongs if they brown too fast in places.

“This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava; but with only a few easy ingredients, it’s a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. It’s one of my favorite air-fryer snacks!” —Recipe contributor Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Air-Fryer Lime Macaroons

Total time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Egg whites, lime zest, sweetened shredded coconut, flour, white chocolate chips
Level: Beginner

These simple coconut cookies have all the zesty flavor of a gin and tonic with the added appeal of a dunk in white chocolate. Baking macaroons in the air fryer gives these treats a crisp exterior and a sweet, chewy interior. Serve these at a brunch or cocktail party.

“I took these lime and coconut air-fryer macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown!” —Recipe contributor Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico

Air-Fryer Scottish Shortbread

Total time: 25 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Butter, brown sugar, flour
Level: Beginner

No one will ever guess how easy these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are to make! You can use cookie cutters to cut the dough out once rolled or use a knife to cut them into simple rectangles. After the first batch of cookies, the cook time may be shorter as the air fryer is already hot.

“Give air-fryer baking a try with this easy cookie recipe. It was my mother’s recipe, and she passed it on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and to give as gifts.” —Recipe contributor Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

Air-Fryer Bread Pudding

Total time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Stale bread, cream, half-and-half, sugar, milk, egg, semisweet chocolate
Level: Beginner

This rich, chocolate dessert is a thrifty way to use up day-old bread. An easy-to-make custard and chopped chocolate make it especially noteworthy. Serve the bread pudding warm with whipped cream.

“This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish because the chocolate makes it different from traditional recipes. It’s a rich, comforting dessert.” —Recipe contributor Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Air-Fryer Caribbean Wontons

Total time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Wonton wrappers, cream cheese, sweetened coconut, canned pineapple, banana, marshmallow cream, walnuts
Level: Intermediate

These cute little bites taste like a tropical banana split folded into a crispy dumpling. They’re drizzled with a pretty strawberry glaze for extra pizzazz. Misting the wontons all over with a neutral-flavored cooking spray will make them extra crispy in the air fryer.

“I first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year.” —Recipe contributor Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

Total time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, sugar, cinnamon, milk, eggs, apples, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla
Level: Beginner

These cinnamon apple-spiked fritters are perfect for a tea-time treat or brunch. Use a 1/4-cup capacity ice cream scoop to easily portion the dough and place it on parchment in the air fryer. The browned butter icing has a nutty, butterscotch flavor that makes these homemade fritters irresistible.

“These air-fryer apple fritters are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They’re a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze!” —Recipe contributor Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island

Air-Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Total time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Apples, brown sugar, egg roll wrappers, cinnamon, cornstarch, cream cheese
Level: Intermediate

Like a hot, handheld apple pie a la mode, these crunchy air-fryer treats star tart apples, cinnamon and a little cream cheese. For crispy, not chewy exteriors, be generous with the cooking spray.

“These easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as vessels for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability.” —Recipe contributor Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Apple Crisp

Total time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Apple, butter, maple syrup, quick-cooking oats, flour, cinnamon
Level: Beginner

A not-too-sweet oat streusel topping is tucked into a cored apple in this healthy air-fryer dessert. Use a melon baller to easily carve out the seeds and hard core of the apple. It takes just 15 minutes for the apple to become tender and the filling to crisp up in the air fryer, making this a weeknight win!

“You’ll only need a few ingredients to make this toasty cinnamon treat. Each bite consists of crisp pieces of apples and crunchy homemade granola. This recipe allows for versatility with the apple flavor, so you can go from something sweet to something tart.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer Banana Bread

Total time: 45 minutes + cooling

Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, egg, flour, banana, pecans

Level: Beginner

This spin on the classic delivers moist banana bread thanks to the air fryer’s intense heat and air circulation. Cover the pan with foil for the first stage of baking to keep the bread moist without overcooking on the top. Feel free to make this recipe your own by adding pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips or different nuts to the batter.

“Make our air-fryer banana bread when you don’t want to wait the full hour for banana bread to bake.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer Raspberry Crumble Coffee Cake

Total time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cold butter, cran-raspbery juice, raspberries, sugar, egg, flour, cinnamon, mace, egg, milk, almonds
Level: Intermediate

This classic coffee cake features sweet-tart fruit filling—pure heaven for raspberry lovers. A touch of cinnamon and mace gives the moist cake an old-world flavor. The streusel topping is as easy as rubbing flour, cold butter, sugar and sliced almonds together with your fingers.

“With a ribbon of fresh homemade fruit filling, this homey coffee cake is perfect for breakfast with friends and family. But it is also equally delicious warm out of the air fryer for a weeknight dessert.” —Recipe contributor Shirley Boyken, Mesa, Arizona

Homemade Air-Fryer Churros

Total time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Milk, flour, lemon zest, cinnamon, sugar
Level: Beginner

Skip the deep-fryer with this fun churro recipe. They’re crispy on the outside and moist and fluffy in the middle with a touch of lemon zest to keep things interesting. Roll the fluted pastry sticks in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. Serve with warmed chocolate ganache or jarred dulce de leche for dipping.

“Serve these cinnamon-sugar air-fryer churros fresh and hot with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They’re sure to become a family favorite!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer Doughnuts

Total time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon, butter, vanilla
Level: Beginner

These doughnuts are done in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. Just cut biscuit dough into rounds and air-fry! Brushed with vanilla-spiked melted butter and coated in cinnamon sugar, these are just the thing for a morning pick-me-up or dessert on the fly.

“My sons and I love doughnuts, but in the Florida heat I rarely want to deep-fry them. I tried making this easy air-fryer doughnut recipe, and it turned out so well—with no mess!” —Recipe contributor Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

Air-Fryer S'mores Crescent Rolls

Total time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon, butter, vanilla
Level: Beginner

These dessert bites have all of the yummy flavors of the campfire favorite folded into mini croissants! The air fryer makes the crescent roll dough exceptionally crisp and crunchy, a lovely counterpoint to the gooey chocolate marshmallow filling.

“Want to score indoor s’mores? Try these air-fryer crescent rolls made with Nutella. The kids will love to help with this rolled-up version of the campfire classic.” —Recipe contributor Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Carrot Coffee Cake

Total time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, egg, buttermilk, sugar, orange zest, carrots, dried cranberries, walnuts
Level: Beginner

This carrot cake is moist and full of flavor thanks to carrots, dried cranberries and pumpkin spice. Be sure to cover the cake with foil if it gets too dark on the top while baking in the air fryer. For a fancier cake, omit the nut topping and frost the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting.

One of the greatest things about the air fryer is it’s conducive to making small, quick treats—like this air-fryer carrot cake. The little cake bakes in about 30 minutes and is perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee. —Recipe contributor Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

Air-Fryer Desserts FAQ

How do air fryers work?

You put food on a perforated basket or shelf and put it into a small appliance that circulates hot air around the food to cook it quickly and evenly. A convection oven does the same thing, but usually with a less powerful fan and a space that takes much longer to preheat. Because the small appliance can make foods crispy, crunchy and evenly browned, the term “fryer” was coined to describe its best attribute.

What else can you bake in air fryers?

Though air fryers are great for baking desserts, this appliance can tackle savory baked recipes, too. Crumbed foods like chicken Parmesan cutlets, coconut shrimp and air-fryer pickles come out golden brown and crispy all over. It’s aces for quick-roasting meats and seafood like simple air-fryer salmon, beef skewers and pork chops. It’s also the ideal appliance for roasting vegetables as the hot air produces crispy edges that add flavor.

Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, we like using parchment paper to line air-fryer baskets. It may darken in the air fryer, but parchment is safe to use at temperatures up to 450°F. Trim the parchment to fit the air-fryer basket without any overhang. Edges sticking out can get brittle and break off in pieces or prevent the food from getting browned. Do not use waxed paper; it will melt and burn.