21 Quick & Easy Air Fryer Dessert Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again!

We’ve all been there. It’s 8 PM, the craving hits, but the idea of preheating the big oven (and waiting 20 minutes just for it to get hot) feels like way too much work.

Enter the air fryer. It’s not just for reheating fries or crisping up wings anymore; it is secretly the best pastry chef in your kitchen.

I am absolutely obsessed with how this little appliance handles sweets. It creates crispy edges on Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes, puffs up 5-Minute Donuts like magic, and even makes “Fried” Oreos that taste exactly like the ones at the state fair—without the greasy mess.

My wish here is to show you how to whip up everything from elegant fruit dishes to gooey chocolate treats in record time.

Before we get to the sugar rush, here are a few things I’ve found helpful to make air fryer baking a total success:

• Bakeware Essentials: You don’t need fancy equipment, but silicone muffin liners and small ramekins that fit your basket are lifesavers for batters and dips.
• Watch the Fan: The air fryer fan is powerful! If you’re making something light like puff pastry, weigh it down with a little butter or filling so it doesn’t fly into the heating element.
• Lower the Heat: Because the heat source is so close, sugary treats burn easily. I usually lower the temperature by 25°F compared to regular oven recipes.
• Small Batches: This is the best part! You can make just two or four cookies instead of a whole tray. No leftovers tempting you all week (unless you want them!).
• Check Early: Air fryers cook fast. Start checking your dessert a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure perfectly golden edges.

Let’s know About Your 21 Airfryer Dessert Recipes

Ready to turn that basket into a bakery? I’ve compiled a list of my absolute favorite treats, ranging from simple hacks using store-bought dough to impressive desserts that look like they took hours to make.

Let’s get baking!

5-Minute “Fried” Donuts (Biscuit Hack)

This is the recipe that made me fall in love with my air fryer. You take simple canned biscuit dough, cut a hole in the middle, and air fry them. They puff up and taste shockingly similar to a real yeast donut. Dip them in butter and cinnamon sugar, and you’re in heaven.

My kids beg for these on Saturday mornings or for a special movie night treat. It’s so much less messy than a deep fryer—no hot oil splattering everywhere. Just warm, fluffy donuts in minutes.

Ingredients: 1 can flaky refrigerated biscuits, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon.
Method: Cut holes in center of biscuits. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes. Dip immediately in butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes (Cafe Style)

Yes, you can make fancy restaurant desserts in the air fryer! Using small ramekins, these little cakes cook the outside perfectly while keeping the inside gooey and molten. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream.

I love making these for date nights at home. They feel incredibly sophisticated, but the batter comes together in one bowl. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s pure perfection.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butter, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp flour.
Method: Melt chocolate and butter. Whisk in eggs and sugar, then fold in flour. Pour into greased ramekins. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 8-10 minutes. center should still be jiggly.

Air Fryer “Fried” Oreos (Fair Food)

You know those deep-fried Oreos at the state fair? You can make them at home with crescent roll dough. Wrap an Oreo in a little blanket of dough and air fry it. The cookie gets soft and cake-like inside the crispy shell.

These are dangerous because they are so easy! They are the ultimate slumber party treat. Dust them with powdered sugar, and they look exactly like the real deal without the grease heaviness.

Ingredients: 1 can crescent roll dough, 8 Oreos, powdered sugar.
Method: Wrap each Oreo in a triangle of dough, sealing edges. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 4-5 minutes until golden. Dust with sugar.

S’mores Dip (No Campfire Needed)

Layer chocolate chips and marshmallows in a small oven-safe dish or a foil pie pan. Air fry until the marshmallows are toasted and golden. Use graham crackers to scoop up the goo. It’s indoor camping at its finest.

This is my go-to when we want a cozy dessert but don’t want to build a fire. The air fryer toasts the marshmallows evenly on top in just a couple of minutes. It’s messy, sticky, and delicious.

Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup large marshmallows, graham crackers for dipping.
Method: Place chocolate in a small baking dish. Top with marshmallows. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 3-5 minutes until toasted.

Caramelized Bananas (Simple & Sweet)

Slice bananas in half lengthwise, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, and air fry. The sugar caramelizes into a crunchy crust while the fruit gets warm and soft.

I mean, fruit counts as a healthy dessert, right? This is so simple but tastes decadent, especially if you add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. It brings out the natural sweetness of the banana.

Ingredients: 2 bananas (halved lengthwise), 1 tbsp brown sugar, cinnamon, cooking spray.
Method: Spray bananas with oil. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 4-6 minutes.

Mini Cheesecake Bites

Using silicone muffin liners, you can bake creamy little cheesecakes without a water bath. They set up beautifully and are the perfect portion size. Top with a raspberry or a drizzle of chocolate.

Cheesecake usually takes hours, but these are done in about 15 minutes. They need to chill, but the cooking part is a breeze. My friends are always shocked they came out of an air fryer.

Ingredients: 1 block (8oz) cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, graham cracker crumbs.
Method: Press crumbs into liners. Mix filling ingredients and pour over crust. Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes. Chill before serving.

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

Using puff pastry, you can create crispy, flaky bites that mimic churros. Brush the pastry with butter, bake until puffed, and toss in cinnamon sugar.

These are so light and airy. They don’t have the heavy, oily feeling of traditional churros, which means you can eat way more of them! Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed), 2 tbsp melted butter, cinnamon sugar mix.
Method: Cut pastry into strips or bites. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 6-8 minutes until puffed. Brush with butter and toss in sugar.

Apple Crisp Stuffed Apples

Core an apple (don’t cut all the way through) and stuff it with an oat and brown sugar crumble mixture. As it bakes, the apple softens and the filling gets crunchy. It’s like a personal apple pie without the crust.

This smells absolutely amazing while it cooks. It makes the whole kitchen smell like fall. It’s a comforting, warm dessert that feels wholesome.

Ingredients: 4 apples (cored), 1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, cinnamon.
Method: Mix oats, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Stuff into apples. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until tender.

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving cookies but don’t need 24 of them? Make a small batch of dough and air fry 2-4 cookies at a time. Line the basket with parchment paper to prevent them from slipping through the grate.

I love that I can have fresh, warm cookies in 8 minutes. They get crispy on the edges and stay soft in the middle. Just be sure to let them cool on the paper or they will fall apart.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup cookie dough (homemade or store-bought).
Method: Place mounds of dough on parchment paper in basket (leave space). Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 7-9 minutes.

Nutella Hand Pies

Take store-bought pie crust, cut circles, add a dollop of Nutella, seal, and bake. It’s a homemade Pop-Tart/turnover hybrid that is oozing with chocolate hazelnut spread.

Kids love helping with these. Pressing the fork around the edges to seal them is a fun job for little hands. They are great for packing in lunchboxes the next day, too.

Ingredients: Refrigerated pie crust, Nutella, 1 egg (for wash).
Method: Cut circles. Fill with 1 tsp Nutella. Fold and crimp edges. Brush with egg. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Grilled Peaches with Honey

When peaches are in season, this is the best dessert. Halve them, remove the pit, and air fry until tender and juicy. Drizzle with honey and maybe a sprinkle of granola.

It tastes like summer. The heat intensifies the peach flavor and makes them incredibly juicy. Served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, it’s an elegant end to any meal.

Ingredients: 2 peaches (halved), 1 tsp oil/butter, honey, cinnamon.
Method: Brush peaches with oil. Air fry cut-side up at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes. Drizzle with honey.

Fudgy Air Fryer Brownies

Find a small baking pan that fits your basket (like a 6-inch cake pan) and you can make thick, fudgy brownies. The top gets that crackly crust we all love.

I prefer this to the oven because the smaller space keeps the brownies from drying out. They stay super moist and dense. Just make sure to grease the pan well!

Ingredients: 1/2 cup brownie batter (box mix or favorite recipe).
Method: Pour batter into greased small pan. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes. Check with toothpick.

Cannoli Shells (Tortilla Hack)

Brush small flour tortillas with butter and cinnamon sugar. Roll them up (use a foil ball to keep them open if needed, or just roll them tight) and air fry. Once crispy, fill with a sweetened ricotta mix.

This is a genius hack. Making real cannoli shells is a pain, but these tortilla ones are crispy and sweet. The filling is creamy and rich—a perfect contrast.

Ingredients: small flour tortillas, melted butter, sugar, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips.
Method: Butter and sugar tortillas. Roll and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Let cool. Pipe in sweetened ricotta/chip mix.

Peanut Butter 3-Ingredient Cookies

Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, and air fry. They are naturally gluten-free and super peanut-buttery.

These are the easiest cookies on the planet. I make them when I’m out of flour or just want something fast. They are fragile until they cool, so patience is key!

Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg.
Method: Mix ingredients. Form balls and press cross-hatch pattern. Air fry on parchment at 320°F (160°C) for 4-6 minutes.

Berry Crumble for Two

Toss berries with a little sugar and cornstarch in two ramekins. Top with a mix of flour, butter, and brown sugar. Air fry until bubbly.

It’s a fruit crisp without the giant casserole dish. I love making these with frozen berries in the winter. The topping gets super crunchy in the air fryer.

Ingredients: 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup oats, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar.
Method: Place berries in ramekins. Mix topping ingredients and crumble over fruit. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Bites

Take a tube of cinnamon roll dough, but instead of baking them whole, cut each roll into quarters. Toss them in the basket and air fry. Drizzle with icing. They turn into pull-apart monkey bread bites.

My kids call these “cinnamon nuggets.” They cook faster than whole rolls and are perfect for sharing. Every bite has that gooey cinnamon center.

Ingredients: 1 tube cinnamon rolls with icing.
Method: Cut each roll into 4 pieces. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway. Drizzle with icing.

Strawberry Pop-Tarts

Roll out pie crust, cut into rectangles, add a spoon of strawberry jam, and seal with another rectangle. Air fry until golden, then top with a simple powdered sugar glaze and sprinkles.

Homemade Pop-Tarts are vastly superior to the box kind. The crust is flaky and buttery. You can customize the filling with whatever jam you have on hand.

Ingredients: Pie crust, strawberry jam, powdered sugar, milk (for glaze).
Method: Assemble tarts. Crimp edges. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-9 minutes. Glaze when cool.

Bread Pudding Cups

Cube up stale bread, soak it in a custard mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon), and pour into ramekins. Air fry until puffed and golden.

This is the best way to use up the end of a loaf. It tastes like French toast but in pudding form. It’s warm, comforting, and great with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Ingredients: 2 cups cubed bread, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, raisins (optional).
Method: Soak bread in mix for 10 mins. Fill ramekins. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Roasted Pineapple with Brown Sugar

Pineapple slices, butter, and brown sugar. That’s it. Air fry until the sugar bubbles and the fruit is tender. It tastes just like the pineapple at a Brazilian steakhouse.

The acidity of the pineapple cuts through the sweetness of the sugar. It’s a very sophisticated flavor profile for something so simple.

Ingredients: Pineapple slices (fresh or canned), brown sugar, melted butter.
Method: Brush pineapple with butter and dip in sugar. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 10-12 minutes.

French Toast Bites

Cut thick bread into cubes. Dip quickly in egg/milk wash, then toss in cinnamon sugar. Air fry until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

These are like French toast nuggets. We eat them with toothpicks and a side of syrup for dipping. It’s a fun finger-food dessert (or breakfast!).

Ingredients: 4 slices thick bread (cubed), 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, cinnamon sugar.
Method: Dip cubes in egg mix (don’t soak too long). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes. Toss in cinnamon sugar immediately.

Oatmeal Stuffed Pears

Similar to the apples, cut pears in half and scoop out the seeds. Top with a mixture of oats, honey, walnuts, and cinnamon. Air fry until the pear is soft.

Pears get incredibly sweet when cooked. The walnuts add a nice crunch. It’s a lighter dessert that feels very fancy and autumnal.

Ingredients: 2 pears (halved), 1/4 cup oats, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, cinnamon.
Method: Top pear halves with oat mixture. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Beyond the Plate: Your Air Fryer Dessert Game Plan

Alright, you’ve got a ton of sweet ideas. Now, here are a few extra tips from my kitchen to yours to make those desserts run smoother:

• Parchment Paper is a Great Option: For cookies or anything with sticky dough, use perforated parchment paper. It prevents sticking but allows airflow.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Just like with savory food, desserts need room for the air to circulate. Cook in batches if you have to.
• The Toothpick Test: It works in the air fryer too! Poke cakes or brownies to see if they are done.
• Ramekins are Your Best Friend: Invest in a few small ceramic ramekins. They open up a whole world of crumbles, cakes, and puddings.
• Toppings Matter: A dust of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel can make a simple air fryer fruit dish look like a 5-star dessert.

Your Air Fryer Dessert Qs Answered: Parent FAQs

I know, putting liquid batter or delicate dough into a basket that blows hot air around feels a little wrong at first. It takes some getting used to!

Here are the answers to the most common questions people ask me when they start baking in their air fryer.

Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer for desserts?

Yes, you can! You can shape foil into little boats for bananas or use it to line the basket. Just make sure the food weighs it down so it doesn’t fly up into the heating element.

Why did my cookies fly around?

The fan in an air fryer is powerful! If the dough is light, it might move. Try pressing the dough down slightly onto the parchment paper so it sticks, or use a lower fan setting if your model has one.

Can I bake a whole cake in the air fryer?

Unless you have a massive air fryer, probably not a standard size cake. But you can bake a 6-inch cake easily!

Just check the dimensions of your basket and buy a pan that fits with room for air to flow around the sides.

Do I need to preheat for desserts?

For most baking recipes, yes. Preheating helps the leavening agents (like baking soda) activate immediately, giving you a better rise on cakes and donuts.

Share Your Recipes with Us!

So, there you have it – 21 incredible air fryer dessert recipes that prove you don’t need a bakery (or a deep fryer) to enjoy sweet treats!

From gooey lava cakes to healthy roasted fruit, your air fryer is about to become your favorite pastry chef. It saves time, keeps the kitchen cool, and satisfies those cravings instantly.

Now, I’m eager to hear from you! Which of these sweet recipes are you going to try first?

Have you ever tried baking in your air fryer before? Share your tips, your triumphs, and maybe even a photo of your golden-brown creations in the comments below.

Let’s help each other make dessert a little bit easier! Happy cooking, and here’s to the sweet smell of success in your kitchen!