Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream: Is It Possible?

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make at home. It is made by coating scoops of ice cream in egg whites and rolling them in crushed cereal before air frying for a few minutes. The result is a crunchy, crispy shell with creamy ice cream inside. While it may seem impossible to fry ice cream without it melting, the high heat of the air fryer cooks the coating quickly, keeping the ice cream inside frozen. This unique dessert is usually reserved for restaurants, but it can be made in an air fryer with minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients.

Air fryer fried ice cream ingredients

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

Ice Cream

The ice cream flavour is up to you! While vanilla is a classic, you can use any flavour you like. Some suggestions include:

• Rocky Road
• S'mores
• Chocolate Chip
• Pumpkin
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
• Mocha Fudge
• Strawberry
• Butter Brickle

Crunchy Coating

For the crunchy coating, you have a few options. You can use crushed cereal, such as:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Corn Flakes
• Frosted Flakes
• Rice Krispies

Or, you can use crushed cookies/biscuits, such as:

• Chocolate wafers
• Vanilla wafers
• Gingersnaps
• Graham crackers
• Biscoff biscuits

Egg Whites

Egg whites are optional but will help the coating stick to the ice cream. If you do use them, you'll need to whisk the egg whites until they're foamy before dipping or rolling the ice cream balls in the mixture.

Toppings

Again, the toppings are up to you! Here are some ideas:

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Hot fudge sauce
• Maraschino cherries

Air fryer fried ice cream prep

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream is a fun and easy dessert to make. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious treat:

Step 1: Form Ice Cream Balls

Start by forming evenly-sized balls of ice cream using scoops or your hands. You can use any ice cream flavour you like, such as vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or strawberry. Place the ice cream balls in a muffin tin or on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet that has been chilled in the freezer for about an hour.

Step 2: Coat the Ice Cream Balls

This step involves creating a crunchy crust for your ice cream. First, place your chosen cereal (e.g. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Corn Flakes, or Rice Krispies) in a plastic bag and crush it using a rolling pin. Leave some larger pieces for added texture. You can also add ground cinnamon to the crushed cereal for extra flavour.

Next, whisk egg whites in a small bowl until they become foamy. Take the ice cream balls out of the freezer and roll them in the egg whites, then in the crushed cereal. This step will help the cereal coating stick to the ice cream.

Step 3: Freeze the Coated Ice Cream Balls

Place the coated ice cream balls back into the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial to ensuring the ice cream is frozen hard before air frying.

Step 4: Air Frying

Create a small shallow bowl out of aluminium foil and place it in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F for 2 minutes.

Air fry the ice cream balls one or two at a time for about 2 minutes each. Remove them from the air fryer with a long spoon and serve immediately with your desired toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or maraschino cherries.

Enjoy your air fryer fried ice cream!

Air fryer fried ice cream cooking

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's a great way to enjoy the taste of fried ice cream without the mess and grease of deep frying. The air fryer method also makes cleanup a lot easier and produces a healthier dessert. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious air fryer fried ice cream:

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream (or any other flavour of your choice)
• All-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
• Corn flakes cereal (or similar crunchy cereal)
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (or similar cinnamon-flavoured cereal)
• Ground cinnamon (optional)
• Egg whites (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, maraschino cherries)

Step 1: Form Ice Cream Balls

Start by forming evenly sized ice cream balls using ice cream scoops and your hands. You can place the balls in a muffin tin or on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet that has been chilled in the freezer. The number of balls you make will depend on the size and quantity of servings you desire. Return the ice cream balls to the freezer for at least one hour to harden.

Step 2: Coat the Ice Cream Balls

This step involves creating a crunchy coating for your ice cream balls. First, prepare the dry ingredients by crushing the cereals in a plastic bag using a rolling pin. You can crush them together or separately, depending on your preference for texture and flavour. If using ground cinnamon, mix it with the crushed cornflakes. Next, whisk the egg whites (if using) in a separate bowl until they become foamy.

Take out the ice cream balls from the freezer and roll them in the flour, then dip or roll them in the egg whites (if using). Finally, roll the ice cream balls in the crushed cereal mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for at least four hours or overnight.

Step 3: Air Frying

When you are ready to serve the dessert, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Create a small shallow bowl out of aluminium foil and place it in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Air fry the ice cream balls one or two at a time for about two minutes. Remove them from the air fryer using a long spoon and serve immediately with your desired toppings.

Tips:

• It is important not to skip the freezing steps. Ensure your ice cream is very hard before air frying to prevent it from melting too quickly.
• You can make gluten-free fried ice cream by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free cereal.
• Get creative with your ice cream and cereal flavours! Some popular combinations include chocolate ice cream with Rice Krispies, or coffee ice cream with Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
• For an extra special treat, use homemade ice cream as the base for your fried ice cream.

Air fryer fried ice cream toppings

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun dessert to make and can be a delicious treat for both kids and adults. The crunchy exterior and creamy interior make for a delightful combination. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your air fryer fried ice cream:

Whipped cream

A generous dollop of whipped cream is a classic topping for fried ice cream. It adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.

Chocolate sauce

Drizzle some chocolate sauce over your fried ice cream for a decadent touch. It pairs perfectly with the vanilla ice cream and creates a delightful flavour combination.

Caramel sauce

For those with a sweet tooth, caramel sauce is an excellent choice. It complements the crunchy coating and adds a rich, buttery flavour to your dessert.

Hot fudge sauce

Hot fudge sauce takes your fried ice cream to the next level. The warm, gooey fudge contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Maraschino cherries

Add a touch of colour and a burst of sweetness with maraschino cherries. They are the traditional cherry on top of this unique dessert.

Honey or maple syrup

Drizzle some honey or maple syrup over your fried ice cream for an extra touch of sweetness. It complements the crunchy coating and adds a unique flavour dimension.

Fresh or Bing cherries

If you're looking for a slightly healthier option, top your fried ice cream with fresh cherries or Bing cherries. They add a touch of freshness and a burst of flavour.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other toppings of your choice! The possibilities are endless, and you can customise your air fryer fried ice cream to suit your taste preferences.

Air fryer fried ice cream safety

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and tasty dessert to make, but there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind to ensure the best results and avoid any accidents. Here are some tips to safely make air fryer fried ice cream:

Prepare the Ice Cream Balls in Advance

It is important to give the ice cream balls enough time to freeze and harden before placing them in the air fryer. Aim for at least 3-4 hours, but preferably freeze them overnight. This step is crucial to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly during the air frying process, which can create a mess and affect the final texture.

Use an Aluminum Foil Tray

When placing the ice cream balls in the air fryer, use an aluminum foil tray or a shallow bowl made out of aluminum foil. This will catch any drips or mess and make cleanup easier. It also helps to ensure that all exposed parts of the ice cream are covered with the crumb coating, reducing the chances of direct contact with the air fryer's heating elements.

Work in Batches

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ice cream balls in batches. Cooking too many at once can lead to uneven cooking and melting. It's best to cook one or two at a time, especially if you're using a smaller air fryer. This will ensure that each ice cream ball gets the attention it needs and reduces the risk of overcrowding, which can affect the cooking process.

Follow the Recipe Carefully

Air fryer fried ice cream recipes typically involve coating the ice cream balls with a dry batter or a combination of flour, egg whites, and crushed cereal. It's important to follow the recipe closely, as deviating from the instructions can affect the final result. The coating helps to protect the ice cream from melting too quickly and gives it a crispy texture.

Be Mindful of Hot Surfaces

When handling the air fryer during and after the cooking process, be cautious of hot surfaces. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands when removing the ice cream balls from the air fryer. Additionally, be careful when serving the dessert, as the ice cream may be extremely hot on the outside immediately after cooking.

Read the Air Fryer's Manual

Before using your air fryer for this or any other recipe, always read the manual provided by the manufacturer. Different models may have specific instructions or safety precautions that are important to follow. The manual will also provide information on proper usage, cleaning, and maintenance of your air fryer.

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