Air-Frying Cheesecake: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. But can you bake a cheesecake in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer cheesecakes are not only possible, but they are also a quick, easy, and delicious dessert option.

Baking a cheesecake in an air fryer saves time and energy. There is no need to heat up your oven, and the overall cooking time is much shorter – usually around 20 to 30 minutes. Plus, there is no need for a water bath, simplifying the process even further.

The basic ingredients for an air fryer cheesecake are similar to a traditional cheesecake: graham crackers or digestive biscuits for the base, butter, cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Some recipes also include sour cream, vanilla extract, and a sweet topping like cherry pie filling.

The process is simple: create a buttery graham cracker crust, whip up a creamy filling, and bake in the air fryer. The key is to let the cheesecake chill for several hours or overnight before serving, so it has time to set.

So, if you're looking for a new way to use your air fryer or want to try a quick and easy cheesecake recipe, give air fryer cheesecake a go!

Air Fryer Cheesecake Ingredients

Air fryer cheesecakes are simple to make and only take around 20 minutes to bake. They are rich, creamy, and slightly tangy.

Crust Ingredients

• Graham crackers or digestive biscuits
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients

• Full-fat cream cheese
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Eggs
• Sour cream or crème fraîche
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Topping Ideas

• Cherry pie filling
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate ganache
• Lemon curd
• Fresh fruit

How to make Air Fryer Cheesecake

Ingredients

To make an air fryer cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Sugar (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Method

Step 1: Make the Crust

Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and, if using, sugar and salt. Press the mixture into a greased 6-8 inch springform pan. You can use a spoon or a glass to flatten the surface. Some recipes suggest freezing the crust while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Add the sugar and beat until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the cheesecake batter is smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the crust. Carefully place the pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300°F (140-150°C). Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until the centre is no longer jiggling. The cheesecake should still wobble slightly, but it shouldn't be wet.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Then, chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the cheesecake from the pan and serve with your choice of toppings, such as cherry pie filling, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Don't preheat the air fryer unless your model recommends it.
• Avoid setting the temperature too high, as this may brown the top too much.
• Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your cheesecake and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Let the cheesecake cool in the air fryer basket to prevent cracks from forming.
• For neat slices, use a large knife dipped in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.

Air Fryer Cheesecake FAQs

Yes, you can use an 8" Springform pan. However, you will need to adjust the amount of graham crackers and butter used for the base. You will need 2 cups of graham crackers and 1/2 cup of butter. The cooking time will also need to be adjusted to 15 minutes, and then add 2-minute increments as needed.

A cheesecake pan is another name for a Springform pan. It is a two-piece circular pan with a spring on the sides that allows you to remove the cheesecake from the bottom of the pan easily.

You can get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavours for your Air Fryer Cheesecake. Some ideas include cocoa powder for a chocolate cheesecake, different types of berries, Oreos, and more.

If you encounter sticking, use a warm butter knife to carefully insert and run it between the springform pan and the cheesecake. Generously buttering the edges should help prevent sticking.

Your cheesecake should have a slight wobble to it, but it should not appear liquid in the centre. If it is still liquid, it needs to be cooked longer. If it has no wobble, it may be overbaked.

To get neat and uniform slices, use a large knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife clean between each cut.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Topping Ideas

Air fryer cheesecakes can be topped with a variety of sweet treats. Here are some ideas:

• Cherry pie filling
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate ganache
• Lemon curd
• Fresh fruit
• Black Cherries in Kirsch
• Strawberries
• Chocolate
• Berries
• Oreos
• Other pie fillings

Air Fryer Cheesecake Storage and Serving Tips

Air fryer cheesecakes are a quick and easy way to make a delicious dessert. They are best served cold, so make sure to leave enough time for your cheesecake to chill in the fridge before serving. Here are some tips to help you store and serve your air fryer cheesecake:

Storing your cheesecake

• Refrigerate your cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 3 days after baking.
• If you want to keep your cheesecake for longer, you can freeze it. Place it uncovered in the freezer for 4-6 hours until it is completely frozen, then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• If you have made a large cheesecake, you can slice it before freezing. That way, you can remove a slice at a time whenever you fancy a treat.
• Always make sure your cheesecake is completely chilled before attempting to remove it from the pan.

Serving your cheesecake

• Room temperature cheesecakes are softer and easier to slice, so it's best to remove your cheesecake from the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving.
• For clean slices, use a large knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife clean between each slice.
• Air fryer cheesecakes are delicious plain, but you can also add toppings such as cherry pie filling, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, crushed Oreos, or fresh berries.
• If you have made a cherry topping, it's best to add this just before serving.
• If you are serving your cheesecake at a party, you could try making cheesecake bites. Simply make your cheesecake in a silicone cupcake mould and serve as bite-sized treats.

Frequently asked questions