Air-Fryer Fried Ice Cream: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make fried ice cream in an air fryer! This method is healthier than deep-frying, as it requires no oil, and it's also less messy. The ice cream is coated in a crunchy, crispy shell, which is often made from crushed cereal, and then placed in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. The key to success is to ensure the ice cream is frozen solid before and after coating, so that it doesn't melt in the air fryer.

Air fryer fried ice cream ingredients

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make. The ice cream balls are coated in a crunchy, crispy shell, and the ice cream inside stays frozen. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious treat:

Vanilla Ice Cream:

This is the base of your fried ice cream. You can use any flavour you like, such as chocolate, coffee, strawberry, or even chocolate peanut butter cup. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative!

All-Purpose Flour:

A small amount of flour is used to provide a barrier on the ice cream and help the other ingredients adhere to it. You can use gluten-free flour if needed.

Corn Flakes:

Corn flakes are the classic coating for fried ice cream. They add a crunchy texture to the dessert. You can use regular or crushed corn flakes, depending on your preference.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal:

Adding a touch of cinnamon brings out the Mexican flavours. Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal adds a delicious cinnamon sugar flavour to the coating. You can also use other cereals like Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes, or crushed cookies.

Egg Whites:

Egg whites act as a binder, helping the cereal coating stick to the ice cream. If you prefer, you can omit the egg whites and roll the ice cream balls in honey or maple syrup before coating them in the cereal.

Toppings:

The fun part! You can top your air fryer fried ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, hot fudge, caramel sauce, maraschino cherries, or any other toppings you desire. Get creative and customise your dessert to your taste!

With these ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make a delicious and unique air fryer fried ice cream treat that everyone will enjoy!

How to make fried ice cream in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cornflakes
• Cinnamon
• Egg whites
• Toppings of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Start by forming 8 evenly-sized balls of ice cream using scoops and your hands. Place them in a muffin tin or on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet that has been chilled in the freezer. Freeze for an hour.
• Roll the frozen ice cream balls in flour and return them to the freezer for another hour.
• Prepare the crunchy crust by crushing the cornflakes in a plastic bag using a rolling pin. You can also add some cinnamon for extra flavour.
• Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they become foamy.
• Take out the ice cream balls from the freezer, and roll them in the egg whites, followed by the cornflake and cinnamon mixture. Make sure they are completely coated.
• Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial to ensuring the coated ice cream balls don't melt too quickly when air-fried.
• When ready to air fry, 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 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes.
• Air fry the ice cream balls one or two at a time for 2 minutes each. Remove them from the air fryer using a long spoon, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can get creative with the ice cream flavour and use chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, or mocha instead of vanilla.
• Experiment with different coatings such as Rice Krispies, crushed cookies, or even crushed biscuits.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cereal.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can deep-fry the ice cream balls in hot oil for 10-20 seconds until golden brown.

Air fryer fried ice cream toppings

Air-Fryer Fried Ice Cream Toppings

Air-fried ice cream is a fun dessert that can be made and enjoyed by both kids and adults. The ice cream is coated with egg whites and rolled in a crunchy cereal before being placed in the air fryer. The high heat of the air fryer cooks the coating quickly, resulting in a crispy, crunchy shell, while the ice cream inside stays frozen. This dessert is usually served with various toppings, and there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas for air fryer fried ice cream toppings:

Whipped Cream

This is a classic topping that adds a creamy and fluffy texture to the dessert. It pairs well with the crunchy shell and can be easily dolloped or drizzled on top of the ice cream.

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate sauce is a popular choice for ice cream toppings and can add a rich and indulgent flavour to the dessert. It pairs well with the vanilla ice cream typically used in fried ice cream recipes.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is another delicious option that can complement the sweetness of the ice cream. It adds a sticky and creamy texture to the dessert, creating a unique taste sensation.

Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are often used as a garnish for fried ice cream and can add a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour to the dish. They also provide a contrasting texture to the crunchy shell.

Honey

Drizzling honey on top of the fried ice cream can add a touch of sweetness and a unique flavour to the dessert. It is a simpler alternative to other toppings and can be easily drizzled over the ice cream.

Fruits

Fresh fruits such as strawberries, apricots, raspberries, or cherries can be used as toppings. They add a natural sweetness and a burst of flavour to the dessert, creating a refreshing taste experience.

Nuts

Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans, can be sprinkled on top of the fried ice cream to add a crunchy and nutty flavour. They provide a contrasting texture to the creamy ice cream and can enhance the overall taste experience.

Fried ice cream in an air fryer vs deep fryer

Fried ice cream is a delicious dessert with a crunchy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. While traditionally deep-fried, it can also be made in an air fryer, which is healthier, easier to clean, and more convenient. Here's a detailed comparison of making fried ice cream in an air fryer versus a deep fryer.

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream:

The air fryer method eliminates the need for hot oil, resulting in a healthier treat with less grease. It is also safer, as there is no risk of oil splatters or mess. The cleanup is much easier compared to deep frying, making it a more convenient option.

To make fried ice cream in an air fryer, start by forming ice cream into balls and freezing them. Next, coat the ice cream balls with a dry batter, such as flour or crushed cereal. Some recipes also suggest dipping the ice cream in egg whites to help the coating stick better. Freeze the coated ice cream balls again for several hours. Finally, place the ice cream balls in an aluminium foil tray in the air fryer basket and air fry for a couple of minutes until the coating is crispy.

Deep Fryer Fried Ice Cream:

The traditional method of making fried ice cream involves deep frying ice cream balls coated with a crunchy cereal or cookie coating. This technique requires heating a large amount of oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to a temperature of around 375°F (190°C). The ice cream balls are then carefully placed in the hot oil and fried for a very short time, usually 10 to 20 seconds, until the coating turns golden brown.

Comparison:

The main difference between using an air fryer and a deep fryer is the presence of hot oil. Deep frying results in a crispier coating due to the direct contact with hot oil, while air frying achieves a similar effect without submerging the ice cream in oil, making it a healthier alternative.

In terms of convenience, the air fryer method is generally preferred as it requires less preparation and cleanup. There is no need to heat a large volume of oil, and the risk of oil splatters is eliminated. Additionally, the air fryer method is safer, especially for those with children or pets, as it does not involve handling hot oil.

However, one advantage of deep frying is the ability to fry multiple ice cream balls at once, depending on the size of the fryer. In contrast, air frying usually requires cooking one or two ice cream balls at a time.

Both methods result in a delicious, crunchy-creamy dessert, but the air fryer option is healthier and more convenient. It eliminates the need for hot oil, making it safer and easier to clean. The deep fryer method produces a crispier coating but may be less accessible and more time-consuming. Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and a deep fryer depends on personal preferences, the desired level of crispness, and convenience.

Fried ice cream coating alternatives

While the classic fried ice cream recipe calls for coating the ice cream with a mixture of egg whites, vanilla wafers, cornflakes, and cinnamon, there are several alternatives you can use to create a delicious and crispy shell. Here are some ideas for coating alternatives to achieve the same tasty results:

Crushed Cereal:

• Cornflakes: Cornflakes are a popular choice for fried ice cream coating, as they create a crunchy texture. You can crush them into a fine crumb and mix them with cinnamon for added flavour.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch: This cereal adds a touch of cinnamon sugar, bringing out the Mexican flavours in the dessert.
• Rice Krispies: Using Rice Krispies or other puffed rice cereals will give your fried ice cream a different texture.
• Frosted Flakes: For a sweeter coating, Frosted Flakes can be a fun alternative.

Crushed Cookies:

• Vanilla Wafers: Vanilla wafers provide a sweet and crispy coating. You can crush them into a fine crumb and mix them with cinnamon if desired.
• Chocolate Wafers: For a chocolatey twist, use chocolate wafers instead of vanilla.
• Gingersnaps: Gingersnaps will add a spicy kick to your fried ice cream.
• Graham Crackers: Graham crackers provide a sweet and crunchy coating.
• Biscuits: Crushed biscuits can also be used as a coating, but avoid artificially flavoured ones.

Other Alternatives:

• Coconut Sugar and Cornflakes: Coconut sugar gives the cornflake coating a deep-fried taste without the stickiness of brown sugar.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: If you don't want to use egg whites, you can roll the ice cream balls in honey or maple syrup before coating them with the cereal.
• Honey, Chocolate Syrup, or Maple Syrup: These sweet alternatives can be drizzled over the ice cream as a coating.
• Shredded Coconut or Chopped Pecans: For a tropical twist, you can substitute some of the cornflakes with sweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped pecans.

Frequently asked questions