Air-Fried Cheesecake: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Yes, you can cook a cheesecake in an air fryer! This method is perfect for when you're craving something sweet but don't want to heat up your whole kitchen by turning on the oven. Air fryer cheesecakes are also a great option if you're short on time, as they generally take less than half an hour to cook, and they don't require a water bath. Plus, you can make a variety of different cheesecakes in your air fryer, from classic to chocolate to cookies and cream.

Air fryer cheesecakes are quick and easy to make

Air fryer cheesecakes are a quick and easy dessert option that can be made with minimal effort and time. The air fryer method is also more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven, as it does not require preheating and cooks the cheesecake faster.

The first step in making an air fryer cheesecake is to prepare the crust. This is typically made from crushed graham crackers or cookies, butter, and sugar, although some recipes suggest adding salt or herbs for extra flavour. The ingredients are combined until they resemble wet sand, then pressed into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Some recipes recommend chilling the crust while preparing the filling.

For the filling, softened cream cheese is beaten until smooth, and then eggs, condensed milk, vanilla, and sometimes sugar are added and blended until completely creamy and smooth. Some recipes also add sour cream or yogurt for a tangy flavour. The filling is then poured into the crust, almost reaching the rim of the pan.

The pan is then carefully placed into the air fryer basket and baked at a low temperature, typically between 275-325°F (140-160°C), for around 30 minutes, although cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model. The cheesecake is done when it is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the middle. After baking, it is important to let the cheesecake cool in the air fryer basket and then chill for at least 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving.

Air fryer cheesecakes can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, such as cherry pie filling, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or fresh fruit. They can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

They require minimal ingredients

Air fryer cheesecakes require minimal ingredients, which is great because it means less time spent shopping for exotic or expensive components. The ingredients are also likely to be things you already have in your pantry.

The crust of an air fryer cheesecake typically consists of graham crackers or similar biscuits, which are crushed and combined with melted butter. Some recipes also add sugar and salt to taste. The filling is usually made by blending cream cheese, eggs, and condensed milk, with some recipes also adding vanilla and/or sour cream. That's it! Those are the only ingredients you need for a classic, rich and creamy New York-style cheesecake.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can experiment with different toppings and mix-ins. Popular topping options include cherry pie filling, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, lemon curd, fresh fruit, and caramel sauce. You can also add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate cheesecake or throw in some Oreo cookies or berries for a fun twist.

The simplicity of the ingredient list for air fryer cheesecakes makes this dessert accessible and convenient for anyone looking to indulge their sweet tooth without spending a fortune on exotic components.

You don't need an oven or water bath

Making a cheesecake in an air fryer is a simple, quick, and fuss-free process. It does not require an oven or a water bath, making it a convenient option for baking a cheesecake, especially during hot summer days.

The first step is to prepare the crust. This can be done by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. This mixture is then pressed into the bottom of a greased springform pan, which will fit into your air fryer. Some recipes suggest adding an inch of the crust to the sides of the pan as well. The pan is then chilled while the filling is prepared.

For the filling, beat cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until creamy and smooth. Then, add eggs, condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until the mixture is well blended. The filling is then poured into the crust, almost reaching the rim of the pan.

The pan is then placed into the air fryer basket and baked at a low temperature for an even cook. The baking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The cheesecake is done when it is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the middle.

Once baked, the cheesecake is allowed to cool in the air fryer basket before being chilled in the refrigerator for at least 6 to 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it sets properly before serving.

They can be frozen

Yes, you can freeze an air fryer cheesecake. It is recommended to freeze the cheesecake as soon as possible after it has been made to preserve its freshness. Before freezing, the cheesecake must be allowed to cool completely at room temperature and then set and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

The cheesecake can be left in the springform pan, or the sides of the pan can be removed, and the cheesecake can be transferred to a freezer-safe plate or cardboard round. It is also possible to cut the cheesecake into slices before freezing, which will speed up the thawing process.

To wrap the cheesecake for freezing, it is important to keep air out. Start with at least two layers of plastic wrap, pressed directly onto the surface of the cheesecake, and then add a layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil. The cheesecake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, although the quality may start to decline after 1 month.

When defrosting, it is best to leave the cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator. It can also be defrosted at room temperature for 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the cheesecake, but it should not be left out for longer than 2 hours. It is recommended to add any toppings after the cheesecake has been defrosted, as fresh fruit and other toppings may not defrost well.

You can add toppings like cherry pie filling or whipped cream

Cherry pie filling is a popular topping for air fryer cheesecakes and can give your dessert a sweet-tart or tangy flavour. You can make your own cherry pie filling by preparing a mixture of cornstarch and cold water, adding it to a saucepan with the rest of your topping ingredients, and cooking it until the cherries are soft and syrupy. You can also top your cheesecake with Black Cherries in Kirsch instead.

Whipped cream is another popular topping option for air fryer cheesecakes. You can add flavour to your whipped cream by combining it with sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. You can also create fruit swirls using strawberry or raspberry jam on top or add herbs or citrus peel to the crust.

Frequently asked questions