Air-Fried Pavlova: A Crispy, Yet Fluffy Dessert Dream

Yes, you can cook pavlova in an air fryer! This method cuts down the cooking time of the classic bake, which can take several hours in the oven. The air fryer is a great way to make a quick, delicious dessert with a crisp exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like interior. The cooking time will vary depending on the model, but it generally takes 15-20 minutes at 250°F. You can also bake it at 120°C for 20 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 95°C for another hour and 10 minutes. The meringue shell can then be filled with softly whipped cream, lemon curd, and fresh berries.

Air fryer pavlova cooking time and temperature

Yes, you can cook pavlova in an air fryer! The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer pavlova depend on the model of your air fryer and the size of your pavlova.

If you are making a large pavlova, start by heating your air fryer to 120°C and cooking the pavlova for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 95°C and cook for another hour and 10 minutes. This means that the total cooking time for a large pavlova is around 2 hours. Once the pavlova is cooked, turn off the air fryer and leave the pavlova inside to cool. It can stay in the air fryer until it is needed.

If you are making smaller, individual pavlovas, heat your air fryer to 250°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Again, once the pavlova is cooked, turn off the air fryer and leave the pavlova inside to cool before removing it.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on your pavlova while it is cooking.

How to prevent the meringue from sticking to the basket

To prevent the meringue from sticking to the basket, it is important to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will not only prevent sticking but also make it easier to remove your dessert from the air fryer once it’s done. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, add a sheet of parchment, then spray the parchment paper as well. If you’re using an air fryer pan, place the paper directly inside and then add the non-stick spray.

It is also important to let the pavlova cool in the basket before removing it. This will prevent it from breaking. The pavlova can stay in the basket overnight or until needed.

Additionally, make sure that the bowl of your stand mixer and whisk are spotlessly clean. Even a tiny bit of grease can stop the meringue from frothing.

What to do with leftover egg yolks

Yes, you can cook a pavlova in an air fryer. The meringue-based dessert starts with egg whites, so you will be left with egg yolks. Here are some ideas for what to do with those leftover egg yolks:

Storing Leftover Egg Yolks

Firstly, don't throw them away! Eggs are expensive, and the yolks are the "liquid gold centres". According to the USDA, you can store egg yolks in the fridge for up to four days.

Savoury Dishes

Leftover egg yolks can be used to make a silky, rich yellow Carbonara sauce. You can also use them to make an egg wash for baked goods to make them extra golden brown, such as golden Rugelach, pecan coconut pie, or grape galette with almond cream.

Egg yolks can also be added to dough for sugar cookies, resulting in a snap without the brittleness. Try this with red velvet sugar cookies, butter cookies, or pink grapefruit shortbread.

Custard-Based Dishes

Egg yolks can be used to make a glossy, smooth, deep yellow custard. Try using them in a custardy dessert like key lime pie, creme brulee, classic banana pudding, or pots de creme.

Ice Cream

Egg yolks give homemade ice cream its creaminess. Try making vanilla, chocolate cherry, black sesame, or sweet corn ice cream.

Curing

Cure egg yolks for one or two days and serve on rice, or cure them for three or four days and use them like umeboshi in onigiri. Finely grated cured egg yolks are also a great addition to some dishes.

Curd

Use egg yolks to make a citrus curd such as lemon, grapefruit, or orange. You can use it on its own, in a cake, on toast, or as a layer in a pavlova.

How to decorate the pavlova

So, you've baked your pavlova in an air fryer and now you want to decorate it. Well, you're in luck! There are endless ways to decorate this meringue-based dessert.

Firstly, it is recommended to start with a layer of cream. You can use softly whipped cream, Chantilly Cream, or even White Chocolate Chantilly Cream for a fancier twist. If you want to stick to the traditional, you can add a layer of lemon curd here, too.

Now for the fun part: toppings! The most popular choice is fresh fruit. You can use whatever is in season, but some common fruits used include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, passion fruit, peaches, and a medley of fresh berries. If you want to make a Christmas Pavlova, you could even add cranberries and a sprinkling of pistachios. For a truly country Aussie Pav, crush a Peppermint Crisp bar and sprinkle it over the top. If you want to avoid fruit altogether, you could top with chocolate and cherry, a combination inspired by the traditional Black Forest gateau. Alternatively, you could add a scattering of nuts, such as pistachios or peanuts, for some added crunch.

Finally, if you're feeling extra creative, you can finish off your pavlova with some extra decorations. For a Christmas pavlova, you could add a drizzle of cranberry sauce and a clementine slice. Or, for a fun twist, pop a scoop of ice cream on top for a semifreddo-style dessert.

How to store the pavlova

Storing pavlova can be tricky because it is easily affected by humidity and moisture. It is best to cook pavlova as close to when you want to eat it as possible. If kept very carefully, pavlova can last up to two days.

To store pavlova, first, allow it to cool in the oven with the door ajar until completely cooled. Then, place it in an airtight container and seal tightly. Do not store pavlova with other baked goods or decorations. Store it in a pantry or another cool, dark place. Do not store pavlova in the fridge.

Some people suggest storing pavlova in a cool, turned-off oven, as it is not airtight but still keeps the dessert 'out of the air'. Another option is to store pavlova in a loose wrap of plastic for a couple of days or even a bag.

If you want to store pavlova for longer than two days, it is recommended to add two teaspoons of cornflour and a tablespoon of white vinegar to the egg whites while mixing. This will help to preserve your pavlova wrapped in cling wrap for a couple of days in the fridge before you top it.

Frequently asked questions