Air-Fried Cheesecake: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and with good reason. They can cook food quickly and efficiently, and are able to make a wide variety of dishes, from fried chicken to burgers. But can you make a cheesecake in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air fryer cheesecakes are not only possible, but they are also faster and more efficient to make than oven-baked cheesecakes. Air fryer cheesecakes also have a rich and creamy interior with a golden-brown top, and there's no need for a water bath, which is often required when baking a cheesecake in an oven.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make, why not give air fryer cheesecake a try?

Air Fryer Cheesecake Ingredients

The Crust

• Graham crackers, crushed into crumbs (you can use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush them)
• Butter, melted (unsalted or salted)
• Sugar (optional)
• Salt (optional)

The Filling

• Cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
• Sour cream or crème fraîche (full-fat)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Eggs
• Lemon zest (optional)

The Topping

Cherry pie filling or fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream

How to make Air Fryer Cheesecake

Air fryer cheesecakes are a quick and easy way to make a delicious dessert without the need for a water bath. This guide will take you through the steps to make your own air fryer cheesecake.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make an air fryer cheesecake:

• Graham crackers
• Butter
• Sugar
• Cream cheese
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cherry pie filling

Method

Step 1: Make the Crust

Crumble the graham crackers into a fine texture, either by hand or using a food processor. Add melted butter and sugar to the crumbs and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 6-8 inch springform pan. You can use a glass to flatten the crust. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Add the sugar and beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling on top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300°F (140-150°C). Bake for 20-35 minutes, until the centre is barely wobbly. Remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cover and chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. 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 air fryer to a high temperature, as this can brown the top of the cheesecake 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! Air fryers can cook a fantastic cheesecake in much less time than an oven. The overall cooking time is less than an hour.

There's no need for a water bath, which is often required when baking a cheesecake in an oven. This saves time and cleaning up. Plus, the air fryer's heat comes directly from the top, helping you achieve a rich and creamy interior with a golden-brown top.

You can use a 6, 7, or 8-inch springform pan. However, the size of your air fryer basket will determine the size of the pan you can use. The larger the pan, the thinner the cheesecake and the shorter the cooking time.

For the crust, you will need graham crackers or digestive biscuits, butter, and sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt. For the filling, you will need cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and sour cream. You can also add vanilla extract and lemon zest for extra flavour.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 20-35 minutes at a temperature of 285-350°F (140-175°C). The cheesecake is done when the top is golden brown, the edges have started to crack, and the centre is slightly wobbly.

It is recommended to chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. This will help the cheesecake set and make it easier to slice.

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Topping Ideas

There are many different toppings you can add to your air fryer cheesecake to elevate it to the next level. Here are some ideas:

• Cherry pie filling
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate ganache
• Lemon curd
• Fresh fruit
• Black Cherries in Kirsch
• Fresh blackberries
• A drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a lemon slice

Air Fryer Cheesecake Storage

Air fryer cheesecakes are best served chilled, so storing them in the fridge is the ideal option. If you have a topping, it is suggested to store the cheesecake and topping separately. Air fryer cheesecakes can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.

You can also freeze the cheesecake. It is recommended to freeze it on a baking sheet until it is solid, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost the cheesecake in the fridge for several hours before serving.

Frequently asked questions