Air-Fried Ice Cream: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Air-fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make at home, and it's even possible to get the kids involved! The air fryer method is healthier than deep-frying, and it's also less messy. The ice cream is coated in a crunchy layer, which can be made from crushed cereal or biscuits, and then air-fried for a couple of minutes. The result is a delicious, creamy treat with a crispy shell.

How to make fried ice cream in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cornflakes
• Cinnamon
• Egg whites
• Toppings of your choice (chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, cherries, etc.)

Method:

• Start by forming 8 evenly-sized balls of ice cream using scoops or 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 1 hour.
• Roll the frozen ice cream balls in flour and return them to the freezer for another hour.
• Prepare the crunchy coating by crushing the cornflakes in a plastic bag using a rolling pin. Leave some larger pieces for added texture. Stir in ground cinnamon to the crushed cornflakes in a medium-sized bowl.
• 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, then in 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 overnight to harden.
• When ready to air fry, create a small shallow bowl out of aluminum foil and place it in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F 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 with a long spoon and garnish with your desired toppings.

Tips:

• You can use any flavour of ice cream you like, such as chocolate, coffee, strawberry, or mocha.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cereal.
• If you don't want to use egg whites, you can roll the ice cream balls in honey or maple syrup before coating them in the cereal.
• Make sure your ice cream is very hard before air frying to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Ingredients for air fryer fried ice cream

Making fried ice cream in an air fryer is surprisingly simple and requires very few ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious dessert:

Vanilla Ice Cream:

The base of your fried ice cream can be any flavour of ice cream you like. However, a classic option is vanilla ice cream, which provides a great canvas for other flavours. You can use a simple vanilla ice cream or opt for something more indulgent, like a chocolate chip or Rocky Road variation.

Corn Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal:

The coating of your fried ice cream is crucial to achieving that signature crunchy texture. Corn Flakes are a popular choice, as they give a traditional crispy shell. However, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal is also a fantastic option, adding a touch of cinnamon sugar to your dessert, bringing out those great Mexican flavours.

If you want to get creative, you can even combine Corn Flakes with another cereal for an extra crunch, or use crushed cookies like chocolate wafers, gingersnaps, or graham crackers.

Egg Whites:

Egg whites act as a binding agent, helping the cereal coating stick to the ice cream. They also provide a barrier that prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly during the frying process.

All-Purpose Flour:

A small amount of all-purpose flour is used to coat the ice cream before dipping it into the egg whites. This helps the other ingredients adhere to the ice cream and creates a protective layer.

Ground Cinnamon:

Adding ground cinnamon to the crushed cereal brings out an authentic, crave-worthy flavour. It enhances the aroma and taste of your fried ice cream, making it even more irresistible.

Toppings (optional but recommended):

While fried ice cream is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level with some optional toppings. Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, and maraschino cherries are all excellent choices. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Steps to make air fryer fried ice cream

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (or cornflakes, frosted flakes, crushed biscuits, or crushed cookies)
• All-purpose flour (optional)
• Egg whites (optional)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. whipped cream, chocolate sauce, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, maraschino cherries)

Step 1: Form Ice Cream Balls

Scoop out the desired amount of ice cream and shape it into balls using your hands or two large spoons. Place the ice cream balls on a baking sheet or in a muffin tin and freeze for about an hour.

Step 2: Coat the Ice Cream Balls

Take the ice cream balls out of the freezer. If using flour and egg whites, coat each ball in flour, then freeze for another hour, and then dip or roll them in egg whites before coating with the crushed cereal. If not using flour and egg whites, you can dip the ice cream balls in honey or maple syrup before coating with the cereal.

Place the cereal in a plastic bag and crush it using a rolling pin, leaving a few larger pieces for added crunch. You can also add ground cinnamon to the crushed cereal for extra flavor. Roll the ice cream balls in the crushed cereal until they are completely coated.

Step 3: Freeze the Coated Ice Cream Balls

Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial to ensuring the ice cream stays solid while air frying.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Create a small shallow bowl out of aluminum foil and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer and place them in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 2 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the air-fried ice cream immediately with your desired toppings. Enjoy!

Tips for making air fryer fried ice cream

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun and easy dessert to make. It's a unique treat that combines the crunchiness of a crispy coating with the creaminess of ice cream. Here are some tips to help you make this delicious dessert:

Choose the Right Ice Cream:

• Select an ice cream with a high cream content as it will freeze firmer.
• Go for a flavour that complements the cinnamon in the fried coating, such as vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or strawberry.
• Ensure the ice cream is firm enough to shape but soft enough to scoop.

Prepare the Coating:

• Crush the cereal into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. You can use Cinnamon Toast Crunch, corn flakes, or a combination of both.
• Place the crushed cereal in a shallow dish or plate.
• Whisk egg whites until they become foamy, and dip or roll the ice cream balls in the mixture to coat. This will help bind the cereal to the ice cream.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cereal.

Shape and Freeze the Ice Cream:

• Line a baking sheet or muffin tin with parchment paper and chill it in the freezer.
• Scoop the ice cream into evenly sized balls, shaping them with your hands or spoons.
• Freeze the ice cream balls for about an hour.
• Roll the frozen ice cream balls in flour and return them to the freezer for another hour.
• Take the ice cream balls out of the freezer and coat them in the egg whites and cereal mixture.
• Freeze the coated ice cream balls for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure they are very hard before air frying.

Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Create a small shallow bowl out of aluminum foil and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Air fry one or two ice cream balls at a time for 2 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your desired toppings, such as chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or cherries.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• You can make this dessert ahead of time and freeze the coated ice cream balls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• If you prefer to serve them frozen solid, air fry each one and then return them to the freezer for an hour before serving.

Toppings for air fryer fried ice cream

Air fryer fried ice cream is a fun dessert to make and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The crunchy-creamy, over-the-top deliciousness of fried ice cream can be achieved without deep frying in hot oil. The air fryer method is healthier and easier, and the results are a light and crunchy crust with a deliciously creamy ice cream centre.

There are many toppings that can be used to elevate this dessert. Here are some ideas:

Whipped Cream

A classic topping for any ice cream dessert, whipped cream adds a creamy and fluffy texture that complements the crunchy shell of the fried ice cream.

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate sauce is a decadent addition to fried ice cream, providing a rich and indulgent flavour. It pairs well with the vanilla ice cream typically used in this dessert, but can also be paired with other ice cream flavours.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is another delicious option that adds a sweet and buttery flavour to the fried ice cream. It can be drizzled on top or used as a dip for the fried ice cream balls.

Hot Fudge Sauce

For an extra indulgent treat, hot fudge sauce takes the chocolate sauce option to the next level. The warm, rich sauce creates a delightful contrast with the cold ice cream.

Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are a traditional ice cream topping that adds a pop of colour and a burst of sweetness to the fried ice cream. They are a classic choice for this dessert and provide a tangy flavour contrast.

Honey or Maple Syrup

For those with a very sweet tooth, honey or maple syrup can be drizzled on top of the fried ice cream. This adds a glossy sheen to the dessert and takes it from an everyday treat to something truly special.

Fresh Fruit

Adding fresh fruit, such as strawberries, can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich fried ice cream. It also adds a pop of colour and a healthy twist to this indulgent dessert.

Nuts

Chopped nuts, such as pecans, can be sprinkled on top of the fried ice cream to add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour. They can also be mixed into the cornflake coating for an extra surprise.

Coconut

Shredded coconut can be sprinkled on top of the fried ice cream or mixed into the cornflake coating. It adds a subtle sweetness and a unique texture that takes this dessert to the next level.

The possibilities for toppings are endless, and you can get creative by mixing and matching different options to find your perfect combination. Whether you like your fried ice cream classic or over-the-top, there is a topping (or several!) to suit every taste.

Frequently asked questions