Air-Fryer Fudge: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to conventional ovens, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes, including desserts such as brownies and fudge.

Fudge is a type of confectionery that is typically made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk, and it can be flavoured with ingredients like chocolate or vanilla. It is known for its rich, sweet taste and creamy texture. Making fudge in an air fryer is a relatively quick and easy process that can be done at home.

Several recipes for air fryer fudge are available online, with some variations including the use of white chocolate, condensed milk, and mini eggs to create a delicious treat. The basic process involves melting the ingredients, such as chocolate, butter, and condensed milk, in the air fryer, and then allowing the mixture to set in the fridge.

Air fryer fudge is a convenient and tasty dessert option, especially during hot weather when using an oven may not be desirable. It is a simple recipe that can be customised with different ingredients and flavours to suit individual preferences.

Air fryer fudge: ingredients and measurements

You can make fudge in an air fryer, and it's a lot quicker than making it in a slow cooker. Here are the ingredients and measurements you'll need for air fryer fudge:

• 500g of white chocolate, broken into pieces
• 400g of condensed milk (sweetened)
• Butter (quantity not specified, but one source mentions breaking it into pieces)
• Cadbury's Mini Eggs (250g) or similar mini chocolate eggs

Optional:

A silicone mould

Method:

Break the chocolate into pieces and weigh out the butter. Add the chocolate, butter, and condensed milk to a silicone mould. Place the air fryer on 150°C/300°F for 10 minutes. Check and stir the mixture every 90 seconds. Once melted and mixed well, remove the mixture from the air fryer and leave it in the mould.

Add half of the mini eggs to the top of the mixture, pushing them down inside the chocolate with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining mini eggs on top of the fudge and leave it in the fridge for at least two hours or, if possible, overnight. Once the fudge has set, remove it from the mould and cut it into 30 cubes.

Air fryer fudge: preparation and cooking

Air fryer fudge is a quick and easy way to make a delicious treat, and it can be made in just a few simple steps. Here is a guide to help you prepare and cook fudge in your air fryer.

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A standard fudge recipe includes:

• Butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chocolate (usually white chocolate)
• Mini eggs or other chocolate eggs/bites

Preparation

Break the chocolate into pieces and weigh out the butter. Combine the chocolate, butter, and condensed milk in a silicon mould or a baking pan. If you want to add mini eggs or other chocolate treats, set some aside to sprinkle on top of the fudge later.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 120-150°C/250300°F. Place the mould or pan into the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-10 minutes. Check the mixture regularly (every 90 seconds or so) and give it a stir to ensure even melting and mixing.

Post-Cooking

Once the mixture is melted and well-combined, remove it from the air fryer. If you are adding mini eggs or other chocolate treats, press them into the mixture now, and then sprinkle some extra on top. Place the fudge in the fridge to set for at least two hours or, even better, leave it overnight.

Once the fudge has hardened, remove it from the mould and cut it into cubes with a sharp knife. Your air fryer fudge is now ready to be enjoyed!

Air fryer fudge: cooling and serving

Once your brownies are cooked, it's time to cool and serve. Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool in the baking dish for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

It's important to let the brownies cool completely before slicing into them. This allows them to set correctly and ensures they hold their shape. If you can't wait to dig in, you can enjoy them warm straight from the air fryer or topped with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer.

Air fryer fudge: customisation and alternatives

Air fryer fudge is a quick and easy treat that you can make at home, and there are plenty of ways to customise it to your taste. The basic recipe is simple: combine butter, condensed milk, and chocolate in an air fryer-safe baking pan, and cook until melted. From there, you can get creative with your choice of chocolate, add-ins, and toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Chocolate Options:

• White chocolate: The classic choice for Easter fudge, but you can use any type of chocolate that melts well.
• Dark chocolate: For a richer, more intense flavour.
• Milk chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter taste.
• A mix of chocolates: Leftover chocolate or a combination of different types can also be used.

Add-Ins and Toppings:

• Mini eggs: A fun and festive choice for Easter, but feel free to use any small chocolate eggs you can find.
• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or your favourite variety can add a crunchy texture and extra flavour.
• Caramel swirls: For a sweet and gooey surprise.
• Dried fruit: For a natural touch of sweetness.
• Chocolate chips: For an extra melty, chocolatey experience.

Other Customisations:

• Swap the butter: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using a butter alternative or coconut oil.
• Make it vegan: Choose a plant-based butter alternative and swap the condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these treats accessible to everyone.

Storage and Serving Tips:

• Air fryer fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six weeks, although it likely won't last that long!
• For a quicker setting time, place the fudge in the freezer for about an hour instead of the fridge.
• Serve air fryer fudge on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Alternatives:

If you're looking for something a little different, you can also use your air fryer to make:

• Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies are a classic dessert that can be easily made in an air fryer.
• Blondies: For a butterscotch-flavoured alternative to brownies.
• Chocolate molten lava cakes: Indulge your guests with a gooey, chocolatey treat.
• Sugared pecans: A sweet and crunchy snack or dessert topping.

Air fryer fudge: tips and tricks

Air fryer fudge is a quick and easy way to make a delicious treat, and it can be made in just a few simple steps. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make perfect fudge in your air fryer.

Choosing the Right Pan

When making fudge or brownies in an air fryer, it is important to use the right-sized pan. A 6-inch or 7-inch pan is ideal, as it fits comfortably in most air fryer baskets. You can also use smaller pans, such as ramekins, or other air fryer-safe dishes or moulds made of glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone.

Adjusting Temperature and Time

When baking in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to reduce the temperature and time compared to conventional oven baking. As a rule of thumb, reduce the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit and decrease the baking time by about 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for baking at 350°F (175°C) in a conventional oven, you would set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).

Preparing the Air Fryer and Pan

Before adding the batter, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for a few minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your pan by greasing it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent the fudge or brownies from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mixing the Batter

Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until they are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your fudge or brownies. The batter should be thick and creamy.

Baking in the Air Fryer

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Carefully place the pan in the preheated air fryer and follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific recipe. For fudge, this may be around 10-15 minutes at 150°C/300°F. For brownies, the cooking time may be longer, around 20-25 minutes at 325°F (160°C).

Checking for Doneness

To check if your fudge or brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the centre. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can affect the texture and make your treats dry.

Cooling and Storing

Once your fudge or brownies are baked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting and serving. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for a fudgier texture.

Customising Your Fudge or Brownies

Feel free to customise your treats by adding mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or cocoa powder to find your perfect flavour.

Troubleshooting

If your fudge or brownies are not cooking evenly, it may be due to the colour or material of your pan. Darker or glass pans tend to radiate more heat, resulting in faster baking. Additionally, baking times can vary between different models of air fryers, so it is important to keep a close eye on your treats and adjust the timing as needed.

Frequently asked questions