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

Yes, you can make pavlova in an air fryer! This meringue-based dessert, created to honour the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova, can be whipped up in an air fryer, resulting in a fluffy meringue base with a crisp exterior and a marshmallow-like texture inside. Top it off with whipped cream and fresh fruit, and you've got yourself a delicious, gluten-free treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Air fryer pavlova recipe

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200g) caster or granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup (230ml) heavy/double cream
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered/icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon curd (optional)
• 1 cup (150-180g) fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

Optional Extras

• A pinch of salt
• Cornflour/cornstarch
• Fresh fruit (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwifruit, passionfruit pulp)
• Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, peeled into curls

Method

• Separate the eggs and place the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Add the sugar and lemon juice (if using) and place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the mixing bowl doesn't touch the water.
• Use a balloon whisk to stir the egg whites and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. This will take a few minutes. You can check by feeling the mixture between your fingers. If it still feels gritty, continue to cook and stir over the double boiler.
• Dry the bottom of the mixing bowl and attach it to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed until the meringue holds firm peaks. This can take ten minutes or more. The meringue should be stiff and glossy.
• Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and fill with the meringue.
• Line your air fryer basket with baking paper or a silicone mould.
• Pipe a ring of meringue onto the liner, then fill the middle. Build up the sides by adding more meringue.
• Set your air fryer to 120°C and bake for 20 minutes. Then reduce the heat to between 95°C and 100°C and cook for a further 40 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Turn off the air fryer and leave the pavlova inside the basket to cool. It can be left overnight or until needed.
• Carefully remove the meringue shell from the air fryer and place it on a cake stand or plate.
• Fill with softly whipped cream and lemon curd (if using) and top with a medley of fresh berries.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Cold eggs are easier to separate.
• Make sure the bowl and whisk of the stand mixer are spotlessly clean. Even a tiny bit of grease can stop the meringue from forming.
• The pavlova will need to cook for 90 minutes to 2 hours and cool inside the air fryer basket, so plan accordingly.
• The pavlova is best served the day it is made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 or 48 hours.

How long does it take to make pavlova in an air fryer?

The cooking time for pavlova in an air fryer depends on the model of the air fryer and the number of servings.

For example, if you are making a large pavlova, it will take around 15-20 minutes in the air fryer to cook. However, if you are making smaller, individual pavlovas, they will only take about 18-20 minutes to bake.

After baking, it is important to let the pavlova cool in the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before removing it. The pavlova will continue to cook and set while cooling.

Step 1: Prepare the Meringue

Firstly, separate the eggs, placing the egg whites into a large bowl. You can use an electric beater, hand mixer, or stand mixer for this step. Beat the egg whites on a high setting until firm peaks form. This may take ten minutes or more. Then, slowly add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy. Finally, add the cornflour, vinegar, and vanilla, and beat until well combined.

Step 2: Add to the Air Fryer

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, and line it with a sheet of parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper as well. If you are using an air fryer pan, place the paper directly inside the pan, and then add the non-stick spray.

Step 3: Cook the Pavlova

Set your air fryer to 250 degrees F and cook the meringue for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is set. For smaller, individual pavlovas, bake at 260 degrees F for 18-20 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the pavlova to cool in the air fryer before removing it to prevent it from breaking. Once it is completely cool, remove the meringue from the basket and place it on a serving dish or cake stand. Top with fresh whipped cream and your choice of toppings, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwifruit, passionfruit pulp, or chocolate shavings.

Enjoy your homemade pavlova!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The air fryer temperature and timing are crucial factors in successfully making a pavlova. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get it just right:

Temperature Settings:

When making pavlova in an air fryer, the temperature settings may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. However, most recipes recommend setting your air fryer within the range of 100°C to 120°C.

For example, one recipe suggests baking the pavlova at 120°C for 20 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 95°C for the remaining cooking time. Another recipe recommends a slightly higher temperature of 250°F (approximately 121°C).

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for pavlova in an air fryer can range from 15 to 20 minutes at the higher temperature, followed by an additional 60 to 75 minutes at the lower temperature. The total cooking time, including both temperature settings, typically falls between 90 minutes to 2 hours.

It's important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your pavlova. Smaller, individual pavlovas will naturally require less cooking time than a larger cake-sized pavlova.

Cooling:

After turning off the air fryer, it's essential to let the pavlova cool completely before removing it from the basket. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking and maintains the delicate texture of the meringue.

Some recipes suggest leaving the pavlova in the air fryer for several hours or even overnight to cool. However, if you're short on time, a minimum of 20 minutes to half an hour of cooling time is recommended before transferring the pavlova to a wire rack or serving plate.

Tips:

• Avoid opening the air fryer frequently during the cooking process, as temperature fluctuations can cause your pavlova to collapse.
• If you notice excessive cracking on the top of your pavlova, try lowering the temperature slightly.
• For best results, preheat your air fryer to ensure a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Due to the size constraints of most air fryers, consider making a smaller pavlova or individual servings.

How to prevent pavlova from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent pavlova from sticking to the air fryer basket, line the basket with parchment paper. This will prevent the pavlova from sticking and make it easier to remove from the basket. If you don't have parchment paper, you can also use baking paper.

Additionally, ensure that you spray the basket with cooking spray before placing the parchment paper. This will help to further prevent sticking.

It is also important to note that the size of your pavlova may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your air fryer. Most air fryers are best suited for smaller pavlovas due to space constraints.

Finally, be careful when removing the pavlova from the basket, as it is delicate and can crack or break easily.

Can you make a large pavlova in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make a large pavlova in an air fryer, but it depends on the size of your air fryer. Most air fryers are best suited for smaller versions due to space constraints.

To make a large pavlova in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Egg whites
• Sugar (caster or granulated)
• Cornflour/cornstarch
• Vinegar (white or apple cider)
• Vanilla extract
• Salt or lemon juice (optional)

• Separate the egg whites from the yolks and place the whites into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl.
• Add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice (optional) to help the egg whites whip up.
• Use electric beaters or a stand mixer to whisk the egg whites until firm peaks form.
• Slowly add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
• Add the cornflour/cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
• Line the air fryer basket with baking paper or a silicone mould, ensuring it fits neatly.
• Spoon the pavlova mixture onto the baking paper/silicone mould and shape it into a large, thick disc or cake shape.
• Set the air fryer to a temperature between 100-120°C and cook the pavlova for about 15-20 minutes or until it is set.
• Turn off the air fryer and allow the pavlova to cool completely inside the basket before removing it.
• Once cooled, carefully remove the pavlova from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate or cake stand.
• Top with whipped cream and your choice of fresh fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, and it is important to avoid opening the air fryer too often as temperature fluctuations can cause the pavlova to collapse.

Frequently asked questions