Air Fryer Cheesecake: Pan-Frying Possible?

Yes, you can put a cheesecake pan in an air fryer. In fact, baking a cheesecake in an air fryer is a preferred method for many because it's faster, simpler, and yields a creamy texture without cracks.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Recipe

Air Fryer Cheesecake is a simple and creative way to make a delicious dessert. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make a rich and creamy cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. It is important to note that you should make this cheesecake ahead of time, as it needs to chill for several hours or preferably overnight before serving.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons/84 grams salted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1¼ cups/138 grams graham crackers, finely crushed
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (28-ounce) can cherry pie filling (optional)

Method:

• Grease a 7- or 8-inch springform pan that fits in your air fryer with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper and brush with melted butter.
• In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter with a spoon until the mixture is the texture of coarse meal.
• Transfer the graham cracker mixture to the prepared pan and press evenly with a spoon to form a level crust.
• Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until creamy and smooth, for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the condensed milk and vanilla to the cream cheese and beat on medium speed, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl, until completely smooth, for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. It should almost reach the rim of the pan.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and set it to bake at 300°F. Bake for 20 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center jiggles slightly.
• Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, chill it in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
• Remove the cheesecake from the pan and slice it with a warm knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts.
• Optionally, top with cherry pie filling or other toppings of your choice before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• You can make your own graham cracker crumbs by smashing graham crackers with a rolling pin or using a food processor.
• If desired, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with other bases, such as a chocolate cookie crust or a traditional pastry crust.
• For a more indulgent cheesecake, you can add additional mix-ins to the batter, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit purees.
• While cherry pie filling is a popular topping, you can also top your cheesecake with whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or fresh fruit.
• This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Ingredients

Air fryer cheesecakes are simple to make and only require a few ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make a delicious air fryer cheesecake:

Crust:

• Graham crackers: Finely crush the graham crackers using a food processor or by hand.
• Butter: Use melted butter and add it to the crushed graham crackers. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
• Sugar (optional): Some recipes include granulated sugar in the crust to add a touch of sweetness.

Filling:

• Cream cheese: Use full-fat blocks of cream cheese, not the whipped kind, for the best results.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Eggs help thicken and bind the batter, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
• Sour cream: This ingredient adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavour to the filling.
• Vanilla: Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.

Toppings (optional):

• Cherry pie filling: This is a classic topping for cheesecakes and pairs well with the creamy filling.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a nice touch of sweetness and creaminess.
• Caramel sauce: For a decadent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cheesecake.
• Chocolate ganache: Chocolate lovers can enjoy a rich and indulgent cheesecake with this topping.
• Lemon curd: For a tangy and refreshing twist, add a spoonful of lemon curd.
• Fresh fruit: Top your cheesecake with your favourite berries or sliced fruit.

How to make Air Fryer Cheesecake

Air fryer cheesecakes are a great way to make a delicious dessert without having to heat up your entire oven. Plus, it's a lot faster and simpler than baking a cheesecake in an oven.

Ingredients:

For the crust, you will need:

• Graham crackers, finely crushed
• Butter, melted

For the filling, you will need:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Eggs
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream (optional)
• Granulated sugar (optional)

For the topping (optional):

Cherry pie filling, or your preferred pie filling flavor

Utensils:

• 7-inch or 8-inch springform pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Air fryer

Method:

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by crushing a package of graham crackers with a food processor until they are finely crushed. You can also place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Add melted butter to the crushed graham crackers and mix until well combined.

Prepare your springform pan by buttering the insides well. Then, place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan. Carefully press the graham cracker crumbs mixture into the bottom of the pan using a spoon. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese until it is creamy and there are no lumps remaining. Add the eggs, condensed milk, vanilla, and (if using) sour cream and granulated sugar. Blend for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust. It should almost reach the rim of the pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any large air bubbles.

Carefully place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to the Bake setting at 300°F (149°C) and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the center is no longer jiggling. It's okay if it still has a little wiggle to it, but it shouldn't be wet. If needed, continue baking in 2-minute increments.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the air fryer and let it cool for about 30 minutes in the basket. Then, remove the pan from the basket and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Serve

Once chilled, carefully remove the circular sides of the springform pan and place the cheesecake on a serving platter. If desired, top with cherry pie filling or your favorite topping just before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Make sure to grease the sides and bottom of the springform pan well to prevent sticking.
• If using an 8-inch springform pan, you may need to increase the amount of graham crackers and butter for the crust. The cooking time may also need to be adjusted.
• Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your cheesecake as it bakes.
• Let the cheesecake cool in the air fryer basket first to help it set and prevent cracks from forming.
• For neat slices, use a large knife dipped in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.

Enjoy your homemade air fryer cheesecake!

Air Fryer Cheesecake FAQs

Yes, you can use a springform pan in an air fryer. In fact, any oven-safe dish can be used. Just make sure the pan you use fits in your air fryer basket before filling it.

A cheesecake pan is another name for a springform pan. It is a two-piece circular pan with a spring on the sides that allow you to remove the sides from the bottom once the cheesecake is finished baking.

Yes, you can use an 8" Springform pan. However, you will need to adjust the recipe slightly. For the bottom layer, increase the graham crackers to 2 cups and the butter to 1/2 cup. The cooking time will also be different, starting with 15 minutes and then adding 2-minute increments as needed.

You can get creative and experiment with different variations of this classic cheesecake recipe. Consider adding cocoa powder for a chocolate cheesecake, or mixing in different berries, OREOs, and more.

If you encounter any sticking, use a warm butter knife to carefully insert and run it between the springform pan and the cheesecake. Generously buttering the edges before adding the filling should help prevent sticking.

Air Fryer Baking tips

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking in a conventional oven. Here are some tips to get the most out of your air fryer when baking:

• Pan size matters: Make sure your pan fits in the air fryer basket. A 7-inch or 8-inch springform pan is commonly used for cheesecakes. If you're using a larger pan, you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
• No preheating required: Unlike a conventional oven, you don't need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe. Simply set it to the desired temperature and let it do its magic.
• Temperature control: Avoid setting the temperature too high as it can brown the top of your bake too much. For a cheesecake, a temperature of around 300°F is recommended.
• Chilling time: Air fryer cheesecakes often require several hours of chilling time, preferably overnight, before serving. This helps the cheesecake set completely and makes it easier to slice.
• Cooling in the air fryer: To prevent cracks from forming, it's best to let the cheesecake cool down in the air fryer basket after turning it off. This gradual cooling process helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
• Adjusting baking time: Every air fryer model is different, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on your bake and adjust the time as needed.
• Avoiding a soggy base: One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you don't need to use a water bath, which simplifies the process and prevents a soggy base.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling. Cold ingredients can form lumps, so make sure everything is at room temperature before starting.
• Easy cleanup: To make cleanup a breeze, consider using parchment paper at the bottom of your springform pan. This will help you easily lift the cheesecake out of the pan and reduce the amount of cleanup required.

Frequently asked questions