Air-Fried Leche Flan: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Leche flan is a popular Filipino dessert, similar to crème caramel or caramel custard, that is often made by steaming a mixture of eggs, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now exploring new ways to cook this sweet treat. Cooking leche flan in an air fryer can result in a perfectly caramelized and creamy dessert with a unique twist. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making leche flan in an air fryer, providing a detailed recipe and helpful tips for achieving the perfect flan.

Gathering the ingredients

To make leche flan in an air fryer, you will need a few key ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on the recipe, but these are the basic ingredients that are commonly used.

Firstly, you will need eggs. Some recipes call for 6 egg yolks, while others use 12 egg yolks, or 4 large eggs and 1 egg yolk, or even 5 medium eggs. It is important to use fresh eggs to achieve the best results.

Next, you will need milk. This can be a combination of condensed milk and evaporated milk. For the condensed milk, you will need 1 can, typically a 14-ounce can. For the evaporated milk, you will need 1 cup, which usually comes in a 12-ounce can. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with whole milk or skimmed milk.

Sugar is another essential ingredient in leche flan. You will need granulated sugar, specifically granulated white sugar. The amount can vary from 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup (100 grams) or more, depending on how much caramel sauce you want to make. If you don't have granulated white sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey instead.

Some recipes also call for vanilla extract to enhance the flavour of the flan. You will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for this recipe.

In addition to these core ingredients, you will also need some equipment to make the leche flan in your air fryer. Here is a list of what you will need:

• An air fryer
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or an electric mixer
• Heat-resistant ramekins or moulds for cooking the flan
• A strainer to remove any lumps and create a smooth texture
• Aluminium foil or silicone lids to cover the ramekins during cooking

Caramelization

Start by placing the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. It is recommended to use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the sugar from burning easily. You will need about 2 tablespoons of sugar for caramelizing, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. Keep in mind that the sugar melts and reduces in quantity, so using too little may not give you the desired result.

Stir the sugar occasionally as it heats up. You can use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula for this step. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely melted and turns into a clear liquid. This process should take a few minutes, depending on the heat and the quantity of sugar. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly.

Once the sugar has dissolved and turned into a syrup, stop stirring and let it cook for a little longer. You will notice that the syrup will start to simmer and change colour. Continue cooking the syrup without stirring for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until it turns a honey gold colour. You may gently tilt the pan off the heat to allow for even browning.

As soon as the caramel reaches the desired colour, remove it from the heat. It is now ready to be poured into your heat-resistant ramekins or molds. Carefully pour the caramel evenly into the bottom of each ramekin and allow it to cool and harden. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the caramel sets and creates a solid base for your flan.

Mixing the flan mixture

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the flan mixture, you will need egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. You may also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavour. It is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Next, prepare your mixing bowl and whisk. Combine the egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk in the mixing bowl. You may also add the vanilla extract at this stage. Use the whisk to mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and smooth. Ensure that you mix in one direction to prevent introducing too much air into the mixture, which can cause holes in the flan when cooked.

At this point, you may choose to strain the mixture through a strainer, cheesecloth, or fine-mesh sieve. This step helps to remove any lumps and creates a silkier, smoother texture for your leche flan. It is especially important to strain the mixture if you notice any stray egg whites or froth.

Once your flan mixture is smooth and well-combined, it is ready to be poured into your prepared flan moulds or ramekins. Gently tap the mixing bowl on the counter a few times and let it stand for a few minutes to release any trapped air pockets. If the mixture appears foamy, allow it to stand for a few minutes for the bubbles to settle.

Now, carefully pour the flan mixture into your caramel-coated moulds or ramekins. Fill them about three-fourths of the way full. Cover the moulds or ramekins with aluminium foil to prevent water from getting inside during the cooking process and to ensure a smooth, silky texture.

Your flan mixture is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Place the filled moulds or ramekins into the air fryer basket and follow the remaining cooking instructions. Remember to always allow your leche flan to cool and set completely before serving.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating between 280°F and 325°F (140°C to 165°C). This step is important as it ensures your air fryer is at the right temperature when you place the flan inside, promoting even cooking.

Next, prepare your water bath. Place your filled flan molds or ramekins into a larger baking dish or pyrex, and fill it with water until it reaches about one-third of the height of the molds. This water bath technique is essential as it helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from drying out or cracking.

Now, carefully place the baking dish with the flan molds into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a tray, ensure you remove it first so that the ramekins do not touch the element. Cover the molds with aluminum foil or silicone lids. This step is crucial as it prevents water from getting into the flan mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.

Your air fryer is now prepared and ready for the cooking process to begin! Place the basket back into the air fryer, ensuring it is secure, and set the timer according to your recipe. The cooking time will vary, but most recipes recommend around 25 to 50 minutes for the flan to set.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the baking dish from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs, as it will be extremely hot. Place it on a heat-resistant surface and allow the flans to cool before transferring them to the refrigerator to set completely.

Remember, preparing the air fryer correctly is key to achieving the perfect leche flan. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and indulgent dessert that will impress your family and friends!

Baking the flan

Now that you have your leche flan mixture ready, it's time to bake it in the air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This ensures that your air fryer is at the optimal temperature when you place the leche flan inside.

Baking the Leche Flan

Place each ramekin or mold containing the caramel and flan mixture into the air fryer basket. Cover the ramekins with aluminum foil to prevent water droplets from forming on the flan's surface, maintaining its smooth and creamy texture.

Air Frying Time

Cook the leche flan in the air fryer for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the flans and use a toothpick or knife to test if they are done. Insert it into the centre of the flan, and if it comes out clean, the flan is ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and then check again.

Cooling and Chilling

Once the leche flan is cooked, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer, as they will be extremely hot. Allow the flans to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 2 hours or overnight so they can set and develop their rich flavours.

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