Air Fryer Rice Crispy Treats: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can make crispy food in minutes. While they are typically used for frying foods, people are now using them for creative recipes like Rice Krispie treats. To make Rice Krispie treats in an air fryer, you need to add the cereal, marshmallows, and butter to the air fryer basket and mix until the marshmallows are melted and everything is combined. However, some people think that using an air fryer for this recipe is unnecessary and may even be dangerous, as the small pieces of cereal and marshmallow could fly around the air fryer and potentially damage it.

Safety hazards of using an air fryer

While air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, there are still some safety hazards to be aware of when using this appliance. Here are some detailed safety concerns to keep in mind when using an air fryer:

Fire and Burn Hazards

Air fryers can pose a fire and burn risk if not used properly. In February 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 2 million Cosori air fryers due to a faulty wire connection that could cause the devices to overheat, melt, catch fire, and smoke. This recall highlights the importance of regularly checking for safety notices and following the manufacturer's instructions when using an air fryer. It's also crucial to unplug the appliance when not in use and avoid touching it while it's operating unless you're wearing oven mitts or a heat-resistant glove.

Exposure to Carcinogens

Air fryers have been associated with the production of acrylamides, which are classified as "probable carcinogens" by the Environmental Protection Agency. Acrylamide is a chemical compound that forms when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, and it has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and liver cancer. While air frying produces lower levels of acrylamide compared to deep frying, it's important to be aware of this potential hazard and take steps to reduce acrylamide formation, such as soaking starchy foods before frying and cooking them to a golden yellow color rather than a brown one.

Food Debris and Damage

The small size and lightweight nature of ingredients like cereal and marshmallows used in rice crispy treats can pose a problem in an air fryer. These ingredients can easily fly around the air fryer, potentially lodging in the heating element or damaging other parts. Additionally, small bits of food can fall through the slots at the bottom of the basket and land on the heating element, causing burning and smoking. This not only creates a mess but can also be a fire hazard if not addressed promptly.

Non-Stick Coating Hazards

Some air fryers have non-stick coatings that contain polyfluorinated molecules, also known as "forever chemicals." These chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), have been linked to health risks such as infertility, hormone disruption, and certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, it is recommended to purchase an air fryer with stainless steel or glass coatings.

Other Safety Considerations

Other general safety precautions to keep in mind when using an air fryer include:

• Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the air fryer basket or removing food to avoid burns.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and food safety.
• Follow food safety guidelines and use a food thermometer to ensure meat, poultry, and egg products are cooked to the recommended internal temperatures.
• Be cautious when using cooking sprays, and avoid those with propellants. Instead, opt for oil sprays or pumps with high-flash-point oils.

Ingredients

The main ingredients you will need to make rice crispy treats in an air fryer are:

• Rice Krispies or cereal of your choice (such as Fruity Pebbles)
• Marshmallows (one bag of jumbo marshmallows), or 1 1/2 bags of large marshmallows
• Butter (around 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter)

You can also add chocolate candies or chocolate chips to make it extra tasty. If you want to make a savoury treat, you can substitute the chocolate for salmon, avocado, and spices.

For the equipment, you will need an air fryer, a baking pan or bowl, and possibly some wax paper.

Step-by-step instructions

First, get your ingredients: you will need butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies or any other cereal of your choice. You can also add chocolate candies to make it more festive.

Next, prepare your air fryer basket by ensuring it is clean and dry. Then, put the butter in the air fryer and turn it on to melt the butter. You can also do this step in a separate pan or pot if you prefer. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted and combined with the butter.

Now, turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the basket. Working quickly, add the Rice Krispies to the basket, stirring continuously until they are well combined with the melted marshmallow mixture. It is important to work fast at this stage as the mixture will start to set as it cools.

At this point, you can choose to add some chocolate candies or other mix-ins, but only fold them into the top layer of the mixture. Then, scoop out the mixture and spread it out in a baking pan or on a sheet/bowl. You can also use wax paper to line your pan and smooth out the mixture.

Finally, let the treats set. This usually takes place overnight or for a few hours until they are firm. Then, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade rice crispy treats!

Note: As mentioned earlier, there is a potential safety hazard when making rice crispy treats in an air fryer due to the small bits of cereal that could fly around. Therefore, proceed with caution and ensure that children are supervised during the process.

Tips for adding flavour

While making rice crispy treats in an air fryer may be unconventional, it can be done. The process involves dumping the cereal into the air fryer, adding marshmallows and butter, and then mixing the ingredients before transferring them to a baking sheet or bowl.

Use flavoured marshmallows: Instead of regular marshmallows, opt for flavoured ones such as strawberry, chocolate, or even peppermint. This will instantly add a unique flavour to your treats without any extra effort.

Mix-ins and toppings: After combining the cereal, marshmallows, and butter, consider adding in some extra ingredients for flavour and texture. You could try chocolate chips, crushed cookies, dried fruit, or nuts. For a more indulgent treat, top the mixture with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce before transferring it to the baking sheet.

Spices and extracts: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the melted marshmallow mixture for a warm, spicy flavour. Alternatively, a few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract can add a subtle but delightful flavour to your treats.

Creative cereal choices: While traditional Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with different cereals to add flavour and colour. Try using chocolate-flavoured crisped rice cereal, or even fruity cereal options for a fun twist on the original recipe.

Savoury option: Instead of making a sweet treat, you can use the air fryer to make savoury rice crispy treats. Try using cooked rice, cheese, and spices to create a crispy, crunchy savoury snack. You can even add in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra flavour and texture.

Remember, when adding any extra ingredients, be mindful of the potential for mess in the air fryer. It is best to avoid overcrowding the basket, so use your best judgement when adding mix-ins and toppings.

Other appliances to use

While air fryers are a popular appliance to make rice crispy treats, there are other appliances you can use to make this delicious snack. Here are some alternatives:

Stovetop and Pan

This traditional method involves using a stovetop and a pan to melt the butter and marshmallows before mixing in the cereal. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
• Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well combined.
• Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in the crispy rice cereal until it is well coated.
• Press the mixture evenly and firmly into a buttered pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
• Let the mixture cool and cut into squares.

Microwave

If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a microwave-safe bowl to make your rice crispy treats:

• Place butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat on high for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, until smooth.
• Follow steps 2 and 3 from the stovetop method above.

Oven

Using an oven allows you to make a larger batch of rice crispy treats. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 180°C).
• Prepare a baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or buttering it.
• Follow the stovetop method to prepare the mixture.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Let it cool before cutting into squares.

Each of these methods offers a simple and effective way to make rice crispy treats without an air fryer. Remember to adjust the measurements based on the number of servings you desire and always follow food safety guidelines when working with different appliances. Enjoy experimenting with these alternative appliances to create your perfect rice crispy treats!

Frequently asked questions