Air Fryer Desserts: 30+ Sweet Treats That Actually Work

Last Update : 29/08/2025

Skip the oven heat and messy cleanup, these air fryer dessert recipes deliver bakery-quality results in half the time. Every recipe tested by real families with real sweet tooths.

Looking for air fryer desserts that your family will actually devour? You’re in the right place! I’m LunaChef, and I’ve spent countless hours testing air fryer dessert recipes with real families including my own sugar-loving kids.

Every dessert here has passed the ultimate test: skeptical family members who didn’t believe you could make “real” desserts in an air fryer. No more dense cakes, burnt edges, or soggy bottoms. These air fryer desserts work the first time, every time.

From gooey Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes to perfectly crispy Air Fryer Churros, you’ll find over 30 family-tested dessert recipes that prove your air fryer isn’t just for savory meals.

Why These Air Fryer Desserts Are Different

Most air fryer dessert recipes online are adapted from oven recipes without proper testing. Mine are different. Each dessert has been tested by at least three real families with different air fryer brands, different skill levels, and different dessert preferences.

You’ll get exact temperatures, precise timing, and troubleshooting tips for when things don’t go as planned. Because in real kitchens with real families, dessert emergencies happen, and I’ve got solutions that actually work.

What makes these desserts special:

• Tested in 3.5-quart to 8-quart air fryers
• Family-friendly portion sizes
• Pantry ingredient focus
• Fail-safe techniques for consistent results
• Real cooking times (not the fantasy times you see elsewhere)

Quick Air Fryer Desserts (Ready in 10 Minutes)

Need dessert fast? Start with these foolproof recipes that take 10 minutes or less. Perfect for unexpected guests or urgent sweet tooth emergencies.

Air Fryer S’mores

Time: 3 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 4

The camping classic without the campfire. Perfectly melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows every time.

Quick Instructions:

• Assemble graham crackers with chocolate and marshmallow
• Cook 2-3 minutes at 350°F until marshmallow puffs
• Let cool 1 minute before eating (molten chocolate warning!)
• Pro tip: Freeze chocolate bars for 10 minutes first to prevent over-melting

Get the complete Air Fryer S’mores recipe with variations.

Air Fryer Mocha Mug Cake

Time: 5 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 1

Single-serve coffee-chocolate cake ready faster than you can brew coffee.

Quick Instructions:

• Mix ingredients in ramekin: flour, cocoa, sugar, instant coffee
• Add oil and water, whisk smooth
• Cook 4 minutes at 350°F
• Top with whipped cream while warm

Perfect for late-night cravings or portion control.

Classic Cookie Recipes

Master every cookie texture with these family-tested recipes. From crispy edges to chewy centers, get professional results at home.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 12 cookies

Classic cookies with gooey centers and crispy edges, the gold standard for air fryer baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl
2. Cream butter and sugars, add egg and vanilla
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in chocolate chips
4. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions onto parchment
5. Cook 6-8 minutes at 320°F until edges set
6. Cool on rack 5 minutes before moving

The secret: Lower temperature and longer time prevents burnt edges while ensuring cooked centers.

Get the complete Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with troubleshooting tips.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Time: 7 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 15 cookies

Soft, chewy cookies made with just a few pantry ingredients.

Why families love these:

• Only 6 ingredients needed
• Naturally gluten-free option available
• Perfect lunch box treats
• Kid-friendly cooking project

Get the complete Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.

Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 315°F | Serves: 12 cookies

Chewy, hearty cookies loaded with oats and sweet raisins.

Family-friendly features:

• Naturally sweet from raisins
• Wholesome oats for texture
• Perfect coffee shop flavor
• Freezes beautifully for meal prep

Get the complete Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe.

Donut & Fried Treat Recipes

Satisfy your fried dessert cravings without the oil mess. These recipes deliver authentic textures and flavors.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 8 donuts

Fluffy, cake-style donuts coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, no oil required.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl
2. Whisk wet ingredients separately
3. Combine until just mixed (don’t overmix!)
4. Pipe or spoon into donut molds
5. Cook 6-8 minutes at 350°F until golden
6. Brush with butter, roll in cinnamon sugar while warm

Pro tip: Use a piping bag or plastic bag with corner cut off for even donut shapes.

Get the complete Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe with glaze variations.

Air Fryer Chocolate Donut Holes

Time: 6 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 20 holes

Bite-sized chocolate donuts with soft cake interior and crispy exterior.

Kid-approved features:

• Perfect pop-in-mouth size
• Rich chocolate flavor
• Fun to make together
• Great for parties

Get the complete Air Fryer Chocolate Donut Holes recipe.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 8 donuts

Perfect for fall – soft donuts infused with warm pumpkin spice.

Seasonal favorite features:

• Real pumpkin puree for moisture
• Warm spice blend
• Maple glaze option
• Freezes well for later

Get the complete Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts recipe.

Air Fryer Churros

Time: 10 minutes | Temp: 375°F | Serves: 12 churros

Crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar with optional chocolate dipping sauce.

Restaurant-quality results:

• Authentic choux pastry technique
• Perfect crispy exterior
• Soft, airy interior
• Chocolate sauce recipe included

Get the complete Air Fryer Churros recipe.

Air Fryer Mini Funnel Cakes

Time: 6 minutes | Temp: 375°F | Serves: 4 mini cakes

State fair favorite made small and crispy at home.

Fair food fun:

• Customizable toppings
• Individual serving size
• Less mess than traditional
• Kid-friendly project

Get the complete Air Fryer Mini Funnel Cakes recipe.

Cake & Muffin Recipes

From individual treats to small celebration cakes, these recipes deliver moist, fluffy results every time.

Air Fryer Brownies

Time: 20 minutes | Temp: 330°F | Serves: 9 squares

Fudgy brownies with crispy top layer and gooey center, better than box mix.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line 6-inch round pan with parchment
2. Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well
4. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined
5. Fold in chocolate chips if using
6. Cook 18-20 minutes at 330°F until toothpick has few moist crumbs
7. Cool completely before cutting

The secret: Lower temperature prevents burnt edges while ensuring fudgy centers.

Get the complete Air Fryer Brownies recipe with frosting options.

Air Fryer Banana Bread Muffins

Time: 12 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 6 muffins

Moist, soft banana muffins with golden tops and tender crumb.

Perfect for:

• Using overripe bananas
• Quick breakfast option
• Lunchbox treats
• Portion control

Get the complete Air Fryer Banana Bread Muffins recipe.

Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

Time: 12 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 6 muffins

Bakery-style muffins with golden crust and juicy blueberry bursts.

Bakery secrets:

• Fresh vs frozen blueberry tips
• Muffin dome technique
• Sugar topping for crunch
• Even berry distribution method

Get the complete Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins recipe.

Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 370°F | Serves: 2 cakes

Molten chocolate center with rich cake exterior, restaurant dessert at home.

Impressive results:

• Perfect molten center every time
• Individual serving size
• Date night worthy
• Surprisingly easy technique

Get the complete Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes recipe.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Time: 12 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 8 rolls

Sticky, gooey cinnamon rolls with golden-brown tops and tender centers.

Sunday morning special:

• Made with refrigerated dough shortcut
• Homemade cream cheese icing
• Perfect breakfast treat
• Make-ahead friendly

Get the complete Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

Fruit Dessert Recipes

Celebrate seasonal fruits with these naturally sweet, family-friendly desserts.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Time: 12 minutes | Temp: 375°F | Serves: 8 pies

Mini hand pies filled with warm cinnamon apple filling and flaky crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 medium apples, diced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten (for wash)

Instructions:

1. Cook diced apples with sugar, flour, and spices 3 minutes
2. Roll pie crust, cut into 4-inch circles
3. Add 1 tablespoon filling to each circle
4. Fold over, seal edges with fork
5. Brush with egg wash
6. Cook 10-12 minutes at 375°F until golden
7. Cool 5 minutes before serving

Pro tip: Don’t overfill or pies will burst during cooking.

Get the complete Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies recipe with ice cream pairings.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Time: 15 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 4 apples

Stuffed apples with cinnamon, oats, and honey, naturally sweet and comforting.

Wholesome dessert features:

• No refined sugar needed
• Naturally gluten-free option
• Kid-approved healthy treat
• Perfect fall comfort food

Get the complete Air Fryer Baked Apples recipe.

Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Time: 15 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 4

Warm peaches with crumbly topping, sweet Southern dessert made easy.

Summer showcase:

• Fresh or frozen peach option
• Individual serving ramekins
• Biscuit-style topping
• Vanilla ice cream essential

Get the complete Air Fryer Peach Cobbler recipe.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Time: 18 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 6

Caramelized pineapple topping on soft vanilla cake, retro dessert with modern technique.

Nostalgic favorite:

• Beautiful presentation
• Caramelized fruit topping
• Moist vanilla cake base
• Perfect for special occasions

Get the complete Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe.

Air Fryer Cherry Turnovers

Time: 10 minutes | Temp: 375°F | Serves: 8 turnovers

Crispy pastries filled with sweet-tart cherry filling.

Bakery-style results:

• Puff pastry for flakiness
• Sweet and tart balance
• Individual portion perfection
• Glaze drizzle finish

Get the complete Air Fryer Cherry Turnovers recipe.

Indulgent Chocolate Desserts

For serious chocolate lovers, these rich, decadent treats satisfy the deepest cravings.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Bites

Time: 12 minutes | Temp: 300°F | Serves: 12 bites

Creamy cheesecake with crunchy crust in perfectly portioned bites.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• Berry compote for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix graham crumbs with melted butter
2. Press into mini muffin cups
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, eggs, vanilla
4. Fill cups ¾ full with cheesecake mixture
5. Cook 10-12 minutes at 300°F until centers barely jiggle
6. Cool completely, then refrigerate 2 hours
7. Top with berry compote before serving

The secret: Low temperature prevents cracking and ensures creamy texture.

Get the complete Air Fryer Cheesecake Bites recipe with flavor variations.

Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants

Time: 8 minutes | Temp: 350°F | Serves: 8 croissants

Flaky pastry filled with melted chocolate, made easy with crescent dough.

Bakery-quality shortcuts:

• Refrigerated crescent dough base
• High-quality chocolate filling
• Golden, flaky exterior
• Warm, melty interior

Get the complete Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants recipe.

Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake

Time: 20 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 6

Rich, moist plant-based cake made with simple pantry ingredients.

Inclusive dessert features:

• No eggs, dairy, or butter needed
• Incredible chocolate flavor
• Moist, tender crumb
• Vegan frosting options included

Get the complete Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake recipe.

Holiday & Seasonal Desserts

Celebrate every season with these festive, family-favorite dessert recipes.

Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake

Time: 10 minutes | Temp: 375°F | Serves: 4

Layered shortcake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, crisped to perfection.

Spring/summer perfection:

• Fresh berry showcase
• Individual serving size
• Light, fluffy biscuits
• Make-ahead assembly tips

Get the complete Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Time: 18 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 6

Rich and custardy bread pudding with crisp top and soft center.

Comfort food classic:

• Uses day-old bread perfectly
• Warm spice aromatics
• Vanilla sauce recipe included
• Perfect winter dessert

Get the complete Air Fryer Bread Pudding recipe.

Air Fryer Funfetti Cake Bites

Time: 10 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 12 bites

Colorful mini cake bites with sprinkles and sweet icing.

Party-perfect features:

• Birthday celebration ready
• Kid-friendly colors
• Individual portion control
• Easy decorating fun

Get the complete Air Fryer Funfetti Cake Bites recipe.

Healthy-ish Dessert Options

Satisfy sweet cravings with these better-for-you dessert alternatives.

Air Fryer Rice Pudding Cups

Time: 15 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 4 cups

Creamy, sweet pudding baked into individual ramekins.

Wholesome comfort:

• Uses leftover rice perfectly
• Natural sweeteners option
• Calcium-rich from dairy
• Cinnamon spice warmth

Get the complete Air Fryer Rice Pudding Cups recipe.

Air Fryer Almond Biscotti

Time: 15 minutes | Temp: 300°F | Serves: 16 cookies

Crunchy twice-baked cookies perfect for coffee dipping.

Coffee shop style:

• Traditional Italian technique
• Lower sugar than typical cookies
• Perfect with morning coffee
• Gift-worthy presentation

Get the complete Air Fryer Almond Biscotti recipe.

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Time: 15 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 9 bars

Sticky-sweet dessert bars with maple syrup and toasted pecans.

Natural sweetness:

• Real maple syrup (not artificial)
• Heart-healthy pecans
• Wholesome oat base
• Rich, satisfying flavor

Get the complete Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars recipe.

Air Fryer Lemon Bars

Time: 18 minutes | Temp: 320°F | Serves: 9 bars

Tangy, sweet lemon curd on crisp shortbread base.

Bright citrus freshness:

• Real lemon juice and zest
• Buttery shortbread crust
• Perfect sweet-tart balance
• Beautiful yellow color

Get the complete Air Fryer Lemon Bars recipe.

Master Air Fryer Dessert Techniques

Before diving into complex desserts, master these fundamental techniques. They’re the foundation of every successful sweet treat.

Temperature Control for Desserts

Air fryer desserts require more precise temperature control than savory dishes. Most desserts cook best between 300-350°F – much lower than typical air fryer temperatures. Here’s why:

Low and slow (300-320°F): Cakes, muffins, cheesecakes

• Prevents over-browning
• Ensures even cooking throughout
• Creates tender, moist textures

Medium heat (330-350°F): Cookies, donuts, pastries

• Achieves golden browning
• Creates crispy exteriors
• Maintains soft interiors

High heat (375°F+): Only for items that need quick browning like churros or turnovers

The Parchment Paper Trick

Unlike savory cooking, desserts often benefit from parchment paper lining. Cut parchment to fit your pan or basket, leaving overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Pro tip: Pre-cut several parchment pieces and store them with your air fryer accessories.

Doneness Testing for Desserts

Visual cues work differently for desserts. Here’s what to look for:

Cakes and muffins: Toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) Cookies: Edges set and lightly golden, centers may look slightly underdone Custard-based desserts: Centers barely jiggle when gently shaken Pastries: Golden brown color and crispy sound when tapped

Cooling and Storage

Air fryer desserts often continue cooking from residual heat. Remove from air fryer immediately when done and transfer to cooling rack. Most desserts taste best after cooling for at least 5-10 minutes.

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Dessert Problems

Even with perfect recipes, dessert disasters happen. Here are the most common problems and exactly how to fix them.

Cakes and Muffins Come Out Dry

Likely causes:

• Temperature too high
• Overbaked
• Overmixed batter
• Not enough liquid ingredients

Solutions: ✅ Reduce temperature by 25°F and increase time ✅ Check doneness 2-3 minutes early ✅ Mix batter just until combined – lumps are OK ✅ Add 1-2 tablespoons extra liquid if batter seems thick

Cookies Spread Too Much or Too Little

Too much spread:

• Butter too warm
• Not enough flour
• Air fryer too hot

Too little spread:

• Butter too cold
• Too much flour
• Need longer cooking time

Solutions: ✅ Use room temperature butter (not melted) ✅ Measure flour by spooning into cup, not scooping ✅ Test bake one cookie first to adjust

Desserts Burn on Outside, Raw Inside

Likely causes:

• Temperature too high
• Dessert too thick
• Not using parchment paper

Solutions: ✅ Lower temperature by 50°F, increase time by 5-7 minutes ✅ Make thinner layers or smaller portions ✅ Cover with foil halfway through if browning too fast ✅ Use light-colored pans to reflect heat

Custard-Based Desserts Crack

Likely causes:

• Temperature too high
• Overbaked
• Temperature shock from cold ingredients

Solutions: ✅ Never exceed 300°F for cheesecakes and custards ✅ Check doneness when centers barely jiggle ✅ Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing ✅ Cool gradually – crack air fryer door open for 5 minutes

Pastries Don’t Puff or Get Flaky

Likely causes:

• Pastry too warm before cooking
• Air fryer not preheated
• Too much filling

Solutions: ✅ Chill assembled pastries 15 minutes before cooking ✅ Preheat air fryer 3-5 minutes before adding pastries ✅ Use conservative filling amounts ✅ Brush with egg wash for better browning

Weekly Air Fryer Dessert Planning

The secret to consistent dessert success isn’t just good recipes, it’s planning treats that satisfy your family’s sweet tooth without overwhelming your schedule.

The Sunday Sweet Prep

Spend 20 minutes on Sunday preparing dessert components for the week:

• Mix dry ingredients for muffins and store in containers
• Portion cookie dough and freeze on sheets
• Prep fruit fillings for hand pies
• Make simple syrups and glazes

During the week, you’ll just add wet ingredients and bake fresh treats in minutes.

The 10-Minute Rule for Weeknight Desserts

Build your dessert rotation around recipes that take 10 minutes or less:

• Air Fryer S’mores – 3 minutes
• Air Fryer Mocha Mug Cake – 5 minutes
• Air Fryer Chocolate Donut Holes – 6 minutes
• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies – 8 minutes

Save longer-baking items like cheesecakes and cakes for weekends when you have more time.

Sample Weekly Dessert Menu

Monday: Fresh Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies after dinner Tuesday: Quick Air Fryer Mocha Mug Cake for one Wednesday: Air Fryer Banana Bread Muffins for breakfast dessert Thursday: Air Fryer S’mores for family fun night Friday: Air Fryer Churros for weekend celebration Weekend: Air Fryer Cheesecake Bites or Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes for special occasions

Air Fryer Dessert Safety & Storage

Keep your family safe and your desserts fresh with these essential guidelines.

Temperature Safety for Desserts

• Always use oven-safe dishes and pans rated for air fryer temperatures
• Never use plastic containers or non-heat-safe materials
• Let desserts cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation
• Use food thermometer for custard-based desserts (160°F minimum)

Proper Storage Methods

Room temperature storage (1-2 days):

• Cookies in airtight containers
• Muffins and quick breads wrapped in plastic
• Donuts in covered containers

Refrigerator storage (3-5 days):

• Cheesecakes and custard desserts
• Fruit-filled pastries
• Cream-topped desserts

Freezer storage (up to 3 months):

• Cookie dough balls (bake from frozen)
• Baked muffins and quick breads
• Unfrosted cakes and brownies

Food Safety Reminders

• Don’t leave dairy-based desserts at room temperature over 2 hours
• Store egg-based desserts in refrigerator immediately after cooling
• When in doubt, refrigerate – most desserts taste better chilled anyway
• Always reheat refrigerated desserts to room temperature or warm before serving

Your Air Fryer Dessert Success Starts Here

You now have access to over 30 family-tested air fryer dessert recipes that will transform your sweet treat game. From quick weeknight cookies like Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies to impressive party desserts like Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes, these recipes take the guesswork out of air fryer baking.

Start with simple recipes like Air Fryer S’mores or Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, then build your confidence with more adventurous treats like Air Fryer Cheesecake Bites or Air Fryer Churros.

Remember, great air fryer desserts aren’t about perfection, they’re about creating sweet moments for your family using techniques that actually work. Every recipe here has been tested by real families dealing with real life: picky eaters, busy schedules, and kitchens that aren’t always perfectly organized.

The most important ingredient in any dessert is joy. With these tested techniques and troubleshooting tips, you’ll develop the kind of baking confidence that lets you create special treats any day of the week.

Ready to sweeten your family’s days? Bookmark this page and start with one new air fryer dessert this week. Your family will thank you for the delicious, homemade treats that take half the time of traditional baking methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Desserts

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