You probably have an air fryer in your kitchen and use it for potatoes or croquettes, but did you know it's an amazing machine for desserts? This appliance has become the perfect alternative to a conventional oven, allowing us to prepare delicious and easy-to-make desserts in the air fryer without any fuss or making the house hot.
The best part is that, with its much smaller internal space, the hot air circulates more quickly and the preheating time is minimal . This means you can go from craving something sweet to enjoying a freshly baked dessert in just a few minutes, while also using significantly less energy than if you turned on your regular oven.
Advantages of using an air fryer for baking
One of the biggest advantages is that it allows us to cook smaller quantities . Sometimes we don't need a giant cake for five people, but simply a couple of servings to treat ourselves, and the fryer's basket is perfect for these individual portions.
Furthermore, although it may not seem like it, the result is surprisingly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's the ideal alternative for those looking for lighter and quicker recipes than deep-fried versions, while maintaining that homemade flavor we all love and saving time in the kitchen.
Star recipe: Super quick puff pastry donuts
If you're looking for a quick snack, these puff pastry donuts are the perfect solution. They're made with just a few ingredients , and the result is a much lighter and more airy treat than store-bought or pan-fried donuts.
To prepare them, you will need the following:
- Two sheets of commercial puff pastry.
- An egg to glaze the dough.
- Melted butter.
- White sugar and ground cinnamon.
The process begins by rolling out the dough on a floured work surface. It's essential to brush one side with egg and layer the sheets on top of each other so they stick together well. A foolproof trick is to let the dough rest in the freezer for about 15 minutes ; this makes them rise much more and become fluffier when baked.
Once the puff pastry has cooled, use a donut cutter to shape them. Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, frying them in batches if they don't all fit, and set the machine to 165°C for 10 minutes . They're ready when they've risen and turned a light golden brown.
For the finishing touch, while they're still warm, brush them with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and white sugar . This gives them that classic, addictive finish we love.
