When people think of air fryers, the first recipes that usually come to mind are chips, chicken wings, or maybe even a Sunday roast. But if you’ve only been using your air fryer for savoury dishes, you’re missing out on a whole world of air fryer desserts that are just as easy, quick, and delicious.
Yes you can make dessert in your air fryer! From bubbling cobblers to gooey brownies, the air fryer is the ultimate shortcut for baking up something indulgent without the fuss of heating the whole oven. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite air fryer desserts: peach cobbler, blackberry crumble, stuffed apple, Eton Mess pecan brownies, and strawberry tarts. Each one is simple to prepare, cooks beautifully in the air fryer, and is guaranteed to impress.
So grab a spoon, because things are about to get sweet.
Why Make Dessert in the Air Fryer?
There are a few reasons why the air fryer has become my go-to for desserts:
Speed – Most recipes take half the time compared to baking in a conventional oven.
Portion control – Perfect for small batches, so you don’t end up with a whole tray of something tempting you all week.
Even cooking – The circulating air creates lovely golden crusts while keeping the inside soft.
Convenience – No need to preheat your oven for 20 minutes. Your air fryer is ready in just a couple of minutes.
It’s also a fantastic option in the warmer months, when switching on the oven feels like too much effort.
Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
There’s something so comforting about a cobbler. The juicy fruit bubbling away underneath a fluffy, golden topping. In the air fryer, this dessert cooks up beautifully and feels like summer in a bowl.
How it works:
Toss ripe peach slices with a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of lemon.
Top with spoonfuls of cobbler batter. Think somewhere between a scone and a cake mixture.
Air fry until the peaches are soft and syrupy, and the topping is golden brown.
Serving tip: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm cobbler and cold cream is pure magic.
Variation: Try swapping the peaches for nectarines, apricots, or even plums if they’re in season.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Blackberry Crumble
Crumble is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. It’s homely, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. Making it in the air fryer means you can whip one up for a weeknight treat without needing to bake a giant dish.
How it works:
Toss fresh (or frozen) blackberries with a touch of sugar and a spoonful of cornflour to thicken the juices.
Scatter over a crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Pop into the air fryer until the berries are bubbling and the topping crisp.
Serving tip: Custard is the classic choice, but cream or ice cream works just as well.
Variation: Mix in a few chopped apples with the blackberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Get the full recipe here.
Stuffed Apple
If you want a lighter dessert that still feels cosy and satisfying, stuffed apples are perfect. They’re naturally sweet, filled with warm spices, and taste like autumn in every bite.
How it works:
Core a large apple and fill the centre with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maybe a few chopped nuts or raisins.
Air fry until the apple softens and the filling caramelises.
Serving tip: Serve straight from the air fryer with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Variation: Try adding a little peanut butter or almond butter to the filling for extra richness.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a British summer classic, light, creamy, and bursting with fresh berries. Traditionally, it’s just whipped cream, meringue, and strawberries folded together. But with an air fryer, you can make it even easier by whipping up your own mini meringues in no time.
How it works:
Whisk egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form, then pipe or spoon small blobs onto parchment.
Air fry at a low temperature until crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle.
Once cooled, crumble the meringues into whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Serving tip: Layer in glasses for a pretty presentation, or just pile everything together in a bowl for that rustic “mess” charm.
Variation: Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or even tropical fruit like mango for a twist on the classic.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Strawberry Tarts
When you want something that looks impressive but is secretly simple, strawberry tarts are your answer. With ready-made pastry and a quick vanilla cream filling, these are a breeze to put together.
How it works:
Cut puff pastry into small circles or squares. Air fry until golden and puffed.
Whip up a quick filling of cream cheese, icing sugar, and a splash of vanilla.
Top the cooled pastry bases with the cream and arrange fresh strawberry slices on top.
Serving tip: Dust with icing sugar before serving for that bakery-style finish.
Variation: Try other berries (blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix) for a colourful twist.
Get the full recipe here.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Desserts
Check early – Desserts can brown quickly in an air fryer, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
Use the right dish – Make sure your baking dish fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket and allows air to circulate.
Don’t overcrowd – For things like tarts, cook in batches so they crisp evenly.
Line with parchment – This makes it much easier to lift out sticky cobblers or brownies.
Experiment – Once you’ve tried the basics, you’ll see how versatile the air fryer is for sweet recipes.
Conclusion
What I love most about these desserts is how they showcase the versatility of the air fryer. Whether you’re after something fruity and light like a stuffed apple or strawberry tart, or a richer indulgence like brownies or crumble, there’s a recipe to suit every mood and season.
These aren’t just desserts you throw together in a rush. They’re treats worth sitting down for, sharing with friends, or saving for a quiet night in with a cup of tea. The fact that they take a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking is just the cherry (or strawberry!) on top.
So next time you’re tempted to grab a tub of ice cream or a packet of biscuits, remember: your air fryer can whip up something far more satisfying in under 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer desserts are a revelation. They prove that this handy little gadget isn’t just about chips and chicken, it’s a genuine game-changer for baking too. From the bubbling comfort of a peach cobbler to the glossy elegance of strawberry tarts, there’s something here to suit everyone’s sweet tooth.
If you’re already hooked on savoury air fryer recipes, give one (or all!) of these a try. You might just find your new go-to dessert.
If you are looking for more air fryer inspiration, visit my Amazon shop to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.