35 Quick Air Fryer Dessert Recipes for Delicious Treats

Think you can’t make desserts in an air fryer? Think again. Below is a curated collection of some of the best-tasting air fryer dessert recipes—from indulgent churros and chocolate chip cookies to gluten-free cake, donuts, and healthy snacks like apple chips.

You’ll find decadent options such as Air Fryer Donuts, Fried Oreos, and Chocolate Lava Cake alongside lighter choices like Air Fryer Apple Chips and grilled fruit desserts. There are seasonal favorites, too—think Sweet Potato Pie, Gingerbread Man Cookies, and Pumpkin Scones. Every recipe is designed to be simple, approachable, and fun to make.

The air fryer delivers crisp results using far less oil than deep frying. Many of these recipes need little to no oil, and cooking times are usually shorter than in a conventional oven. That means you can enjoy classic treats with fewer calories and in less time. Pair your finished dessert with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or sprinkles for an extra-special finish.

Why Make Desserts In The Air Fryer?

The air fryer circulates hot air around food so you need very little oil—often two tablespoons or less—to get a crisp exterior. With less oil absorption, desserts typically have lower fat and calorie counts than their deep-fried counterparts. Many recipes require no oil at all.

Air fryers also cook faster than conventional ovens or stovetop frying, so you can make treats quickly when time is tight. Less oil, fewer calories, and faster cook times—while still delivering delicious results.

Chef’s Tip: Air fryer temperatures and performance vary by model. Start with the recommended time, check for doneness, and add time in short increments as needed.

Tips For Making Easy Air Fryer Desserts

Use these practical tips to get consistent, delicious air fryer desserts every time.

Tip #1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket.

Leave space between items and arrange them in a single layer without stacking. Proper air circulation is essential for even cooking; overcrowding leads to undercooked or unevenly browned desserts.

Tip #2. Preheat Your Air Fryer Before Cooking.

Preheating helps ensure your dessert starts at the correct temperature and cooks at the expected rate. Follow your recipe’s temperature guidance and preheat when recommended.

Tip #3. Use A Sling.

A foil sling makes removing pans or small dishes from the basket easier and safer. To make one:

• Fold a sheet of foil into a rectangle at least 2 inches wide and 18 inches long.
• Place the pan in the center, lift using the sling ends, and lower into the basket.
• Tuck the sling ends into the basket sides. When finished, untuck and lift the pan out—use oven mitts for safety.

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

Good tools make recipes easier and more successful. Consider investing in quality baking pans and silicone accessories designed for air fryers.

Air Fryer Desserts

Air Fryer Cannoli

Air Fryer Cannoli offers a modern shortcut—crispy shells from premade pie crust filled with sweetened ricotta. A quick, delightful twist on the classic.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Quick and easy cookies that bake in minutes—perfect when you want freshly baked treats without turning on the oven.

Air Fryer Jelly Donuts

A lighter take on classic jelly donuts—crispy outside and soft inside, and easy to customize with your favorite jam.

Fried Oreos In Air Fryer

Make carnival-style Fried Oreos at home with just two ingredients and about 15 minutes in the air fryer.

Happy desserts.

More Air Fryer Recipe Collections.

• Air Fryer Vegetables.
• Air Fryer Frozen Foods.
• How To Reheat Foods In The Air Fryer.
• Healthy Air Fryer Recipes.
• Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.
• Fall Air Fryer Recipes.
• Summer Air Fryer Recipes.

Thank you for reading this Air Fryer Desserts collection. Keep checking back for new, easy, and affordable air fryer, Instant Pot, and Southern recipes. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry.