Ever tried using your air fryer for baking? While it may not deliver the perfectly even rise of a traditional oven-baked cake, it’s ideal for quick, fuss-free treats like brownies, muffins, cookies, and chocolate-stuffed pastries. With faster cooking times and lower energy use, air fryers have become a go-to appliance for more than just fries and wings—they’re a smart, efficient way to bake sweet favorites with minimal mess.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most delicious recipes for air fryer desserts that you can recreate at home, from melt-in-your-mouth muffins to crispy chocolate swirls. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to try something new, these easy ideas are sure to impress.
Curious how air fryers stack up against traditional ovens? Don’t miss our comparison on Air Fryer vs Convection Oven. Wondering about oil choices in other cooking methods? Explore deep fry vs air fry. And for more sweet and savory air fryer ideas, check out our full collection of recipes for air fryer beginners, vegetarians, and more.
Now, let’s dive into the tastiest part—dessert!
Coconut Cake
One of Ciarra’s creator partners recently shared a mouthwatering coconut cake made with the Ciarra air fryer—and while the video skips over the preparation steps, the final result speaks for itself: a golden, fluffy, and fragrant cake with the perfect texture. To recreate it, start by preparing a simple coconut cake batter. In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar until light and airy. Add in ½ cup (120ml) of vegetable oil and 1 cup (240ml) of coconut milk, mixing until smooth. Then stir in 1½ cups (180g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Finally, fold in 1 cup (80g) of shredded coconut for that rich, tropical flavor. Once the batter is ready, pour it into a lightly greased cake mold that fits inside the air fryer basket.
Place the mold into the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer, select the “Cake” mode, set the temperature to 160°C (320°F), and bake for 30 minutes. The result is a beautifully risen, moist coconut cake with a delicate crust on top—baked evenly without needing an oven. What makes the Ciarra air fryer stand out is how easy and reliable it is to use. You can check on your cake at any time simply by pulling out the basket—no need to restart the machine or worry about losing heat. It’s also extremely easy to clean; the nonstick basket takes less than a minute to rinse, making the whole process fast and hassle-free.
It’s a smart, affordable choice for anyone who loves baking, cooking, or experimenting in the kitchen. Whether you're making cakes, muffins, or crispy meals, the Ciarra air fryer makes it all easier—and more enjoyable.
Chocolate Puff Pastry Swirls in the Air Fryer
This delicious and eye-catching dessert—Girelle di Sfoglia al Cioccolato (Chocolate Puff Pastry Swirls)—is as easy as it is impressive. One of Ciarra’s creator partners recently made this treat using the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer, and the result was a beautifully crisp and golden swirl filled with chocolatey goodness. Here’s how she did it.
Start with one sheet of ready-made puff pastry. Lay it out flat on a clean surface and cut it lengthwise into five even strips—you’ll need to make four straight cuts to create five equal sections. Once sliced, spread each strip with a generous layer of chocolate spread (about 1 teaspoon per strip), covering the entire surface evenly. Sprinkle a small amount of crushed peanuts (roughly 1/2 teaspoon) on top of the chocolate for added crunch and flavor.
Now fold each strip in half lengthwise to seal the filling inside, then gently roll the strip from one end to the other to form a tight swirl. You’ll end up with beautiful little chocolate pinwheels.
Place the swirls directly into the Ciarra air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to allow for rising and airflow. Select the “Cake” mode, set the temperature to 170°C (340°F), and cook for 12 minutes.
In just over 10 minutes, the swirls will puff up beautifully, turn golden brown, and become perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and gooey inside.
Why the Creator Recommends the Ciarra Air Fryer
After using the Ciarra air fryer for this recipe, the creator praised how quick, convenient, and reliable it was. The puff pastry cooked evenly and came out golden and flaky, all without needing to preheat a traditional oven. One feature she loved is how you can pull out the basket mid-cooking to check on the food—a small detail that makes a big difference when aiming for perfect results.
Cleaning was a breeze, too. Thanks to the nonstick coating, she mentioned it took less than a minute to rinse the basket clean—no scrubbing or soaking required.
And the best part? With features like 8 preset cooking modes, a spacious 5.3QT capacity, and Max Crisp Technology for healthier, oil-free cooking, it’s an excellent value for anyone wanting to explore air fryer baking.
Super Soft Muffins in the Air Fryer
Treat yourself to these irresistibly soft and fluffy muffins made in the air fryer—no oven required! Quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe combines simple ingredients with the powerful performance of the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer.
One of Ciarra’s partner creators shared this simple and flavorful dessert, made entirely with the help of the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer—and the results are incredible.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium egg
- 1 cup (200g) white granulated sugar
- 1 container (125g) plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon syrup or lemon extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- ½ cup (80g) chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- Colorful paper muffin cups
Start by cracking one large egg into a mixing bowl. Add in one cup of granulated sugar and whisk the two together until light and smooth. Then pour in one container of plain yogurt (about 125g) and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Add a splash of lemon syrup for a refreshing citrus note.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the muffin cups in the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer, select the “Cake” mode, and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 12 minutes. You’ll end up with fluffy, moist muffins with a perfectly crisp top—no oven required!
Influencer's Experience with the Ciarra Air Fryer
After using the Ciarra 5.3QT Air Fryer to make these soft and fluffy muffins, the creator couldn't stop raving about how easy and enjoyable the experience was. One of her favorite features? You can pull out the basket at any time to check on your food without interrupting the cooking process—perfect for beginners or anyone who likes to keep an eye on doneness.
She also highlighted how quick and effortless it is to clean. The nonstick basket takes less than a minute to rinse off, making post-baking cleanup incredibly convenient.
And perhaps the biggest surprise? The price. Unlike many premium air fryers on the market, this model is affordably priced at just $69, offering excellent value without sacrificing performance. It’s more budget-friendly than most competing brands, yet it still delivers powerful features like Max Crisp Technology, 8 cooking presets, and a large-capacity nonstick basket.
What Desserts Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
You can make a wide range of desserts in an air fryer, including:
- Easy Air Fryer Desserts
- Quick Air Fryer Desserts
- Healthy Air Fryer Desserts
- Air Fryer Fruit Desserts
- Air Fryer Low-Calorie Desserts
- Air Fryer Strawberry Dessert
- Air Fryer Vegan Desserts
Air Fryer Dessert Recipes for Beginners
Perfect for those new to air frying:
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Air Fryer Mug Cake – Quick and easy, just mix in a mug and air fry.
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Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts – Canned biscuit dough makes it foolproof.
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Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes – Minimal ingredients, big flavor payoff.
Easy Air Fryer Desserts
These are minimal-effort treats you can whip up with basic ingredients:
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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies – No oven needed, just 5–8 minutes in the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Made from canned biscuit dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar.
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Air Fryer Brownie Bites – Simple batter, baked in silicone muffin cups.
Quick Air Fryer Desserts
Fast and delicious, perfect for when you’re short on time:
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Air Fryer S’mores – Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, melty in under 5 minutes.
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Air Fryer Apple Chips – Thinly sliced apples with cinnamon, crispy in 10–12 minutes.
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Air Fryer Nutella Pastry Bites – Puff pastry with Nutella inside, golden in 8–10 minutes.
Healthy Air Fryer Desserts
Lower in sugar and fat, but still satisfying:
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Air Fryer Baked Apples – Cored apples filled with oats, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
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Air Fryer Banana Oat Cookies – Just bananas, oats, and dark chocolate chips.
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Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Cake – Made with yogurt, eggs, and a touch of honey.
Air Fryer Fruit Desserts
Fruity, sweet, and naturally delicious:
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Air Fryer Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon – Grilled-style peaches in under 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer Pineapple Rings – Caramelized pineapple with brown sugar and lime.
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Air Fryer Berry Crumble – Mixed berries topped with a simple oat crumble topping.
Air Fryer Low Calorie Desserts
Guilt-free treats under 200 calories per serving:
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Air Fryer Baked Pears with Cinnamon – Light and naturally sweet.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies – Moist, chocolatey, and packed with fiber.
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Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pancakes – Light and high in protein, perfect with berries.
Air Fryer Strawberry Dessert
Great for strawberry lovers:
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Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcakes – Buttery shortcake biscuits filled with fresh strawberries and cream.
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Air Fryer Strawberry Hand Pies – Puff pastry pockets filled with strawberry jam or fresh berries.
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Air Fryer Strawberry Oat Bars – Strawberry puree layered between oat crusts.
Air Fryer Vegan Desserts
Plant-based and delicious:
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Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake – Moist and fluffy, made with almond milk and coconut oil.
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Air Fryer Vegan Apple Fritters – No eggs or dairy, just crispy and sweet.
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Air Fryer Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies – Made with only 3 ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and flour.
Other Air Fryer Desserts
1. Air Fryer Churro Bites
Craving something crispy and cinnamon-sweet? These air fryer churro bites are the perfect fix. Cut pre-made biscuit or pizza dough into small pieces, roll them into balls, and air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown. While they’re still warm, toss them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. For an extra treat, serve them with a side of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—and totally addictive.
2. Air Fryer Baked Apples
A comforting classic with a healthier twist. Core two apples and fill the centers with a mix of chopped nuts, raisins, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 165°C (330°F) for 12–15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and fragrant. Serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a guilt-free dessert that feels indulgent.
3. Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies
No campfire? No problem. These air fryer s’mores hand pies bring the nostalgic flavor home. Cut out circles or squares of pie crust or puff pastry, add a spoonful of marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers to the center. Seal the edges with a fork, brush with milk or egg wash, and air fry at 175°C (347°F) for 10 minutes. The result: gooey, golden treats with that irresistible s’mores flavor.
