Air Fryer Cream Puffs

Make light, airy, and delicious Air Fryer Cream Puffs with this easy recipe. Perfect for dessert lovers looking to create a crispy, golden treat with a creamy filling.

Air Fryer cream puffs are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines a light, airy dough with a smooth, rich filling. The air fryer cooks the puffs to perfection, creating a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

These little pastries are incredibly versatile, perfect for filling with your favorite sweet creams, custards, or even whipped cream for a lighter version. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a quick dessert, Air Fryer cream puffs offer a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy a classic favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The air fryer cooks the cream puffs to perfection with a golden, crispy exterior and soft, airy inside.
• This recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy homemade cream puffs in no time.
• You can customize the filling with your favorite cream, custard, or whipped cream for a delicious treat.
• The air fryer method eliminates the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option for enjoying this indulgent dessert.
• These cream puffs are versatile and can be made for any occasion, from a special celebration to a simple dessert craving.

If you love easy air fryer desserts, try my recipe for Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pillsbury Cookies, Air Fryer Blueberry Crisp, or Air Fryer Apple Crisp For Two.

Ingredients Needed

• Butter, unsalted – Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough.
• Water – Water helps create the steam for puffing.
• Salt – A pinch of salt balances the flavors.
• Flour, sifted – Sifted flour ensures a smooth dough texture.
• Eggs, room temperature – Room-temperature eggs help the dough bind.
• Heavy whipping cream, cold – Cold cream whips into a thick, fluffy texture.
• Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream filling.
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream.

How To Make Air Fryer Cream Puffs

Step One: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter, water, and salt. Cook until the butter melts and remove from the heat. Stir in the flour until well combined (the mixture will resemble mashed potatoes)

Step Two: Return to the stove and cook over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes, constantly stirring, (with a wooden spoon) until the dough mixture forms a soft-ball and a light film is across the bottom of the pan. (Note: Do not skip this step, it helps remove moisture from the dough to help your puff rise when baking) Add the dough to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes.

Step Three: Beat in the eggs one at a time, by hand or with a mixer, until the dough comes together to form a slightly stiff, shiny dough.

Step Four: Place a sheet of parchment on the bottom of your air fryer basket, and drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the parchment paper. You’ll need to work in batches to avoid crowding.

Step Five: Bake the puffs in the air fryer at a cook time of 14-16 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Remove and poke holes with a skewer or knife in each cream puff and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Note: Use the Air Frying Setting

Step Six: Cool The Cream Puff Shells

Step Seven: While the puffs bake, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Whisk or mix with an electric mixer for several minutes until peaks form and the cream has thickened. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Once cooled, slice each puff in half, spoon a whipped cream onto the bottom half, and replace the puff top. Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Air Fryer Cream Puffs Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough and better puffing in the air fryer.
• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: When cooking the dough mixture on the stove, make sure to cook it until a light film forms at the bottom of the pan. This helps remove excess moisture for a better rise in the air fryer.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the dough in the air fryer, leave enough space between each puff to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on your puffs to ensure they’re golden brown and crisp.
• Let the Puffs Cool: After baking, allow the cream puffs to cool for at least 10 minutes before filling them with whipped cream to prevent sogginess.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Use cold heavy cream for whipping to get the best texture, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cream puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness before serving.

Storing

• Storing: To store air fryer cream puffs, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, fill the cream puffs with whipped cream just before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the baked cream puff shells on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cream puff shells in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If filled with whipped cream, add the filling after reheating.

​Air Fryer Cream Puffs Recipe Faqs

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before piping and cooking.

Why aren’t my cream puffs puffing up? Ensure the dough is properly cooked before adding the eggs. Also, make sure the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, and don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can affect puffing.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of homemade? Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream if you prefer, but homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, light texture and flavor to the cream puffs.

Can I freeze cream puffs? Yes, you can freeze baked cream puff shells. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw before filling with whipped cream.

What is the best way to store leftover cream puffs? Store cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Fill them with whipped cream just before serving for the best texture.

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