Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Indulge in a delightful fusion of hot and cold with our Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream recipe. This beloved dessert takes a classic scoop of ice cream and transforms it into a crispy, golden delight using the magic of the air fryer.

With a crunchy coating and a luscious, frozen center, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and enjoy. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this simple yet impressive treat that combines the best of both worlds.

Can You Air Fry Ice Cream?

No, you cannot air fry ice cream directly. Ice cream is a frozen dessert that would melt and create a mess if you attempt to air fry it.

However, you can make a dessert called “Air Fried Ice Cream” where the ice cream is coated with a layer of crispy breading or crust and quickly fried to contrast hot and cold textures.

This fried ice cream dessert is typically prepared using a deep fryer, not an air fryer, because it requires high-temperature frying to cook the outer layer while keeping the ice cream frozen inside.

This is one of my family’s favorite fun dessert recipes, typically called tempura ice cream, at Mexican restaurants. 

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Ice Cream

You need four simple ingredients to put together this delicious dessert!

Remember the detailed instructions and step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Although, use any ice cream flavor!
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour, or for a gluten-free treat, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Egg Whites: Use large, room-temperature egg whites
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Crush the cereal; other options include graham crackers, Fruity Pebbles, or corn flakes.

How to Make Air-Fried Ice Cream

Making Air-Fried Ice Cream is a delightful process that involves coating balls of ice cream with a crispy outer layer and quickly air frying them to create a hot-and-cold dessert sensation. Here are the step-by-step directions to guide you through the steps:

Step One: Prep The Ice Cream Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

Using an ice cream scoop, quickly form four evenly sized scoops of ice cream. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet or muffin pan.

Freeze the ice cream scoops for at least 2 hours or until they are firm.

Step Two: Prepare The Coating

Remove from the freezer, coat the ice cream balls in flour, then freeze again for another hour.

Step Three: Coat Frozen Ice Cream In Egg Whites

Add egg whites to a bowl and whisk until foamy. Roll each ice cream ball in egg whites, then coat with the crushed cereal. Freeze again for 4 hours or overnight..

Step Four: Air Fry Ice Cream

When you’re ready to cook, please remove one of the coated balls of ice cream balls, set it on a piece of foil or parchment paper in the air fryer basket, cook at 400 degrees F, and set cook time for 2-3 minutes.

Step Five: Serving

Quickly transfer the air-fried ice cream balls to serving plates, shallow bowl, or small bowl. Garnish with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, honey, or caramel sauce.

Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of hot and crispy on the outside and cold and creamy on the inside.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Air-Fried Fried Ice Cream is a delicious treat, you can explore various recipe variations to customize the flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to make your air-fried fried ice cream even more exciting:

• Flavorful Ice Cream: Start with different ice cream flavors like chocolate ice cream, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip for a unique twist.
• Cereal Coatings: Instead of cornflakes, use other cereals like Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for added flavor and texture.
• Spice Up the Coating: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite spices to the cornflake mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts into the coating mixture for a nutty crunch.
• Cookie Crust: Crushed cookies like graham crackers, Oreos, or chocolate chip cookies can be used instead of cornflakes for a cookie crust.
• Fruit-Filled: Before coating, place a small spoonful of fruit preserves or fruit compote in the center of the ice cream scoop. Then, proceed with the coating and air frying.
• Churro-Style: Create a cinnamon-sugar coating by rolling the ice cream balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before air frying.
• Deep-Fry Option: If you have a deep fryer, deep fry the coated ice cream balls for a more traditional fried ice cream experience.
• Sauce Drizzles: Drizzle your air-fried fried ice cream with sauces like chocolate sauce, hot fudge sauce, butterscotch, raspberry coulis, or honey for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Tropical Twist: Roll the ice cream balls in shredded coconut flakes before coating them with the cereal mixture for a tropical flair.
• Sundae Style: Serve your air-fried fried ice cream as a sundae with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries on top.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cereal and ensure all other gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free version.

These variations offer exciting ways to personalize your air-fried fried ice cream, making it a dessert that suits your tastes and creativity. Mix and match flavors and textures to create the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Cooking Tips

Cooking Fried Ice Cream in the air fryer can be a fun and delicious experience, but it requires some special considerations to achieve the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the ice cream frozen inside. Here are some cooking tips for making Fried Ice Cream in the air fryer:

• Pre-Freeze the Ice Cream Scoops: Ensure that the ice cream scoops are very firm before coating and air frying. Freeze them for at least 2 hours or until they are solid.
• Work Quickly: The key to success is speed. Once you start the coating process, work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting.
• Use a Good Coating: The coating should adhere to the ice cream. Roll the scoops in the coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.
• Double Coating (Optional): For an extra crispy shell, double coat the ice cream balls by dipping them in a beaten egg and rolling them in the coating mixture again before air frying.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) for a few minutes before cooking.
• Lightly Grease the Basket: To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the ice cream balls in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the ice cream balls in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so watch for the perfect golden brown color.
• Serve Immediately: As soon as the Fried Ice Cream is ready, serve it immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot and cold textures.
• Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes. Add whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a cherry on top for an attractive presentation.
• Handle Carefully: Be gentle when removing the air-fried Fried Ice Cream from the basket to avoid breaking the crispy shell.
• Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze them quickly to maintain the crispy texture. Reheating in the air fryer may not yield the same results.

Following these cooking tips, you can enjoy perfectly air-fried Fried Ice Cream with a crispy shell and a cold, creamy center. It’s a delightful dessert that will impress your family and guests.

FAQ’s

Can I use any type of ice cream for Fried Ice Cream in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use any flavor of ice cream you like for Fried Ice Cream. Choose your favorite flavor to create a unique dessert.

How do I keep the ice cream from melting in the air fryer?

To prevent the ice cream from melting, it’s crucial to pre-freeze the scoops until they are very firm before coating and air frying. Leave the fried ice cream ball in the freezer until ready to cook.

Can I use gluten-free cereal for coating to make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free cereal to make this dessert gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the ice cream, are also gluten-free.

What is the ideal temperature for air frying Fried Ice Cream?

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for air frying Fried Ice Cream. Adjust the temperature as needed based on your air fryer model.

Can I prepare the ice cream balls in advance and air fry them later?

It’s best to prepare and air fry the ice cream balls immediately after coating. Preparing them in advance may cause the ice cream to melt and lose its shape.

How do I store any leftover Fried Ice Cream?

If you have leftover Fried Ice Cream, freeze it quickly to maintain the crispy texture. Reheating in the air fryer may not yield the same results.

Can I make Fried Ice Cream in a traditional deep fryer?

Yes, Fried Ice Cream is traditionally made in a deep fryer. If you have one, you can use it for this dessert.

What are some popular toppings for Fried Ice Cream?

Popular toppings for Fried Ice Cream include whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, honey, chopped nuts, and powdered sugar.

Can I use an alternative sweetener for the coating, like powdered erythritol?

Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like powdered erythritol for the coating if you prefer a sugar-free option.

Can I air fry other frozen desserts?

While air frying is great for some desserts like Fried Ice Cream, it may not work for all frozen desserts. Experiment with caution and adapt recipes as needed.

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