Easy Air Fryer Ice-Cream Balls are a fun and indulgent dessert that combines the creamy goodness of ice cream with a crispy, golden coating. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just treating yourself, this recipe uses the air fryer to create a lighter version of the classic fried ice cream. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a delicious contrast of textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- A fun twist on the classic fried ice cream dessert.
- Lightly crispy exterior with a creamy, cold interior.
- Customizable with different flavors and toppings.
- No need for deep frying—healthier and less messy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ice cream (any flavor of your choice)
- Cornflakes or crushed graham crackers
- Cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- Egg whites or milk (for binding)
- Optional: Chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for serving
Directions
- Scoop and Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Scoop ice cream into balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the ice cream balls for at least 1 hour, or until very firm.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix crushed cornflakes or graham crackers with cinnamon, if using.
- Place egg whites or milk in a separate shallow bowl.
- Coat the Ice Cream Balls:
- Dip each frozen ice cream ball into the egg whites or milk, then roll it in the cornflake mixture until completely coated.
- Repeat the process for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer and freeze for another 1-2 hours.
- Air Fry the Ice Cream Balls:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the frozen ice cream balls in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-3 hours freezing time)
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 13 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Coating: Mix crushed nuts like almonds or peanuts into the coating for added crunch and flavor.
- Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Lovers: Roll the ice cream balls in crushed chocolate cookies or cocoa powder.
- Tropical: Use shredded coconut in the coating and pair with mango or pineapple ice cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornflakes or crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep uncooked coated ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: No reheating required. Air fry directly from the freezer when ready to serve.
FAQs
1. Can I use any ice cream flavor?
Yes, any flavor works! Popular choices include vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, but feel free to get creative.
2. How do I ensure the ice cream doesn’t melt in the air fryer?
Freeze the coated ice cream balls thoroughly before air frying to prevent melting.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the coated ice cream balls and freeze them. Air fry just before serving.
4. Do I need to use egg whites?
No, milk or a plant-based alternative works as a binding agent.
5. Can I use an alternative to cornflakes?
Yes, crushed graham crackers, cookies, or even rice cereal are great options.
6. How do I prevent sticking in the air fryer?
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray before placing the ice cream balls.
7. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until the coating is crispy.
8. What toppings go well with this dessert?
Chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, or fresh berries are fantastic choices.
9. How do I crush the cornflakes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.
10. Can I make mini versions?
Yes, use smaller scoops of ice cream and reduce air frying time slightly.
Conclusion
Easy Air Fryer Ice-Cream Balls are a delightful dessert that’s both fun to make and eat. With their crispy coating and creamy interior, they’re a showstopper for any occasion. Try this simple recipe for a no-fuss treat that’s sure to impress!
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Easy Air Fryer Ice-Cream Balls
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 ice-cream balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These air fryer ice-cream balls are a quick and fun dessert combining crispy, golden exteriors with cold, creamy ice cream centers. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pint (500ml) ice cream of choice (vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor)
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice-Cream Balls:
- Scoop the ice cream into 2-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1–2 hours, or until very firm.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs), sugar, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Ice-Cream Balls:
- Working quickly, remove the ice-cream balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then roll it in the cornflake mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating. Repeat the process for a thicker crust. Return coated balls to the freezer and freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Ice-Cream Balls:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the coated ice-cream balls in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 1–2 minutes, just until the coating turns golden and crisp.
- Serve Immediately:
- Remove the ice-cream balls carefully and serve immediately with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting. Refreeze balls between steps if needed.
- Experiment with coatings like crushed cookies, nuts, or graham crackers for variety.
- Serve as a plated dessert with fresh fruit or mint leaves for a gourmet touch.