Crispy, crackling sugar topping contrasting rich, creamy custard- what’s not to love about crème brulee? Traditionally baked for over an hour, this classic French dessert gets an air fryer makeover for simplicity and speed without sacrificing that signature texture.
In just 20 minutes, you can indulge in smooth, vanilla-infused custards capped with a shatteringly thin layer of burnt caramel. Follow this easy method for making perfect individual brulees using an air fryer.
From tempering eggs to torching sugar, we have all the tips and tricks for creme brulee that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually takes mere minutes from start to finish.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Texture Adventure: The contrast in textures you get with this recipe is simply sublime. The air fryer creates a gently cooked, silky custard that’s just firm enough, yet melts in your mouth.
Topping it off, the blow-torched sugar crust offers a satisfying crackle with each spoonful, creating a delightful dance of creamy and crispy in every bite.
A Balanced Sweet Treat: Creme brulee, in its essence, is a celebration of simplicity and balance. This recipe achieves a perfect harmony of sweetness – not too overpowering but just enough to please the palate.
Ease of Preparation: Despite its fancy reputation, this air fryer creme brulee is surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the air fryer ensures consistent heating, reducing the risk of overcooking.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
These ingredients are needed to make creme brulee in the air fryer:
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 2/3 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow these steps to make the perfect airfryer creme brulee:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C). Then, place a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix and cook until the heavy cream simmers. Remove from the heat.
Step 2
Place the eggs in a mixing bowl and mix them with the sugar until well combined.
Then, temper the eggs- slowly pour 1/2 of the warmed heavy cream mixture into them while whisking.
Step 3
Pour this mixture into the remaining heavy cream mixture and keep whisking. Then, divide between the ramekins.
Step 4
Bake in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes (don’t overcrowd the air fryer, cook in batches if needed). Check the center of the filling to make sure they are cooked through.
Step 5
If you want to crust the top of the creme brulees, spread out granulated sugar evenly over them. Then, using a kitchen blow torch, caramelize the sugar.
That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer creme brulee! It tastes amazing and it’s so easy to make.
💡Tips
1. Remove Air Bubbles
Removing the air bubbles from the custard mixture is an important step when making creme brulee in the air fryer.
The bubbles can cause uneven heat distribution and prevent the custard from setting properly. To remove air bubbles, use a spoon or spatula to gently stir the mixture while it’s still in the bowl.
2. Use a Kitchen Torch for the Best Crust
While regular granulated sugar will work for the crunchy topping, caramelizing it with a kitchen torch really takes the creme brûlée to the next level. The high heat of the torch creates a nice thin layer of crisp caramelized sugar on top.
3. Let It Cool Slowly
It’s important not to rush the cooling process. After baking, allow the creme brulee to come to room temperature gradually before chilling in the refrigerator. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks on the surface.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked my air fryer creme brulee recipe, make sure to check out these excellent recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
- Dehydrating Mango In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chocolate Cake
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes
Air Fryer Creme Brulee
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 2/3 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C). Then, place a saucepan over medium heat.Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix and cook until the heavy cream simmers. Remove from the heat.
- Place the eggs in a mixing bowl and mix them with the sugar until well combined.Then, temper the eggs- slowly pour about 1/2 of the warmed heavy cream mixture into them while whisking.
- Pour this mixture into the remaining heavy cream mixture and keep whisking. Then, divide between all the ramekins.
- Bake in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes (don’t overcrowd the air fryer, cook in batches if needed). Check the center of the filling to make sure they are cooked through.
- If you want to crust the top of the creme brulees, spread out granulated sugar evenly over them. Then, using a kitchen blow torch, caramelize the sugar.
