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Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 scoops of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate work well)
  • 1 cup cornflakes, crushed (for coating)
  • 1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional, for extra texture and flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added spice)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cooking spray or melted butter (to lightly coat the cornflake mixture)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ice Cream: Scoop the ice cream into 4 equal-sized balls using an ice cream scoop or a spoon. Place the ice cream balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Freeze the ice cream balls for at least 2 hours, or until they are very firm. This step is essential because it ensures that the ice cream stays frozen inside while the coating crisps up in the air fryer.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, coconut flakes (if using), and cinnamon. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, milk, sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick, almost like a batter.
  3. Coat the Ice Cream Balls: Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. First, dip each ball into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, roll the ball in the crushed cornflake mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat the process with all the ice cream balls, then return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps the coating stay intact during the air frying process.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the cornflake coating quickly.
  5. Air Fry the Fried Ice Cream: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. Place the coated ice cream balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy. The goal is to quickly crisp up the outside while keeping the inside cold and firm. If your air fryer tends to run hot, check after 1–2 minutes to prevent overcooking.
  6. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the fried ice cream from the air fryer. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Fried Ice Cream Ball)

The nutrition will vary depending on the ice cream you use and the toppings, but the following estimate is for a standard vanilla ice cream fried ball made with the above ingredients.

Nutrition per Fried Ice Cream Ball (1 serving):

  • Calories: 230–300 kcal
    (based on a medium-sized scoop of ice cream and the cornflake coating)
  • Protein: 4–5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
    • Fiber: 2–3 g
    • Sugars: 20–25 g (from the ice cream and sugar)
  • Fat: 10–15 g
    • Saturated Fat: 6–8 g
  • Cholesterol: 50–70 mg
  • Sodium: 100–150 mg
  • Potassium: 150–250 mg
  • Vitamin A: 4–6% DV
  • Calcium: 6–8% DV
  • Iron: 4–6% DV

Key Nutritional Benefits:

  • Moderate in Calories: While fried ice cream is a dessert, using the air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making it a lighter version of the deep-fried treat. It’s still indulgent but without the excess calories of traditional deep frying.
  • Protein from Ice Cream: The ice cream provides some protein, especially if you choose a high-protein option like Greek yogurt ice cream or a dairy-free alternative with added protein.
  • Fiber from Cornflakes and Coconut: The crushed cornflakes provide fiber and texture, while adding coconut flakes gives a bit of healthy fat and extra flavor.
  • Customizable: You can control the ingredients, including using lower-fat or non-dairy ice cream options to adjust the fat and calorie content. Opting for a sugar-free cornflake coating or topping with fruit instead of syrup can also reduce the sugar content.

Air Fryer Benefits:

The air fryer’s hot air circulation cooks the coated ice cream quickly, ensuring that the exterior becomes crisp without melting the ice cream inside. Traditional deep frying requires large amounts of oil and can be messy, whereas the air fryer provides a healthier alternative with far less oil. Additionally, the air fryer is faster and more efficient, making it an ideal appliance for preparing this fun dessert in just a few minutes.

By using the air fryer, you can enjoy fried ice cream without the guilt or mess, while still achieving that satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s a great treat for parties, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something indulgent yet slightly lighter than traditional fried desserts.

Air fryer fried ice cream offers the perfect balance of textures: crispy, sweet, and warm on the outside, with the cold, creamy ice cream inside. It’s a fun, easy way to bring a classic dessert into the modern age, using your air fryer for a faster and healthier twist on a beloved treat. Whether you top it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is, this dessert is sure to be a hit!