Can You Actually Make A Cheesecake In The Air Fryer?

Why you should air fry your cheesecake

At first glance, it may seem unlikely that air-frying cheesecake would be successful. In fact, cheesecake might appear to be one of those desserts best kept away from the air fryer. However, air fryer cheesecakes are surprisingly more user-friendly than other methods, such as no-bake or traditional oven-baked versions. Culinary enthusiasts and chefs report that they don’t encounter the typical challenges when using the air fryer. Unlike oven baking, there's no need to worry about a water bath, and the risk of your cheesecake sinking in the middle or cracking excessively on top is significantly reduced. Some cheesecake enthusiasts even assert that they will never return to conventional cheesecake-making techniques.

Air fryers operate by emitting heat from the top of the appliance down to the food placed in a basket or on a tray, while simultaneously circulating hot air throughout the compartment. This results in food that is evenly cooked and crispy. This cooking method, known as convection, is ideal for items that are typically deep-fried, such as corn dogs, buffalo wings, and chicken strips. While it may seem counterintuitive to use an air fryer for recipes that involve wet ingredients, cheesecake is an exception. This is mainly because the batter is contained, eliminating the risk of spills, and it is often covered during the cooking process.

Tips for making cheesecake in the air fryer

Prepare to spend about one to two hours air-frying a cheesecake, a significant reduction from the traditional eight-hour process. Most air fryer cheesecake recipes recommend using a food processor to blend the crust ingredients and a blender to whip up a smooth cheesecake batter. You’ll be using the same ingredients as you would for an oven-baked cheesecake.

For a standard-sized cheesecake, a 7 or 8-inch springform pan with a removable bottom is essential for easy release once it’s baked. If you prefer mini cheesecakes, ramekins or 6-inch pans work well for quick, single-serving desserts. To prevent sticking, parchment paper is helpful, and covering the pan with aluminum foil can prevent excessive browning. However, if you’re making a Basque-style cheesecake, you can skip the foil since the goal is to achieve that charred top.

Most importantly, ensure your air fryer has a large enough basket to accommodate the springform pan. Baking temperatures can vary by air fryer, but many recipes suggest around 300 degrees Fahrenheit as an ideal setting. Baking time usually falls between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific recipe. After baking, let it chill in the fridge for four hours to set. This quick and easy method might just make you question whether air fryers will render traditional oven cheesecakes obsolete.