Air Fryer Ice Cream

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream:

• 1 quart (4 cups) of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry works best)

• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, fruit pieces, caramel swirls

For the Coating:

• 1 cup cornflakes or crushed cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture)

• ½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional – peanuts, almonds, or pecans)

• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional for tropical flavor)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for richer flavor)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Binding the Coating:

• 2–3 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate syrup

• Caramel sauce

• Honey

• Whipped cream

• Sprinkles

• Extra nuts or cookie crumbles

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Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Balls

1. Scoop the ice cream: Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, form ice cream balls about 2–3 inches in diameter.

2. Freeze the balls: Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2–3 hours until they are very firm. This step is crucial because if the ice cream is too soft, it will melt in the air fryer.

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Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Crush the cornflakes: Put cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor for a finer texture.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, nuts, shredded coconut, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well.

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Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

1. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth.

2. This will act as glue for the coating to stick to the ice cream balls.

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Step 4: Coat the Ice Cream Balls

1. Remove ice cream balls from the freezer. Working quickly:

   • Roll each ice cream ball in the egg wash.

   • Immediately roll it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.

2. Optional double coating: For extra crunch, freeze the coated balls for 10 minutes, then dip in egg wash and coat again.

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Step 5: Freeze Again

1. Place the coated ice cream balls on a parchment-lined tray.

2. Freeze for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. The colder the ice cream, the less it melts in the air fryer.

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Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or brush with a tiny bit of oil.

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Step 7: Air Fry the Ice Cream

1. Place ice cream balls in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching.

2. Lightly spray the top of the balls with oil spray for a golden finish.

3. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes.

   • Keep a close eye: The goal is a golden, crispy shell while keeping the ice cream inside frozen.

   • Some air fryers are hotter than others; adjust time if needed.

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Step 8: Serve Immediately

1. Remove carefully with a spatula.

2. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel syrup, sprinkle extra nuts, or add whipped cream if desired.

3. Serve immediately before the ice cream melts.

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Tips and Tricks

• Freeze everything cold: The ice cream must be rock-solid before frying. Even slightly softened ice cream will melt too fast.

• Use a mini scoop for smaller balls: Perfect for a party or bite-sized desserts.

• Different coatings: Try crushed cookies, graham crackers, or cereal for variety.

• Air fryer alternative: If your air fryer is too small, you can also use a deep fryer at 375°F for 10–15 seconds, but the air fryer method is safer for home cooking.

• Flavor variations: Mix in cinnamon sugar, cocoa powder, or matcha to the coating for a unique twist.

• Double coat for extra crunch: Works especially well if your ice cream balls are small.

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Optional Flavor Variations

1. Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate ice cream and cocoa-dusted cornflake coating.

2. Tropical Twist: Coconut ice cream with shredded coconut coating.

3. Peanut Butter Crunch: Vanilla ice cream with crushed peanuts and peanut butter drizzle.

4. Cookies & Cream: Crushed Oreos in the coating with vanilla ice cream.