The Last One Will Make You Twirl!

Who says you need a full-size oven to create bakery-quality sweets? With an air fryer, whipping up delightful afternoon tea treats has never been easier. These seven recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Let’s get baking!

1. Classic Cream Puffs (Bursting with Custard)

Making cream puffs at home sounds intimidating, but this air fryer version is surprisingly simple. In a non-stick pan, combine water, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt – bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and stir in 60g of cake flour until smooth. Return to low heat and cook for about two minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer the dough to a bowl and beat in two eggs, one at a time, until the mixture forms a smooth, glossy paste that holds its shape when lifted. Pipe the dough onto parchment paper in small mounds and air fry until puffed and golden. Once cooled, pipe in your favorite whipped cream filling. The result? Light, airy shells with a luscious, creamy center.

2. Chewy Mochi Bites (Hollow & Crispy)

Craving mochi? This air fryer version is incredibly easy and yields chewy, hollow-centered bites every time. In a bowl, beat one egg with 20g water and 28g oil. Add 100g glutinous rice flour and 3g black sesame seeds, then knead into a smooth dough. Roll into small balls and arrange in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. The outside turns wonderfully crispy while the inside stays soft and chewy – perfect for dunking in tea.

3. Decadent Chocolate Lava Brownies

These gooey, fudgy brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream. Melt chocolate and butter together over a warm water bath until smooth. In a larger bowl, combine milk, eggs, and sugar, then stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Sift in cake flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, mixing until just combined. For the lava effect, pour half the batter into a greased pan, scatter chocolate chunks over the top (these will melt into pockets of gooey goodness), then cover with the remaining batter. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos and heat-resistant chocolate chips. Air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 20 minutes, then bump up the heat to 180°C (350°F) for another 5 minutes. The result is a perfectly fudgy brownie with molten chocolate in every bite.

4. Cloud Cake (Fluffy & Pillowy)

This airy, delicate cake is as light as a cloud. Separate three eggs. Beat the egg whites with 20g sugar and a few drops of lemon juice until stiff peaks form – you should be able to turn the bowl upside down without anything falling out. Gently fold in 10g cornstarch (sift it in to avoid lumps). Spoon the meringue onto parchment paper, shape it into a mound, and top with your favorite nuts. Air fry at 150°C (300°F) for 20 minutes. The finished cake is soft, airy, and melts on your tongue like sweet cotton candy.

5. Lattice Apple Pies

These mini apple pies have a gorgeous woven crust and a sweet, tangy filling. Peel and dice an apple, then sauté in butter with a little sugar until soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool. For the pastry, remove the foil from store-bought tart shells, stack three together, and roll out to about the thickness of a coin. Cut the pastry into strips. Fill each tart base with the apple mixture, then weave the pastry strips into a lattice pattern on top. Brush with egg yolk and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. The finished pies have a beautifully crisp, buttery crust and a sweet, fruity center.

6. Crispy Butter Mochi

This trendy treat has been taking social media by storm – and for good reason. Mix eggs and sugar until combined, then stir in 25g melted butter. Add 200ml warm milk (if the milk is cold, the butter will solidify), then 130g glutinous rice flour. Whisk until smooth and strain the batter for an extra silky texture. Grease baking cups generously with butter (this helps with easy unmolding), fill each cup about 85-90% full, and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a wonderfully chewy, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside butter mochi that’s absolutely divine.

7. Air Fryer Butter Cookies (Crumbly & Melt-in-Your-Mouth)

Soft, buttery cookies are just a few steps away. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add an egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Sift in cake flour and a pinch of salt, then fold gently until a soft dough forms. For best results, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before shaping. Roll into small balls, flatten slightly, and place in the air fryer basket. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cookies are fragrant. The finished cookies are tender, buttery, and crumble beautifully with every bite – a simple classic that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.

From crisp pastries to gooey brownies and cloud-like cakes, these air fryer recipes prove that delicious desserts don't require a professional kitchen. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and treat yourself to a truly delightful afternoon tea experience!