Craving something sweet but short on time? These 12 quick and easy mini desserts are perfect for anyone with an air fryer and a sweet tooth. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute treat for guests or just want a bite-sized indulgence after dinner, these recipes deliver big flavor in small, adorable portions. From gooey brownies and cinnamon-sugar churros to fruit-filled hand pies and creamy mini cheesecakes, there’s something here for every dessert lover. No fancy baking skills required—just your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients. Let’s turn that countertop gadget into your new favorite dessert tool.
1. Berry Crumble
Nothing beats the sweet-tart flavor of berries bubbling under a golden, crunchy topping. Simply toss your favorite berries with a little sugar and lemon juice, then pile them into small ramekins. The crumble topping is a breeze to make – just mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it over your berries and pop them in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 320°F. The result? A perfectly portioned dessert with juicy berries and a crisp, buttery topping that tastes like it took hours instead of minutes!
2. Nectarine Galette
Rustic and impressive, these mini galettes showcase summer’s juiciest fruit (or any fruit you like!). Start with small rounds of store-bought pie crust (or make your own if you’re feeling fancy). Fan out thin slices of ripe nectarines in the center, leaving about an inch of dough around the edges. Fold the edges up and over the fruit, creating that signature rustic look.
A sprinkle of sugar and a tiny pat of butter on top works wonders. Air fry at 350°F for about 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and flaky. The nectarines will soften and release their sweet juices, creating a simple yet elegant dessert.
3. Strawberry and Cream Tartlets
These dainty treats look straight from a fancy bakery! Cut store-bought filo pastry into squares and press them into a greased mini muffin tin. Give them a quick spritz of cooking spray before air frying at 350°F for just 5 minutes until golden. While your shells cool, mix cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla. The filling should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape. Spoon or pipe this creamy mixture into your crisp shells. Top each tartlet with a fresh strawberry half or slices arranged in a pretty pattern. For an extra touch, brush strawberries with warmed apricot jam for a beautiful shine!
4. Crispy Cinnamon Churros
Skip the deep fryer and still enjoy this carnival favorite! Mix water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until boiling, then stir in flour until it forms a ball. Let it cool slightly before beating in eggs one at a time. Transfer your churro dough to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips directly into your air fryer basket (spray with oil first).
Air fry at 380°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. While still hot, roll these golden sticks in cinnamon sugar. Serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The outside stays perfectly crisp while the inside remains tender and slightly custardy.
5. Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate lovers rejoice! These brownies deliver that perfect balance of fudgy centers and slightly crisp edges. Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined, then fold in cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into small, parchment-lined cake pans that fit your air fryer.
Don’t fill more than halfway – brownies need room to rise. Cook at 320°F for just 12-15 minutes. The secret is not overcooking them! A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool for that perfect dense, fudgy texture. Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.
6. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Your favorite comfort cookie just got easier! Start with your go-to chocolate chip cookie dough – whether homemade or store-bought refrigerated dough (we won’t tell). Roll the dough into balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place a small piece of parchment paper in your air fryer basket and arrange 3-4 dough balls with plenty of space between them. They’ll spread as they cook! Air fry at 350°F for just 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. The magic happens as they cool – they’ll firm up slightly while maintaining that perfect chewy middle and crisp edge. For an extra touch, sprinkle with flaky salt right after cooking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
7. Creamy Mini Cheesecakes
Craving cheesecake but don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen? These individual portions solve that problem! Press a mixture of graham cracker crumbs and melted butter into the bottom of small ramekins or silicone muffin cups. For the filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and an egg until smooth.
Pour this mixture over your crusts, filling each about ¾ full. Air fry at 310°F for about 12 minutes until the centers are just slightly jiggly. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The texture turns out incredibly smooth without cracking! Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel, or chocolate sauce before serving for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
8. Spiced Apple Hand Pies
These portable apple pies bring all the comfort of grandma’s baking without the wait! Dice apples small and toss with cinnamon, sugar, and a little cornstarch to thicken the juices. Refrigerated pie crust makes this super simple – just cut into circles about 4 inches across. Spoon a small amount of filling onto one half of each circle, leaving the edges clean. Fold over and seal by pressing with a fork. Cut a tiny slit in the top to let steam escape. Brush with beaten egg for shine, then air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. The crust gets incredibly flaky while the filling turns soft and caramelized. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent breakfast!
9. Fluffy Homemade Donuts
Satisfy your donut shop cravings right at home! For a super quick version, use refrigerated biscuit dough – just cut holes in the center with a small round cutter or bottle cap. For yeast donuts, let your dough rise until doubled before shaping. Lightly spray both sides with oil, then air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They’ll puff up beautifully and turn golden brown. While still warm, dip in melted butter then roll in cinnamon sugar, or let cool slightly before glazing. Try a simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla, or get creative with maple, chocolate, or fruit-flavored versions. The texture is remarkably similar to fried donuts but much lighter!
10. Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes
Restaurant-worthy molten chocolate cakes are surprisingly simple in an air fryer! Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth, then whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and just a little flour. The minimal flour is key to that gooey center. Grease small ramekins well and pour in your batter. No need to worry about water baths like traditional recipes!
Air fry at 350°F for just 8-10 minutes – timing is crucial here. The outside should be set while the center remains deliciously molten. Run a knife around the edges and flip onto dessert plates. When cut open, the chocolate center will flow out dramatically! A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect hot-cold contrast.
11. Mini Banana Bread Loaves
Transform overripe bananas into warm, fragrant mini loaves in just minutes! Mash ripe bananas and mix with melted butter, sugar, an egg, and vanilla. Fold in flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt just until combined. Pour the batter into small loaf pans or ramekins that fit your air fryer, filling about ⅔ full. For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops with a cinnamon-sugar mixture or add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. Air fry at 320°F for about 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. The outside gets a beautiful golden crust while the inside stays incredibly moist. Serve warm with a pat of butter melting on top for the ultimate comfort dessert!
12. Golden Coconut Macaroons
These sweet coconut treats come together with just a handful of ingredients! Mix shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites for that perfect light texture. Drop small mounds onto parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket.
They don’t spread much, so you can place them fairly close together. Air fry at 320°F for about 8 minutes until the outsides turn golden brown but the insides stay soft and chewy. For a fancy twist, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate after cooling or drizzle chocolate over the tops. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender coconut interior is absolutely irresistible!
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