Air Fryer Meringue Crisp and crunchy
With few ingredients, Air Fryer Meringues are delicious and easy to create. The air fryer makes crisp, crunchy meringues without the extended baking period. These light, sweet treats are great for snacking or topping ice cream or fruit salads.
Ingredients
- 3 big egg whites
- One-fourth teaspoon tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
- Optional 1/4 tsp almond extract
- A pinch of salt
Equipment
- The air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spoon or bag piping
- Paper or air fryer liner
Guided Steps
First, gather ingredients
- Separate Egg Whites: Carefully separate egg whites from yolks, avoiding yolk contamination. Put egg whites in a dry bowl.
- Prep Equipment: Clean and dry mixing bowls, beaters, and whisks to avoid fat from preventing meringues from whipping.
Second: Whip Egg Whites
- Add cream of tartar and a pinch of salt to egg whites. This stabilizes meringue.
- Beat Egg Whites: Beat egg whites on medium speed with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Soft peaks occur when egg whites keep their form but curl.
- While beating, add granulated sugar a tablespoon at a time. Increase mixer speed to high and beat until hard, glossy peaks form. Meringue should be thick and firm.
- Vanilla or almond extract can be gradually folded in.
Step 3: Shape Meringues
- To avoid sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a liner. Cut the parchment paper to fit the basket and poke holes for airflow.
- Pipe or Spoon Meringues: Pipe the meringue mixture into a piping bag with a star tip or spoon it onto parchment paper. Make little mounds or rosettes with room between meringues for even cooking.
Step 4: Air-Fry Meringues
- Air fryer: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air-fry meringues in a parchment-lined basket. Meringues should be crisp and dry after 20–25 minutes at 250°F (120°C). Check occasionally to avoid overbrowning. Change the time or temperature as needed.
- Cool: Let the air fryer meringues cool completely before removing them. They crisp up as they cool.
Tricks and Tips
- For more volume, keep egg whites at room temperature. Whipping cold egg whites to stiff peaks takes longer.
- No Grease: Even a little grease can damage meringue texture, so clean equipment and bowls.
- Avoid humidity: Meringues are best made dry. They can stick and lose crispness in humid weather.
Variations
- For chocolate meringue, fold in cocoa powder or small chocolate chips before piping.
- For flavour, add fruit extract or finely chopped dried fruit to the meringue.
- A marbled look can be achieved by slowly swirling two meringue colors.
Serving Ideas
- Snacks: Meringues are light and crunchy on their own.
- Meringues make a crunchy topping for ice cream, fruit salads, and puddings.
- A colorful box of meringues makes a charming homemade gift.
Conclusion
- Air Fryer Meringues are a delicious and easy dessert for your sweet taste. With their crisp, crunchy texture and sweet flavour, these meringues are perfect for dessert tables or alone. The air fryer makes this classic dessert easier to enjoy anytime.