Air Fryer Cheesecake

Creamy Air Fryer Cheesecake at Home

If you love indulging in rich, velvety desserts but don’t want to rely on traditional baking methods, this Air Fryer cheesecake recipe is for you. Using an air fryer, you can create a classic New York-style cheesecake with a golden, crumbly crust and a creamy, smooth filling. Whether you’re serving it as dessert, a snack, or a treat with your favorite coffee or tea, this cheesecake is bound to impress.

Why Make Cheesecake in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer’s consistent heat distribution ensures even cooking, which is key for cheesecake. Traditional oven baking can sometimes result in cracks or uneven textures, but the air fryer helps maintain the perfect creamy consistency. Plus, using an air fryer is energy-efficient and faster than heating up a full-sized oven.

Preparing the Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cheesecake masterpiece:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers or wheat cookies – These form the base of your cheesecake. Choose graham crackers for a classic taste or wheat cookies for a slightly nutty flavor.
• 3 tablespoons melted butter – This helps bind the crust together and adds richness.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Filling:

• 16 oz. cream cheese (450 grams or 2 blocks) – Softened to room temperature for easy blending.
• 2 eggs – Adds structure to the filling, ensuring it sets properly.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds a subtle caramel flavor.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Contributes to the creamy texture and slight tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Stabilizes the filling to prevent cracking.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Additional Items:

• Cooking spray – Prevents sticking.
• Parchment paper – Ensures easy removal from the pan.

Tips for Success

1. Softening the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
2. Crushing the Cookies: Use a food processor for a fine texture, or place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Prepping the Pan: Use cooking spray to coat the pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and flawless presentation.
4. Preventing Over-Browning: If the top of the cheesecake browns too quickly in the air fryer, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Crust:

1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly coat your cake pan with cooking spray, and cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers or cookies with melted butter and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared cake pan.
4. Chill the Crust: Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the crust before adding the filling.

Making the Filling:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce air bubbles that may cause cracks.

Assembling and Cooking:

1. Pour the Filling: Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
3. Cook the Cheesecake: Place the cake pan in the air fryer and cook for 30 minutes. Check halfway through; if the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
4. Cool in the Air Fryer: Once done, turn off the air fryer but leave the cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes to cool gradually. This step helps prevent cracks.

Final Steps

1. Cool Completely: Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Chill in the Fridge: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

 Easy Air Fryer Cheesecake Recipe

Quick Overview

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers or wheat cookies
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • Pinch of salt
• For the Filling:
  • 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press into a greased, parchment-lined cake pan. Freeze for 20 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, sugars, flour, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
3. Assemble: Pour the filling over the crust.
4. Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 30 minutes. Check halfway and cover with foil if needed.
5. Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool in the air fryer for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
6. Serve: Slice and enjoy your creamy cheesecake with your favorite toppings!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 364
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 78mg
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 8g