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Some plans do not need great gestures every time; they just need something warm served out of the kitchen. Baking an easy homemade dessert at home can instantly lift up the mood instantly. These desserts come together as a group activity that you can indulge in together. And somehow, even a simple chocolate cake can feel more noteworthy when you have whisked the batter and baked it yourself. But baking often feels overwhelming. That is where the air fryer becomes surprisingly useful. Baking in it is quick, less stressful than operating a full oven, and is perfect for baking small-batch desserts for two.
You do not have to prep hours ahead or wash a heap of dishes after that. A few ingredients, a little mixing, and in minutes, you will have soft, warm, and freshly baked. These desserts are not about perfection, but they are about the effort. And in the end, effort is what can make anything feel special.
Air Fryer Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
If there’s one dessert to name that can feel instantly romantic, it is molten lava cake. Mix some melted dark chocolate, butter, powdered sugar, one egg, and a little flour to make a smooth lump-free batter. Pour this batter into the greased ramekins and air fry at 180°C for about 7 to 8 minutes. The outside will remain soft, whereas the centre will remain gooey. When you cut into it, warm chocolate will flow out. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries on top. It is rich, feels indulgent in every bite, and is less complicated than it appears to be.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Strawberry Shortcake Cups
If you like something light, playful and something different from the classic varieties, make mini strawberry shortcake cups. Make a simple lump-free vanilla batter using flour, sugar, butter, milk, and baking powder. Pour this batter into silicone moulds and air fry at around 170°C for about 10 to 12 minutes. Let it cool down thoroughly, slice and layer with whipped cream and chopped fresh strawberries. What you get in return is a fluffy cake that is balanced with juicy berries and light cream. It tastes fresh, lightly sweet, and feels perfect in every bite for a cosy evening. It feels thoughtful and special without requiring any complicated baking or icing skills.
Air Fryer Choco Chip Cookie
This dessert is comforting when served warm. To make, mix some butter, brown sugar, vanilla, one egg, flour, and chocolate chips in a good amount. Press the dough into a small oven-safe dish and air fry at 170°C for about 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden and lightly crisp while the centre remains soft and chewy. Serve it straight from the dish, sizzling hot. The warm chocolate, buttery fragrance, and soft consistency make it private and fun, ideal for a relaxed Netflix-and-chill type of night.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes
Red velvet feels like it's precisely made for Valentine’s. Simply prepare a lump-free batter with flour, cocoa powder, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and a drop of red food colour. Pour this batter into cupcake liners and air fry at around 160–170°C for about 10 to 12 minutes. Let it cool down, then top with a quick cream cheese frosting prepared from cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. These cupcakes feel soft, lightly cocoa-flavoured, having a beautiful red shade inside. The creamy frosting on the soft cake makes every bite feel festive.
Baked Nutella Banana Pockets
If you are looking for a quick dessert to make with pantry staples, spread Nutella over small rolled-out bread slices, put thin banana slices, fold it, and then seal the edges. Brush it lightly with butter and air fry at 180°C for about 5 to 6 minutes until it turns golden. The outside will turn crisp, whereas the inside remains warm, chocolatey, and lightly caramelised from the banana. Dust it with powdered sugar before serving. It is simple, feels comforting in every sweet bit, and is without feeling overly heavy.
(Image credit: Freepik)
