Why Air Fryer Pavlova is Your New Dessert Bestie
You might be thinking: pavlova in an air fryer? Yep, you read that right. Not only does the air fryer save you time, but it also guarantees that perfect crispy crust we all love in a pav. No more waiting around for your oven to heat up, and you get your dessert fix faster. Plus, this recipe is ridiculously easy. Anyone can make it – no fancy skills required!
Why Pavlova Works So Well in the Air Fryer
The magic of pavlova lies in its meringue base, which is mostly egg whites whipped with sugar until stiff peaks form. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of heat creates the ideal environment for your pavlova to get that signature crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
Bonus? You don’t have to worry about overcooking it. The air fryer gets the job done in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.
Secret Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Pavlova 🌟
Before you get cracking (pun intended) with this air fryer pavlova recipe, here are some handy tips to help you nail it every time:
- Room Temp Eggs Are Key: Use room temperature egg whites for the fluffiest pavlova. Cold egg whites just don’t whip as well, so plan ahead and take them out of the fridge early.
- Caster Sugar = Smooth Meringue: Caster sugar is super fine, which helps it dissolve quickly into the egg whites. You want your meringue to be smooth and glossy, not grainy, so don’t skip this step!
- Corn Flour for Stability: Adding a bit of corn flour to your meringue mixture helps it hold its shape and gives that marshmallowy texture we all love. Don’t leave this out – it’s a small ingredient with a big impact!
- Low and Slow Cooling: Once your pavlova is done cooking, let it cool down in the air fryer with the lid slightly open. This prevents it from cracking and collapsing – because no one likes a deflated pavlova!
Deliciously Tangy Balsamic Strawberries 🍓
I love adding balsamic roasted strawberries to this air fryer pavlova. The balsamic glaze adds a rich tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the meringue and whipped cream. Plus, roasting the strawberries gives them an irresistible caramelised flavour.
To make them, toss fresh strawberries in balsamic glaze, a touch of water, and a little corn flour (this helps thicken up the sauce). Let them sizzle in the air fryer for just five minutes, and you’re left with juicy, slightly tangy, and oh-so-sweet roasted strawberries. Trust me, they’re worth the extra step!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pavlova 🍽️
This Air Fryer Pavlova is the ultimate party dessert, but it’s equally perfect for a cosy night in. Here’s how I like to serve it up:
Go Big with Toppings: Pile on the whipped cream and add your balsamic roasted strawberries generously. Don’t be shy with the sauce – it adds an extra punch of flavour to every bite.
Add a Crunch: If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some chopped pistachios or toasted almonds on top for a little extra texture and colour.
Pair with Wine: If you’re serving this at a dinner party, a glass of sparkling wine or a crisp Moscato will complement the sweetness of the pavlova beautifully. 🍷
Variations to Try
If you want to get creative with this air fryer pavlova recipe, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few fun variations to play around with:
- Mango & Passionfruit: Swap out the strawberries for fresh mango and a drizzle of passionfruit pulp for a tropical twist.
- Berry Bonanza: Mix and match your favourite berries – think raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a few swirls of melted dark chocolate into your meringue mix for a decadent chocolate pavlova.
Other Sweet Treats You’ll Love 🍰
Looking for more easy desserts to impress your guests (or yourself)? Check out these delicious recipes that are also air fryer-friendly:
I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic of your air fryer pavlova and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s spread the pavlova love! Happy cooking and I hope you enjoy every bite of this amazing air fryer pavlova!
Air Fryer Pavlova
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and 12 minutes to spare, this marshmallow pavlova is calling your name! 🍰, it’s light, fluffy, and topped with balsamic roasted strawberries that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
Balsamic strawberries
Instructions
- Pop all the ingredients in a bowl
- Grab your electric beaters, and whisk away for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Pop your pavlova mix on a lined tray and into the air fryer at 180C for 12 minutes.
Balsamic strawberries
Toss all the ingredients into your air fryer basket, give it a good shake, and let it cook at 180C for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool down—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Once everything’s ready, smother your pavlova with whipped cream, pile on those balsamic roasted strawberries, and don’t forget to drizzle every last drop of those sweet, tangy juices over the top.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 17
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, simply bake your pavlova at 120°C in a preheated oven for about 60–70 minutes, then let it cool in the oven with the door ajar.
Yes! You can make the pavlova a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving.
No worries! You can use regular balsamic vinegar mixed with a bit of honey or sugar to create a similar glaze.