Here’s a detailed Air Fryer Cream Puffs recipe that’s fluffy, golden, and filled with creamy goodness—perfect for a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
🥐 Air Fryer Cream Puffs
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~6–8 cream puffs)
For the choux pastry (puffs):
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the filling (pastry cream or whipped cream):
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the choux pastry
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium until the butter melts and water begins to boil.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and slightly glossy.
2. Shape the puffs
- Use a spoon or piping bag to portion the dough into small mounds (~1.5 inches in diameter) on parchment paper.
- Ensure they’re evenly spaced to allow expansion in the air fryer.
3. Air fry the puffs
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place 3–4 puffs in the basket (depending on size) and cook 10–12 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Avoid opening the air fryer during the first 8 minutes, or they may collapse.
- Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the filling
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Optional: You can also use pastry cream for a custard-like filling.
5. Fill the cream puffs
- Slice cooled puffs in half horizontally or make a small hole in the side.
- Pipe or spoon cream into the center.
6. Finish & serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30–60 minutes for extra firmness.
🍽 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cream Puffs
- Do not undercook: Air fryer times vary; golden brown = crisp outside.
- Cool completely before filling to prevent cream from melting.
- Storage: Filled puffs should be refrigerated and eaten within 24 hours. Unfilled puffs can be stored at room temperature for 1–2 days.
- Variations: Add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate puffs, or fruit jam inside along with cream for a fruity twist.
If you want, I can also give a “super quick 15-minute version” of air fryer cream puffs using pre-made choux pastry or biscuit dough for faster prep. Do you want me to share that?
