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Decadent Air Fryer Crème Brûlée with Silky Caramelized Topping

  • Author: cookinrecipe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Puddings & Custards
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Crème Brûlée combines a rich, creamy custard with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Quick, luxurious, and easy to make, it’s an impressive dessert for dinner parties or cozy nights at home.


Ingredients

For the Custard

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Custard: Heat heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. Remove and cool slightly.

  2. Mix Egg Yolks: Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a separate bowl.

  3. Combine: Gradually pour warm cream into egg mixture, whisking constantly.

  4. Strain: Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve for smooth texture.

  5. Fill Ramekins: Pour custard into ramekins, three-quarters full.

  6. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Cook ramekins 15–18 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly jiggly.

  7. Chill: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  8. Caramelize Sugar: Sprinkle sugar over custards. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to melt into a golden, crispy crust.

  9. Serve: Allow topping to cool for a minute before serving.


Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cream and eggs give best flavor.

  • Don’t overcook: Custard should be set at edges but slightly wobbly in the center.

  • Chill thoroughly: Enhances texture.

  • Caramelize carefully: Keep torch moving; watch closely under broiler.

 

  • Variations:

    • Chocolate: Add 4 oz melted chocolate.

    • Citrus: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest.

    • Spiced: Add cinnamon or almond extract.

    • Seasonal: Try pumpkin spice or peppermint extract.