Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe:

This Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream is a fun and easy way to enjoy a crispy, creamy treat with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time, and the combination of cinnamon-sugar crunch and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible. Plus, with just 2 main ingredients (vanilla ice cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), it’s a quick and fun dessert for any occasion. Top it with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries for the ultimate indulgence!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 17 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 650 kcal per serving

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Ziplock bag
• Rolling pin
• Large plate

Ingredients:

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or any flavor of your choice)
• 3 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (crushed)
• Optional toppings:
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be used to freeze the ice cream balls before air frying them.
2. Crush the Cereal: Place the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush it until you have small crumbs. You want the cereal to be finely crushed, but still maintain some texture. Transfer the crushed cereal to a large plate.
3. Scoop and Shape the Ice Cream: Scoop out the ice cream and form large balls using your hands. Each ball should be approximately 1 cup of ice cream. Work quickly to avoid melting.
4. Coat the Ice Cream Balls: Immediately roll each ice cream ball in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Press the cereal firmly into the ice cream and further shape the balls as needed. Coat the ice cream balls as thoroughly as possible, pressing the cereal crumbs in for a solid coating.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream Balls: Transfer the coated ice cream balls onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze the ice cream balls for 3 to 4 hours, or until they are solid and firm.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
7. Air Fry the Ice Cream Balls: After the ice cream has frozen, carefully remove the balls from the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes. This will warm up the cereal coating, creating a crispy, crunchy shell while keeping the inside cold and creamy.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ice cream balls from the air fryer and serve immediately. Add your favorite toppings such as chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries for an extra indulgent treat!

Tips and Tricks:

• Work Quickly: When shaping the ice cream into balls, try to work quickly to avoid the ice cream melting. If it starts to soften, return it to the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
• Perfect Coating: Don’t worry if the ice cream balls aren’t perfectly round when you first shape them. You can perfect the round shape after coating them in the crushed cereal.
• Flavor Variations: While vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors! Chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream would all work wonderfully with the crispy cinnamon coating.
• Air Fryer Differences: Different air fryer models may cook at slightly different rates, so be sure to monitor the ice cream closely while air frying. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook in batches.

Notes:

• Freezing Time: The key to success with this recipe is freezing the ice cream balls long enough for them to firm up properly. Be sure to give them enough time (3-4 hours) to become solid before air frying.
• Cereal Alternatives: If you don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you can use any other cereal with a similar texture and flavor. Options like corn flakes, frosted flakes, or even crushed graham crackers can make a delicious coating.
• Air Fryer Manual: Always read your air fryer’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct settings and temperatures for your model. Some air fryers may require slightly different cooking times.

Storage:

• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though they’re so delicious, that’s unlikely!), store the air-fried ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for up to a week. Just be sure to allow them to thaw slightly before serving.
• Make Ahead: These ice cream balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve them. Just coat them in the cereal and freeze until solid, and then air fry when you’re ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
  Yes, you can substitute the vanilla ice cream for any flavor of your choice! Chocolate, strawberry, or coffee ice cream would all be great options.
• Can I use a different cereal?
  Absolutely! You can swap Cinnamon Toast Crunch for any other cereal that’s crunchy and can be crushed, like corn flakes, frosted flakes, or even crushed graham crackers.
• What if my air fryer is smaller?
  If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the ice cream balls in batches. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball for even cooking.
• How do I make sure the ice cream balls don’t melt during prep?
  Work quickly when shaping and coating the ice cream balls. If the ice cream starts to soften, return it to the freezer for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.

This Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. With just 2 main ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and fun to make. The combination of crispy cinnamon coating and cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert will surely impress! Enjoy