Crispy-Outside, Gooey-Inside Air Fryer Ice-Cream Balls Recipe

Crafting homemade air fryer ice-cream balls delivers a delightful twist on traditional desserts.

Sweet magic happens when crispy exteriors meet creamy centers.

Crisp golden breading creates an irresistible crunch that surprises every bite.

Cold vanilla ice cream nestled inside becomes a magical experience.

Chocolate lovers can experiment with different flavor combinations for maximum enjoyment.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this treat perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.

One taste will convince you this recipe belongs in your culinary repertoire.

Prepare to wow friends with this unexpected frozen delight.

Why Ice Cream Balls in the Air Fryer Just Work

• Effortlessly transform ordinary ice cream into a crispy, golden treat without complex steps.
• Create a gourmet-style dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Minimal ingredients and simple coating technique mean you can whip up these delightful balls in under an hour of active cooking time.
• Children will love the crunchy exterior and creamy interior, making it a perfect family-friendly dessert option.

What You Need to Keep the Ice Cream Intact

Main Ingredients:

Ice Cream Base:- Ice Cream: The star of the dessert, providing a creamy and cold center that will contrast with the crispy coating.

Coating Ingredients:- Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs, Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a crunchy, sweet exterior with a warm spice note. Cornflakes work best for extra crispiness.

Binding Ingredients:- Eggs: Acts as a glue to help the coating stick to the ice cream balls and create a golden crust.

Preparation Ingredients:

Non-Stick Tools:- Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes freezing and handling ice cream balls easier.

Cooking Spray: Ensures the ice cream balls don’t stick to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.

Optional Serving Ingredients:- Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream: Adds extra indulgence and complements the crispy ice cream balls with additional sweetness and flavor.

How to Coat and Cook for Contrast and Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Freezing Foundation

Scoop ice cream into balls similar to golf ball size. Place balls on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 12 hours until completely solid.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating Mixture

• Crushed cornflakes
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

In separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Dunk and Roll Ice Cream Balls

Remove frozen balls quickly from freezer. Dip each ball into whisked eggs, then roll thoroughly in cornflake mixture. Press gently to ensure complete coverage. Repeat coating process for extra crunchiness. Return coated balls to freezer for additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Warm Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for precise 35 minutes.

Step 5: Crisp Ice Cream Treasures

Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place coated balls inside basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 12 minutes until coating transforms golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve Decadent Dessert

Carefully remove ice cream balls. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or top with whipped cream for luxurious finishing touch. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips for Keeping the Center Cold and

• Freeze Thoroughly: Ensure ice-cream balls are rock-solid before coating to prevent melting during air frying. Extra freezing time helps maintain the ball's shape and prevents quick melting.
• Quick Coating Technique: Work swiftly when rolling balls in egg and cornflake mixture. Cold hands and rapid movements prevent ice cream from softening, creating a perfect crispy exterior.
• Prevent Sticking: Use non-stick spray generously in air fryer basket. Spacing balls apart ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together or becoming soggy.
• Temperature Control: Monitor air fryer heat closely. Cooking at exactly 400F creates golden, crispy coating without completely melting the ice cream's interior.
• Serving Strategy: Plate and serve immediately after air frying. Have toppings and sauces ready to maintain the perfect temperature and crispiness of the dessert.

Freezer Storage and Quick Reheat Tips

• Store leftover air fryer ice-cream balls in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn. Place them in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the ice-cream balls are completely sealed and frozen solid before long-term storage. They can maintain quality for 1-2 weeks when properly wrapped.
• Avoid microwaving, as this will melt the ice cream. Instead, let the balls sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the coating, then enjoy immediately.
• For best texture and taste, consume the air fryer ice-cream balls within 24 hours of preparation, as the crispy coating tends to lose its crunchiness over time.

Treat Pairings That Add the Fun

• Select a chilled moscato or late-harvest riesling that complements the sweet, crispy texture of the air-fried ice cream balls. These light, fruity wines enhance the dessert's delicate flavors without overwhelming the delicate ice cream.
• Drizzle rich dark chocolate sauce or warm caramel for added depth. Experiment with raspberry coulis or passion fruit reduction to introduce a tangy contrast that cuts through the creamy sweetness of the ice cream.
• Serve alongside crunchy almond biscotti or crisp shortbread cookies. These accompaniments provide an additional textural layer that echoes the golden, crisp exterior of the air-fried ice cream balls.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or sprinkle with lavender-infused sugar. These subtle herbal notes add a sophisticated touch and brighten the dessert's overall flavor profile.

Toppings That Take It Further

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap cornflakes with gluten-free rice cereal or crushed gluten-free graham crackers for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy exterior.
• Vegan Cool Treat: Replace dairy ice cream with coconut-based or almond milk ice cream. Use aquafaba instead of eggs for coating, and choose plant-based crushed cookies or nuts for the exterior crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free ice cream and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in the coating mixture. Choose unsweetened cornflakes or low-sugar alternatives for a diabetes-friendly version.
• Nutty Alternative: Incorporate ground almonds, pecans, or coconut flakes into the coating mixture for added texture and flavor. This variation provides extra protein and creates a more complex crunch for nut lovers.

FAQs for Fried Ice Cream Fans

• What are the key ingredients needed for this recipe?

You’ll need ice cream, eggs, cornflakes (or breadcrumbs), sugar, and cinnamon. The core ingredients are simple and easy to find in most kitchens.

• Can I use different types of ice cream?

Yes, absolutely! Any flavor of ice cream works well, but choose a premium brand with lower water content for best results. Harder, less soft ice cream holds its shape better during air frying.

• Is it important to freeze the ice cream balls before coating?

Definitely. Freezing the ice cream balls for at least 12 hours ensures they remain solid during the coating and air frying process. This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

While an air fryer is recommended for the crispy exterior, you can try baking the coated ice cream balls in a preheated oven at 450F for about 3-4 minutes. Be very careful and watch closely to prevent melting.

Easy Air Fryer Ice-Cream Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden exterior meets creamy “Air Fryer Ice Cream Balls” in this delightful dessert that blends hot and cold sensations. Homemade magic happens when you coat classic vanilla ice cream with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and quick-air fry for an irresistible sweet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pint (500 ml) ice cream of choice
• 2 large eggs

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Craft meticulously measured spherical ice cream globes using a scoop, placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing thoroughly for 12 hours to ensure maximum solidification.
2. Create a crispy exterior coating by blending crushed cornflakes with granulated sugar and fragrant cinnamon in one receptacle, while whisking eggs to a smooth consistency in another.
3. Extract frozen orbs swiftly from the freezer, rapidly dunk each into whisked eggs, then roll comprehensively in the cornflake mixture, applying gentle pressure to secure an even, robust exterior layer.
4. Duplicate the coating process for enhanced crunchiness, then return the dressed ice cream spheres to the freezer for additional 30-minute hardening.
5. Activate the air fryer, calibrating the temperature precisely to 400F and allowing 35 minutes for complete preheating.
6. Spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick spray, strategically positioning the coated spheres without mutual contact, then lightly mist their surfaces with cooking spray.
7. Execute air frying for approximately 12 minutes, monitoring until the exterior transforms into a golden, crisp shell while maintaining the interior’s frozen integrity.
8. Delicately extract the transformed treats, presenting immediately alongside decadent accompaniments like chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, or billowy whipped cream for an indulgent finale.

Notes

• Freeze ice cream balls overnight for maximum firmness, preventing melting during air frying.
• Use very cold, dense ice cream like premium brands to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
• Double-coat the ice cream balls for extra crunch and a thicker, more protective exterior that seals in the cold.
• Choose gluten-free cornflakes or breadcrumbs to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg