Welcome to our guide on making Air Fryer Vanilla Berry Pavlova. This delightful dessert features a crisp and airy meringue base topped with a luscious vanilla cream and fresh berries. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, this pavlova is sure to impress. Let’s get started with this delicious and elegant recipe!
Ingredients
To prepare Air Fryer Vanilla Berry Pavlova, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- For the Vanilla Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meringue
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Vanilla, Cornstarch, and Vinegar: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, cornstarch, and white vinegar until well combined.
- Shape Meringue: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, shaping it into a circular disk with a slight indentation in the center to hold the cream and berries.
Step 2: Cook the Meringue
- Air Fry: Cook the meringue in the preheated air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the inside is marshmallow-like. Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Cool: Once done, turn off the air fryer and let the meringue cool completely in the air fryer with the door slightly open.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Cream
- Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Chill: Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Pavlova
- Transfer Meringue: Carefully transfer the cooled meringue base to a serving platter.
- Add Cream: Spoon the vanilla cream into the indentation of the meringue base, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Berries: Arrange the mixed fresh berries on top of the cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve: Serve the pavlova immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy this light and elegant dessert!
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Fruit Variation: Use any combination of fresh fruits such as kiwi, mango, or passion fruit for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the berries for an added touch of decadence.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pistachios, or chia seeds over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meringue base ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble with cream and berries just before serving.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Vanilla Berry Pavlova is a light and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a beautiful and delicious pavlova with minimal effort. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Air Fryer Vanilla Berry Pavlova offers a sophisticated and satisfying dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant flavors. This versatile recipe can be customized with various fruits and toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy the crisp, airy meringue combined with luscious cream and juicy berries!