Enchanted Cotton Candy Macaron Bliss
Cotton Candy Macaron Bliss recipe made in an air fryer. These macarons are light, airy, and have a delightful cotton candy flavor. The air fryer helps achieve that perfect crispy shell without needing an oven!
Ingredients:
For the Macaron Shells:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup almond flour
2 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
1/4 tsp pink food coloring (optional)
For the Cotton Candy Buttercream Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
1/4 tsp pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Macaron Shells:
Prep the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or use an air fryer-safe silicone mat. You can also use a round cake pan if your air fryer doesn’t fit baking sheets. Make sure the parchment paper is trimmed to fit your air fryer.
Sift dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to remove any lumps and to ensure a smooth texture for the macarons. Set aside.
Whip egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
Add flavoring and color: Once your meringue is ready, add the cotton candy flavoring and the pink food coloring (if using), and gently fold it in with a spatula until fully incorporated.
Fold in dry ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour mixture into the meringue. Use a folding motion to combine the ingredients, being careful not to deflate the meringue. Continue folding until the batter reaches a ribbon-like consistency and flows off the spatula in a thick ribbon.
Pipe the macarons: Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, even circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared parchment paper. Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit for about 15-30 minutes to form a skin on top (they should not stick to your finger when gently touched).
Air Frying the Macaron Shells:
Air fry: Place the macarons in the preheated air fryer basket or tray, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 6-8 minutes. Check after 6 minutes, as air fryer times can vary depending on the model. The macaron shells should be firm and set, but not browned.
Cool: Allow the macarons to cool completely on the parchment paper or silicone mat. If they are too soft after air frying, let them rest a little longer before removing them.
Preparing the Cotton Candy Buttercream Filling:
Make the buttercream: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add flavor and color: Add the cotton candy flavoring and pink food coloring (if using), and continue to beat until the buttercream is fluffy and smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Assembling the Macarons:
Once the shells are fully cooled, flip half of them over, so the flat side is facing up.
Pipe a dollop of the cotton candy buttercream filling onto the center of each macaron shell.
Gently place the other macaron shell on top to create a sandwich. Press gently to seal the macarons.
Final Touch:
For an extra touch of enchantment, you can dust the finished macarons with edible glitter or sprinkles to mimic the sparkling effect of cotton candy.
Tips:
Be sure to age your egg whites for at least 24 hours if you can. This helps them achieve the perfect consistency for making macarons.
Don’t skip the resting period for the macarons before baking. This ensures the shells develop the iconic “foot” (the ruffled bottom).
If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, you can substitute with a little vanilla or any other sweet flavoring you prefer.