Air Fryer Cheesecake
Andrea Potischman
Jan 29, 2025
Craving a cheesecake that’s both decadent and incredibly creamy? Look no further than this air fryer New York-style cheesecake, a total and utter game-changer. Unlike other varieties such as the dense Chicago style or the light, fluffy Japanese cheesecake, New York-style cheesecake is known for its rich, creamy texture by blending cream cheese with mascarpone cheese, adding an unforgettable tang and luxurious mouthfeel. And seriously, it could not be simpler. I have long avoided cooking (or baking) with an air fryer, but I’m finally seeing its well-earned prime-time space in the coveted kitchen countertop.
Air fryers are revolutionizing baking, offering a quick and efficient alternative to traditional ovens. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a consistently heated environment that bakes evenly. This method is perfect for cheesecakes, ensuring a smooth, crack-free top and a perfectly set center without needing a water bath.
Air fryer Invention
Air fryers were invented in 2010 by Philips Electronics, a Dutch company known for its innovations in home appliances. The concept behind the air fryer was to create a device that could “fry” food using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Using rapid air technology, air fryers circulate hot air around the food at high speeds, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. The rise in popularity of air fryers can be attributed to several factors:
- Health Benefits: As consumers became more health-conscious, cooking with less oil while still achieving a similar texture and taste to deep-fried food was highly appealing.
- Convenience: Air fryers are user-friendly and versatile, capable of cooking a wide range of foods quickly and efficiently. Their compact size and ease of cleaning also add to their appeal.
- Versatility: Beyond frying, air fryers can bake, roast, and grill, making them a multi-functional kitchen appliance.
- Social Media Influence: The rise of social media and food blogs played a significant role in popularizing air fryers. Recipes and cooking hacks shared on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube demonstrated the appliance’s capabilities, sparking widespread interest and adoption.
Air Fryer Cheesecake Topping Suggestions
- Fresh Berries or Berry Compote
- Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Ganache
- Lemon Curd:
- Whipped Cream and Nuts
- Oreo Crumbles
- Coconut Flakes
Always serve your cheesecake chilled, allowing it to accentuate the creamy, tangy flavor profile it’s known for. Whether you prefer something fruity, nutty, or chocolatey, toppings will elevate your New York-style cheesecake to new heights. As is, or served with a topping, an air fryer cheesecake is tradition mixed with modern convenience and a truly decadent treat. So, if you’re a s big cheesecake lover like I am, I strongly encourage you to get in the airy fryer-baking game right now and enjoy every creamy, memorable bite!
Air Fryer Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust"
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups honey graham crackers, finely crushed
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- One (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- For the Crust: Brush the melted butter on the bottom and sides of a 7 or 8-inch springform baking pan that fits in your air fryer. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly brush with additional butter.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs and remaining melted butter and mix well to blend. Place the graham cracker mixture in the prepared pan and press evenly with your hand or a small glass to evenly level.
- For the Filling: In the bowl of a kitchen mixer, such as a KitchenAid, fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and mascarpone and beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, about 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs, condensed milk, and vanilla, and beat on medium, until very smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Place the baking pan with the crust into the air fryer. Carefully pour the filling over the crust. Depending on what size pan you are using, it should almost reach the top rim of the pan. Carefully close the air fryer and turn the air fryer set to "bake".
- Bake the cheesecake at 300 degrees F until the top is lightly browned and the center jiggles slightly, about 25 to 35 minutes. It may take a little more or less time, depending on the air fryer. (Note: If you do not have a "bake" setting on your air fryer, you can set it to the "cook" setting at 270 degrees F for about 40-45 minutes or until set).
- Carefully remove the springform pan from the air fryer. Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature to cool for about 1 hour. Once cool, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 6 hours to chill and fully set.
- To Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and carefully unmold it from the pan. Use a warm slicing knife, wiped dry, to slice. Serve as is, with fresh strawberries or an alternative topping of your choice.
