13 Fun Air Fryer Desserts to Try When You're Craving Something Sweet
There’s nothing your air fryer can’t do!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The air fryer is an amazing invention—and it's not just for making french fries. This genius kitchen device can cook just about anything: easy weeknight meals, trendy TikTok snacks, fun appetizers and more. Alex Drummond even swears by it for her crisp sweet potato fries! But did you know about all the great air fryer desserts you can make, too?
Even if you’re an air fryer aficionado, you may not have thought to use it for baking. But turns out the air fryer can crank out amazing sweets. Treats like pastries, cookies, doughnuts and even cakes, which you would normally bake in your oven or deep-fry on the stove, are all possible in the air fryer—and they're not hard to make at all. (Many of these air fryer desserts call for puff pastry or refrigerated dough—which means they're extra easy!) Once you get the hang of making air fryer desserts, you might even eventually be able to come up with your own recipes. Read on to see all the air fryer desserts you should make next time you're craving something sweet.
Flaky Air Fryer Donuts
Skip the trip to your local donut shop and try these air fryer treats instead. These light and sweet donuts are made from puff pastry and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Get the recipe at My Forking Life.
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Use your air fryer to get all of the flavors of an apple pie in a hand-held dessert! These air fryer baked apples are a great way to start fall cooking.
Get the recipe at Cook It Real Good.
Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies couldn't be easier: Just start with refrigerated pie crust and canned pie filling. Plus, the sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a lovely crunchy bite.
Get the recipe at Rachel Cooks.
Air-Fryer Oreos
You don't have to go to the state fair to enjoy crispy fried Oreos. Make them at home with your air fryer (and refrigerated dough!) and they'll taste just as great.
Get the recipe at Sparkles to Sprinkles.
Air Fryer Churros
Normally, you need a pot of hot oil to make nice crispy churros, but you can use your air fryer to get a similar effect. Be sure to serve with a nice chocolate sauce for dipping!
Get the recipe at Plated Cravings.
Air Fryer Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are a go-to around the holidays, but these air fryer treats are great anytime! Try them with any kind of jam you like.
Get the recipe at Air Fryer Yum.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookie
Chocolate chip cookies are amazing no matter what you use to make them—including your air fryer! This super-sized version is great for a party.
Get the recipe at Grace Like Rain.
Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing beats the smell of freshly made cinnamon rolls! This simple air fryer version comes together in just 15 minutes.
Get the recipe at Happy Foods Tube.
Air Fryer Lemon Cake
Who says you can't "bake" a simple and delicious cake in an air fryer? This lemon treat is easy to make and is just the perfect size!
Get the recipe at Fast Food Bistro.
Air Fryer Strawberry Turnovers
Puff pastry is great in an air fryer. Stuff it with a simple strawberry filling to make these sweet turnovers.
Get the recipe at Savory Thoughts.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies in an air fryer? Yes, please! This vegan version is both crispy and chewy.
Get the recipe at Six Vegan Sisters.
Air Fryer Homemade Berry Pop Tarts
This retro treat is so cute! You can stash some in your freezer, then cook them in your air fryer whenever you have a craving.
Get the recipe at Recipes from a Pantry.
Easy Air Fryer Brownies
You can have these chocolatey treats on the table in just 20 minutes! The recipe makes a small batch, so it's perfect for when you need a little something sweet.
Get the recipe at My Forking Life.
Caramel Desserts Full of Sticky-Sweet Goodness
Make Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting in 10 Minutes
Easy Fall Desserts You Can Bake in an Hour or Less
How To Make Ree's Dr Pepper Sheet Cake
