Air fryer crème brûlée felt a little too ambitious at first, my first batch turned out overcooked on the edges and too loose in the center. I was after that smooth, creamy texture with a crisp caramel top. After testing this three ways, I discovered that a lower temperature and a water bath substitute made all the difference. Then I cracked the code by letting it chill fully before torching the sugar. Now it comes out silky, set just right, and perfectly crackly on top.
Air Fryer Crème Brûlée – Silky & Caramelized in 20 Minutes
A rich and creamy custard dessert with a crisp caramelized sugar topping, made easily in the air fryer.
Equipment
- Air fryer (5–6 quart recommended)
- 4 ramekins
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Fine strainer
- Kitchen torch
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar for topping
Instructions
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour warm cream into egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain mixture through a fine sieve for a smooth custard.
- Pour evenly into ramekins.
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (149°C).
- Place ramekins in the air fryer basket.
- Add a small oven-safe dish of hot water beside ramekins to create moisture.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes until edges are set and centers slightly jiggle.
- Remove and cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary; check custard at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- The center should jiggle slightly—it will firm up as it chills.
- Always strain custard for a smooth texture.
- Chill thoroughly before caramelizing sugar for best results.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If no torch, broil briefly but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 260mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 27gVitamin A: 1200IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg
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CONCLUSION
This air fryer crème brûlée is one of those desserts I turn to when I want something elegant without the usual hassle. That silky custard and crisp caramel top make it feel special every single time I crack into it.