Air Fryer Cheesecake: Creamy, Delicious, and Quick
Who says cheesecake has to be baked in a huge oven for hours? With an air fryer, you can make a creamy, perfectly set cheesecake in a fraction of the time! This recipe delivers all the richness and decadence of classic cheesecake, but in a smaller, quicker, and fuss-free format.
Air fryer cheesecakes are ideal for single servings, small gatherings, or when you simply want dessert without heating up the whole kitchen. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and optional fruit topping, it’s a dessert everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cheesecake
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Fast and easy: Cheesecake in under an hour.
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No oven needed: Perfect for small kitchens.
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Single or mini portions: Great for individual servings.
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Customizable: Add chocolate, berries, caramel, or nuts.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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2 tablespoons sugar
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3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream
Optional Toppings
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Fresh berries
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Fruit compote
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Chocolate ganache
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Caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 4–6 inch springform pan or small oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla until creamy. Stir in sour cream or heavy cream until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble
Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top. Tap lightly to remove air bubbles.
4. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the pan in the basket. Cook for 20–25 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
5. Cool
Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
6. Serve
Remove the cheesecake from the pan. Top with fresh berries, chocolate, or caramel if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Cheesecake
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Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
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Avoid overcooking — the center should jiggle slightly. It will firm up in the fridge.
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A small springform pan or oven-safe dish works best for the air fryer basket.
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Let it chill fully before slicing for clean cuts.
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For extra flavor, add lemon zest, chocolate chips, or a swirl of fruit puree to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve slices with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
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Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
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Make mini cheesecakes for individual servings or party treats.
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
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Cheesecake can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Air fryer cheesecakes cook evenly thanks to the circulating hot air, giving a creamy, smooth texture without cracking. The gentle heat allows for a perfect set with minimal fuss, and the small portion size ensures you get a delicious dessert every time without baking a full-sized cheesecake.
Variations
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Chocolate Cheesecake: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the filling.
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Berry Swirl: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry puree before cooking.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake: Mix in pumpkin puree and cinnamon for a fall version.
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Mini Cheesecake Bites: Use silicone molds for bite-sized treats.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer cheesecake proves that rich, creamy desserts don’t need long hours or large ovens. With a buttery crust, luscious filling, and endless topping possibilities, this cheesecake is quick, easy, and impressively delicious. Perfect for a quick dessert, special occasion, or just treating yourself.