Servings: 4–6 mini cheesecakes (or 1 small cheesecake, if you’re feeling ambitious)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (patience is a virtue)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed into sandy goodness)
- 2 tbsp sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
- 4 tbsp melted butter (to hold it all together)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (room temperature is key!)
- ¼ cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg (the binder of dreams)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (or go wild with almond or lemon)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (for creaminess with a tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of greased ramekins or silicone molds. Pack it tight, like you’re building a tiny fortress.
- Whip the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s cheesecake, not whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in each ramekin, filling them about ¾ full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them for airflow.
- Air fry for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Cool and Chill:
- Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to achieve that creamy, dreamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Top with your favorites: fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a silky filling.
- Grease the ramekins well or use liners for easy removal.
- Let them chill fully; warm cheesecake isn’t the vibe.
DON’T:
- Skip the jiggle test. Overcooked cheesecake = sadness.
- Overfill the air fryer basket; cheesecakes need their space to breathe.
- Forget toppings—naked cheesecake is a missed opportunity.
These air fryer cheesecakes are creamy, rich, and perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Mini-sized means they’re also technically portion-controlled—unless you eat them all. 😉🍰
