Pavlova is a dessert that has stood the test of time, with its crisp meringue base, fluffy whipped cream topping, and fresh strawberries. Traditionally, making a Pavlova involves baking the meringue in an oven for over an hour. But what if we could speed up this process without compromising on taste or texture? Enter the Air Fryer Pavlova. This method allows you to create a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth meringue base in less time, and with less effort.
Ingredients
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup of caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Start by beating the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites.
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is glossy, gently fold in the vinegar and cornstarch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 120°C (250°F). Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper.
- Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, shaping it into a round disc.
- Cook the meringue in the air fryer for about 45 minutes, or until it’s dry and crisp on the outside. Let it cool completely in the air fryer.
- For the topping, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Once the meringue is cooled, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Top with the whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. Any oil or water can prevent the egg whites from achieving the desired volume.
- You can substitute the caster sugar with regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
- Feel free to top your Pavlova with any fresh fruit of your choosing. Berries, kiwi, and passionfruit all make excellent choices.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the meringue base ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the meringue a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the topping.
This Air Fryer Pavlova is a game-changer for anyone who loves this classic dessert but dreads the long baking time. The air fryer method yields a perfect meringue base that is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, ready to be topped with creamy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess? Happy cooking!