If you’ve been craving the creamy, indulgent goodness of cheesecake but dread the idea of turning on your oven, this Air Fryer Cheesecake recipe is about to change your life. Yes, you read that right—cheesecake made effortlessly in your air fryer! It’s perfectly smooth, creamy, and surprisingly simple, with a golden-brown crust that’s just the right amount of crunch.
This recipe gives you all the classic cheesecake flavors but without the hassle of a long bake time. The air fryer cuts the cooking time significantly, and the result is a cheesecake that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special gathering, it’s the perfect dessert to wow your guests.
I love to pair it with a refreshing Cranberry Pineapple Punch for a lovely contrast of sweet and tart. Or, if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve it with my favorite Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies for an unforgettable treat!
The beauty of this cheesecake is its versatility—it’s the kind of dessert that can be easily customized with toppings or flavors to suit your mood. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- Easy and Quick: The air fryer does all the work, leaving you with a creamy cheesecake!
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or flavorings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for when you want cheesecake but don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Cream cheese, graham crackers, and a few pantry staples—this cheesecake doesn’t require anything fancy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a weeknight treat, this cheesecake is always a hit!
Air Fryer Cheesecake Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch round cake pan (oven-safe, for air fryer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional for lining the pan)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs 150g
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 8-ounce/227g blocks cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar 133g
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream room temperature (120g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch cake pan.
- Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, smoothing it out evenly.
- Cook in the air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the pan inside the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, checking for a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool down: Remove cheesecake from the air fryer, let it cool at room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve: Top with your favorite fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 289kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sugar | 31g |
| Sodium | 144mg |
Helpful Variations For Air Fryer Cheesecake!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Cheesecake: For a decadent twist, add melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling. You can even swirl in some chocolate ganache before air frying for extra richness.
- Fruit Infused Cheesecake: Incorporate a fruit puree like raspberry or blueberry into the filling for a tangy kick. You can also top your cheesecake with caramelized fruits or a fresh fruit compote for a burst of flavor.
- Coconut Crust: Swap the graham cracker crumbs with shredded coconut and a pinch of cinnamon to create a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake: Perfect for fall, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a small amount of pumpkin puree to the filling for a seasonal twist. It’s like a pumpkin pie and cheesecake combined!
- Lemon Zest Cheesecake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, citrusy note. A light lemon glaze or drizzle of honey on top will elevate the flavor even more.
- Nutty Cheesecake: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust mixture. Alternatively, you could top the cheesecake with toasted almonds, pistachios, or a combination of your favorite nuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Biscoff Crust: For a slightly spicy, caramelized flavor, use Biscoff cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers. The combination with the creamy cheesecake filling adds a unique depth of flavor.
These variations let you customize your cheesecake to fit any mood or occasion, while keeping the essence of that creamy, irresistible texture everyone loves.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
