7 Healthy Air Fryer Desserts to Free Up Your Oven

Sure, it makes crunchy vegetables, tasty snacks, and more – but did you ever think about using your air fryer to whip up healthy desserts? It has a few advantages: It’s quicker than the oven. Plus, it’s relatively small, so it’s efficient for making smaller batches. And it has a powerful fan, which can help fruits caramelize, bringing out their sweetness without a ton of sugar. We gathered some creative, delicious air fryer dessert recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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1. Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Courtesy of Cook Eat Live Love

Ordinary bananas get a glow-up in this super-simple, no-sugar-added recipe. A little cinnamon and coconut oil, plus the magic of the air fryer, make bananas super sweet and luscious. Enjoy them on their own, with a little frozen yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes.

Try this recipe from Cook Eat Live Love.

2. Air Fryer Protein Chocolate Lava Cake

Courtesy of Hayl’s Kitchen

This rich, indulgent chocolate cake for 1, ready in 20 minutes, is a sneaky way to get in 22 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. It’s also gluten free. Did we mention the gooey molten center? Excuse us while we go make this one right now.

Try this recipe from Hayl’s Kitchen.

3. Air Fryer Baked Apples

Courtesy of Two Cloves Kitchen

Cozy baked apples with a cinnamon-oat maple filling – this is the ultimate air fryer dessert comfort food. With a little plain Greek yogurt, it could even double as breakfast. 

Try this recipe from Two Cloves Kitchen.

4. 5-Ingredient Healthy Berry Crumble

Courtesy of Rachel Mansfield

Sweet-tart berries grow soft and juicy after a short turn in the air fryer. In this recipe, they’re topped with an almond flour-based crumble topping – and the whole thing is ready in 20 minutes. We’d like ours with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, please.

Try this recipe from Rachel Mansfield.

5. Air Fryer Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Courtesy of Melanie Cooks

The sweetness in these rustic cookies comes from the banana and raisins, as there’s no added sugar. We might toss in a small pinch of salt, just to enhance the sweetness. Plus, you can change these up to suit your taste by adding nuts, swapping chopped dates for the raisins, or adding a little vanilla and/or maple syrup.

Try this recipe from Melanie Cooks.

6. Air Fryer Banana Bread

Courtesy of Modern Minimalism

We’re used to waiting over an hour for banana bread from the oven – but with this recipe, it’s ready in 20. Made with whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and any mix-ins you like – and no added sugar – this recipe is bound to become a go-to.

Try this recipe from Modern Minimalism.

7. Air Fryer Paleo Brownies

Courtesy of Texan Erin

You had us at super-quick small-batch fudgy brownies. These are also grain free and have no refined sugar. Toss in some brain-health-boosting chopped walnuts, if you like.

Try this recipe from Texan Erin.

Read next: Our Smartest Air Fryer Tips