Name: Air Fryer Meringue
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 egg whites; 1 cup caster sugar; 1 tbsp cornflour; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; Whipped cream (to serve); Raspberries ( to serve); Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, peeled into curls (to serve)

Imagine biting into a light and fluffy meringue, with a crisp outer shell that gives way to a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth center. Now, imagine making this delectable treat in an air fryer, achieving the perfect texture and taste without the hassle of using a traditional oven. In this blog post, we will explore the art of making Air Fryer Meringue, a dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to creating this heavenly delight.

Whisking to Perfection

To start, gather your ingredients – 4 egg whites, 215g of caster sugar, 1 tsp of cornflour, 1 tsp of white vinegar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Using electric beaters, whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until firm peaks form. This step is crucial in achieving the light and airy texture that meringue is known for. As you whisk, envision the transformation of the egg whites from a liquid to a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Adding Sweetness and Stability

Now, it’s time to add the sugar, but not all at once. Slowly incorporate the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while whisking constantly. This gradual addition allows the sugar to dissolve and blend seamlessly with the egg whites, resulting in a thick and glossy mixture. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the stability of the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape.

The Secret Ingredients

To enhance the texture and stability of the meringue, we introduce three secret ingredients: cornflour, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Add these ingredients to the mixture and beat until just combined. The cornflour acts as a stabilizer, preventing the meringue from collapsing or weeping. White vinegar, on the other hand, helps to create a crisp outer shell while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Lastly, the vanilla extract adds a hint of flavor, elevating the overall taste of the meringue.

Shaping and Baking

Now that our meringue mixture is ready, it’s time to shape and bake it to perfection. Tear two sheets of baking paper, each measuring 38cm. Spoon the meringue mixture onto one sheet, using the back of a spoon to shape it into an 18cm disc. Create an indent in the center, forming the perfect base for your toppings.

Next, place the remaining sheet of baking paper into the air fryer basket. Carefully lift the baking paper with the meringue and place it into the basket, ensuring the paper is at right angles to the first piece. Set the air fryer to 120°C and let it work its magic for 30 minutes. As the meringue bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of a dessert in the making.

Cooling and Serving

Once the baking time is complete, remove the air fryer drawer and set the pavlova aside in the basket for 20 minutes to cool slightly. This step allows the meringue to firm up while maintaining its delicate texture. Afterward, transfer the meringue, along with the baking paper, to a wire rack for complete cooling. Be patient during this step, as it is crucial for the meringue to cool completely before serving.

The Finishing Touches

Now comes the fun part – decorating your Air Fryer Meringue masterpiece. Using a large palette knife, carefully transfer the pavlova to a serving plate. The crisp outer shell and soft, marshmallow-like center create the perfect canvas for your toppings. Generously top the meringue with whipped cream, adding a touch of indulgence. Fresh raspberries add a burst of color and a delightful tartness. For the final touch, peel Cadbury Caramilk chocolate into elegant curls and scatter them atop the pavlova. To add an extra touch of elegance, dust the entire creation with a sprinkle of icing sugar.

Ingredients

4 egg whites
215g (1 cup) caster sugar
1 tsp cornflour
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream to serve
Raspberries, to serve
Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, peeled into curls, to serve

Instructions

Use electric beaters to whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until firm peaks form. Add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture is thick and glossy. Add the cornflour, vinegar and vanilla and beat until just combined.
Tear two 38cm sheets of baking paper. Spoon the mixture onto one sheet of baking paper. Use the back of a spoon to shape the meringue into an 18cm disc. Make an indent in the centre. Place the remaining piece of baking paper into the air fryer basket. Carefully lift the baking paper with the meringue into the basket, placing the paper at right angles to the first piece.
Air fry at 120°C for 30 minutes. Remove the air fryer drawer. Set the pavlova aside in the basket for 20 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack (with the baking paper) to cool completely.
Use a large palette knife to carefully transfer the pavlova to a serving plate. Top with whipped cream, raspberries and Caramilk. Dust with icing sugar to serve.

Making Air Fryer Meringue is a delightful adventure that combines science and art to create a dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates. By whisking the egg whites to perfection, adding the secret ingredients, shaping and baking with care, and finally, adding the finishing touches, you will create a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and embark on this culinary journey. Your taste buds will thank you!