These Air Fryer Crème Brûlée Cups are silky in the middle, crackly on top, and shockingly easy.
🍮 Air Fryer Crème Brûlée Cups (Small-Batch)
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
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1 cup heavy cream
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3 large egg yolks
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
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Pinch of salt
For the brûlée top
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2–3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ Warm the cream
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Heat cream gently (microwave or stovetop) until just steaming
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Don’t boil
2️⃣ Whisk the base
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In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla
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Slowly whisk in warm cream (go slow so you don’t scramble)
3️⃣ Strain (optional but fancy)
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Pour through a fine strainer for extra silk
4️⃣ Fill cups
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Divide into ramekins or heatproof custard cups
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Cover each loosely with foil (prevents browning)
Air Fry
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Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C)
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Place cups in basket (don’t stack)
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Cook 12–15 minutes, until:
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edges are set
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center still jiggles slightly
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5️⃣ Chill
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Cool, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight = chef’s kiss)
🔥 Brûlée the Tops
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Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar
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Torch until glassy and caramelized
No torch?
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Broil in oven 1–2 minutes
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Or air fry at 400°F for 2–3 minutes (watch closely!)
Pro Tips
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Jiggle test > time
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Shallow cups = faster, creamier results
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Let sugar cool fully before cracking (worth the wait)
Flavor Swaps
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Espresso powder (½ tsp)
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Orange zest
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Coconut cream + toasted sugar
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Lavender or Earl Grey–infused cream
You just made a restaurant dessert in a countertop appliance and that’s powerful energy ✨
Want a keto version, chocolate crème brûlée, or make-ahead party trick next?