Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: About 12 meringues
Intensity: Easy
Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Meringue: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Optional Additions: If using, add the cream of tartar and vanilla extract to the meringue at this point. Beat briefly until well combined.
- Pipe Meringues: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or desired tip. Pipe the meringues onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each meringue as they will expand slightly during baking.
- Air Fry Meringues: Place the air fryer basket with the piped meringues into the preheated air fryer. Air fry the meringues at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour or until they are crisp and dry to the touch. The meringues should lift easily off the parchment paper.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the air fryer and let the meringues cool completely inside the air fryer with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent them from becoming sticky due to humidity.
- Store Meringues: Store the cooled and crisp meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or used as toppings for desserts like pavlova, fruit salads, or ice cream.
Note: Ensure that all equipment used for making meringues, including the mixing bowl and beaters, are clean and free of grease or residue, as any contamination can affect the meringue’s texture.
Enjoy your homemade crisp and crunchy air-fried meringues as a delightful and light dessert!
