This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska Recipe combines layers of cake, creamy ice cream, and fluffy meringue, all baked to perfection in an air fryer. The beauty of this recipe is that you get a crispy meringue exterior with a still-cool ice cream center, thanks to the quick air fryer baking method. It’s an eye-catching dessert that’s much simpler to prepare than you might think.
What is Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska?
Baked Alaska is a classic dessert known for its unique hot-and-cold experience: a layer of cake topped with ice cream, wrapped in meringue, and then quickly baked to crisp the outside without melting the ice cream inside. Using an air fryer for this recipe cuts down on baking time, making it quicker to achieve that perfect golden meringue.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cheesecake
- Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Fish
- Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Tinned Potatoes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.
- Quick Cooking: The air fryer minimizes baking time for the meringue.
- Unique Flavor and Texture: The combination of warm meringue with frozen ice cream is unforgettable.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients with easy preparation steps.
- Great for Small Batches: Ideal for serving 2-4 people without leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Sponge Cake (one small round piece) – Acts as the base layer for the dessert.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1-2 scoops per serving) – Any favorite flavor can be used.
- Egg Whites (2 large) – Whisked to make the meringue.
- Sugar (100g) – Adds sweetness and stabilizes the meringue.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Optional, to flavor the meringue.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Parchment paper
- Baking tray
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Prepare the Base: Place the sponge cake on a small baking tray that fits into your air fryer. Cut the cake to the size needed, if necessary.
- Add the Ice Cream: Place a scoop (or two) of ice cream on top of the sponge cake, forming a small dome. Freeze for 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s firm.
- Make the Meringue: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Add vanilla extract if desired.
- Cover with Meringue: Take the cake and ice cream out of the freezer. Carefully spread the meringue over the ice cream and cake base, ensuring it’s completely covered to prevent melting.
- Air Fry the Baked Alaska: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Place the tray with the Baked Alaska in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Serve Immediately: Serve right after cooking for the best contrast between warm meringue and cool ice cream.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Fresh Berries: Balances the sweetness with a fruity note.
- Chocolate Sauce: Adds richness and pairs well with vanilla.
- Mint Leaves: Enhances presentation and offers freshness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Brings a deeper, warm flavor.
- Fruit Compote: Adds a tangy contrast to the dessert.
- Chopped Nuts: Provides a crunchy texture.
- Berry Coulis: Complements the dessert’s richness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Ensure the ice cream is solid by freezing the base before adding meringue.
- Whip the meringue until stiff peaks form for better coverage.
- Spread the meringue evenly, sealing in the ice cream to prevent melting.
- Use a spatula to smooth and shape the meringue for even browning.
- Preheat the air fryer to achieve consistent results.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot and cold.
- Avoid overbaking, as the meringue browns quickly in an air fryer.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Chocolate Baked Alaska: Use chocolate ice cream or add cocoa powder to the meringue.
- Berry Baked Alaska: Substitute vanilla ice cream with strawberry or raspberry ice cream.
- Lemon Baked Alaska: Add lemon zest to the meringue for a citrusy touch.
- Nutty Baked Alaska: Add chopped nuts between the cake and ice cream layers.
- Mini Baked Alaskas: Make smaller versions using cupcake-sized portions for individual servings.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Immediate Serving: Baked Alaska is best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing Options: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) portions and add meringue right before cooking.
- Avoid Refrigeration: The dessert’s structure is best when frozen or freshly made.
- Single Portions: For convenience, prepare single portions for easy freezing.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Air Fryer: Reheat briefly at a high temperature to re-crisp the meringue.
- Oven: Reheat at 200°C (390°F) for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve Chilled: Avoid reheating the ice cream; only re-crisp the meringue if needed.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska Healthier?
Use a low-sugar or natural sweetener for the meringue.
Opt for a low-fat or dairy-free ice cream.
Consider a whole-grain or lower-calorie sponge cake.
Reduce the sugar in the meringue without affecting the texture.
Try an egg substitute in the meringue if desired.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
FAQs
Can You Bake Alaska in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make Baked Alaska in an air fryer! The air fryer’s high heat quickly browns the meringue, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the ice cream center frozen. This method makes it faster and easier to achieve that classic hot-and-cold contrast without needing an oven.
How Do You Keep the Ice Cream From Melting in Baked Alaska?
To keep the ice cream from melting, ensure it’s frozen solid before covering it with meringue. Once the meringue covers the ice cream completely, bake it in the air fryer for only 2-3 minutes at a high temperature. The meringue acts as insulation, helping the ice cream remain frozen.
What Kind of Cake Base Works Best for Baked Alaska?
A simple sponge or pound cake works best as the base for Baked Alaska. These cakes are sturdy enough to support the ice cream and meringue, yet soft and flavorful. Cutting the cake to fit the ice cream portion is key for easy assembly.
How Long Does It Take to Bake Baked Alaska in an Air Fryer?
Baked Alaska typically takes 2-3 minutes in an air fryer at 200°C (390°F). The meringue should be golden brown on the outside, and the ice cream should remain frozen inside.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska Recipe offers a unique, visually stunning dessert that combines hot and cold elements beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this air fryer twist on a classic dessert is sure to impress with its creamy, chilled center and warm, crispy exterior. Enjoy each bite!
Print
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Baked Alaska
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 3
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Alaska is a classic dessert known for its unique hot-and-cold experience: a layer of cake topped with ice cream, wrapped in meringue, and then quickly baked to crisp the outside without melting the ice cream inside. Using an air fryer for this recipe cuts down on baking time, making it quicker to achieve that perfect golden meringue.
Ingredients
- Sponge Cake (one small round piece) – Acts as the base layer for the dessert.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1-2 scoops per serving) – Any favorite flavor can be used.
- Egg Whites (2 large) – Whisked to make the meringue.
- Sugar (100g) – Adds sweetness and stabilizes the meringue.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Optional, to flavor the meringue.
Instructions
Prepare the Base: Place the sponge cake on a small baking tray that fits into your air fryer. Cut the cake to the size needed, if necessary.
Add the Ice Cream: Place a scoop (or two) of ice cream on top of the sponge cake, forming a small dome. Freeze for 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s firm.
Make the Meringue: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Add vanilla extract if desired.
Cover with Meringue: Take the cake and ice cream out of the freezer. Carefully spread the meringue over the ice cream and cake base, ensuring it’s completely covered to prevent melting.
Air Fry the Baked Alaska: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Place the tray with the Baked Alaska in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Serve Immediately: Serve right after cooking for the best contrast between warm meringue and cool ice cream.
