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When it comes to desserts that feel fancy but are secretly easy, these Air Fryer Mini Cheesecakes take the cake — literally. They’re creamy, tangy, and baked to perfection in individual crusts that are just the right size for a sweet little treat.
I started making these when I needed a no-fuss dessert for a dinner party and didn’t want to deal with a water bath or a big springform pan. The air fryer handles it like a champ. No cracks, no fuss, and they’re ready in about 10 minutes.
The texture? Silky smooth on the inside with that classic tangy sweetness. You get just the right bite-to-crust ratio in every little cup. And because they’re individually portioned, they’re easy to serve (and hard to stop at just one).
Make them ahead, chill them until party time, and top them however you like — fruit, jam, chocolate, whipped cream, or even a swirl of pumpkin or cranberry for the holidays. Let’s make dessert magic!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these creamy little cheesecakes:
- Cream cheese (8 oz) – Full-fat gives the best texture. Let it soften at room temp so it mixes smoothly.
- Sugar (1/4 cup) – Just enough sweetness to balance the tang.
- Egg (1) – Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – Adds that classic warm flavor.
- Mini graham cracker crusts – Store-bought crusts make this super easy and consistent.
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
- Pumpkin puree or cranberry sauce for a swirl.
- Fresh berries, fruit compote, or chocolate chips.
- Whipped cream or sour cream topping.
Swaps & Notes:
- You can use mini muffin tins with liners and press in your own graham crust.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crusts or homemade GF crumbs.
- Want lemony cheesecakes? Add a little lemon zest to the filling.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Pro Tip: A lower temp helps them cook evenly and avoid cracking.
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla, and mix until fully blended and creamy. Pro Tip: Don’t overmix once the egg goes in — just until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts, filling nearly to the top.
- Place in the air fryer basket, ideally using a rack or small tray for stability. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space around each pie.
- Air fry at 300°F for 10–12 minutes, until centers are just set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Top and serve as desired!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not softening the cream cheese – Leads to lumpy filling.
- Overmixing the batter – Can cause air bubbles and cracks.
- Skipping the chill – They need time to set up properly.
- Crowding the basket – Can cause uneven cooking.
- Overcooking – Slight jiggle is good! They firm up while cooling.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Pumpkin Swirl – Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree with cinnamon to the top and swirl before baking.
- Cranberry Swirl – A dollop of cranberry sauce makes it festive and tangy.
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes – Fold mini chips into the batter.
- Mini Key Lime – Add lime zest and a bit of juice for a citrusy twist.
- Nutella Top – Swirl in Nutella or peanut butter before baking for a decadent treat.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: These are ideal for prepping 1–2 days in advance. Just chill until ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze un-topped cheesecakes in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Topping tip: Add toppings after chilling to keep them fresh.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Approx. 180 calories per mini cheesecake depending on crust and toppings. Naturally gluten-free if using GF crust.
Air Fryer Mini Cheesecakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Spoon into mini crusts.
- Air fry 10–12 minutes until just set.
- Cool 15 minutes, then chill at least 1 hour.
- Add toppings and serve.
Notes
Estimated Calories: ~180 per cheesecake
These air fryer mini cheesecakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and taste like they came straight from a bakery. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just a sweet bite after dinner. If you try them, tag me so I can see your creations! And for more air fryer dessert inspo, check out my Air Fryer Pecan Pie Hand Pies — sweet, sticky, and golden perfection!
