Baked Alaska in Air Fryer
A spectacular dessert with ice cream wrapped in crispy meringue, quickly cooked in an air fryer.
Steps
- 1
Cut the sponge cake into rounds or shapes matching the ice cream scoops. Keep refrigerated.
- 2
Form 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream and place each on a sponge cake slice. Freeze until solid.
- 3
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, gradually adding sugar, then vanilla extract. The meringue should be glossy and firm.
- 4
Completely cover each ice cream scoop with meringue, sealing well.
- 5
Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 3-4 minutes, watching until meringue is golden.
Shopping list
4 slices sponge cake, 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, 2 egg whites, 80g sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Recipe story
This dessert, known as Baked Alaska or Norwegian Omelette, was created in the 19th century by a French chef to celebrate the invention of artificial ice. Legend has it that King Alfonso XII of Spain was so impressed by the contrast between cold ice cream and warm meringue that it became a royal dessert. The recipe has been reinterpreted in modern kitchens, including this quick air fryer version.
Ingredient Secrets
Vanilla
Vanilla, native to Mexico, was discovered by Spanish conquistadors who brought it to Europe in the 16th century. In Aztec culture, vanilla was used to flavor a royal cocoa drink. For centuries, hand-pollination was a closely guarded secret, and it wasn't until 1841 that a 12-year-old slave on Réunion discovered the method that allowed widespread cultivation.
