🍲 Misc

Homemade Vanilla Yogurt in Air Fryer with Yogurt/Dehydrate Function – Creamy Recipe

Name: Homemade Vanilla Yogurt in Air Fryer with Yogurt/Dehydrate Function – Creamy Recipe
Total time: 490 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: whole milk; plain yogurt with active cultures; vanilla extract; honey

Discover how to make the creamiest homemade vanilla yogurt right in your Air Fryer — but only if it has a Yogurt or Dehydrate function that can maintain 43°C for 8 hours. For standard Air Fryers (minimum temperature 80-100°C), the recipe also includes an alternative oven method. The result: a thick, velvety yogurt, perfect for breakfast or snack, naturally flavored with vanilla and honey.

Time⏱️ 490 min

Servings👤 8

Difficulty

🥘 Ingredients

whole milk — 3.8 liters (1 gallon)

plain yogurt with active cultures — 2 tablespoons

vanilla extract — 1 tablespoon

honey — 1/2 cup (120 ml)

👨‍🍳 Steps

1Pour the whole milk into a large pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 82°C (180°F), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This step sterilizes the milk and denatures proteins for a creamier texture.

2Remove the pot from heat and let the milk cool to 43°C (110°F). To speed cooling, place the pot in a bowl of cold water. Check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer — it's essential not to add the starter yogurt to milk hotter than 46°C, as heat will kill the active cultures.

3In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with a cup of warm milk (43°C) until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the pot and stir well.

4⚠️ NOTE — This recipe works ONLY in Air Fryers with a Yogurt or Dehydrate function that can maintain 43°C. Transfer the milk mixture to a heat-resistant bowl (ceramic or borosilicate glass, NOT thin glass) suitable for the Air Fryer. Place it in the Air Fryer and set the temperature to 43°C (110°F) for 8 hours, or until the yogurt has thickened to your liking. If your Air Fryer does NOT have this function, use the oven with the light on (~50°C) or keep the pot warm in a turned-off oven for 8 hours.

5Once the yogurt has set, add the vanilla extract and honey (if using). Stir gently, then transfer to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (the yogurt will thicken further when cold). For a thicker Greek-style yogurt, strain it overnight through a cheesecloth-lined sieve placed over a large bowl to collect the whey.

🛒 Shopping List

1 gallon (128 ounces) whole milk, 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active live cultures, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional), 1/2 cup honey (optional)