Air Fryer Vanilla Berry Pavlova

A crisp and delicate air fryer pavlova with a soft marshmallow-style center, lightly sweetened whipped cream, optional citrus curd, and fresh berries.

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites only
• 1 cup (200g) caster or granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 cup (230ml) heavy or double cream
• ½ cup (60g) powdered or icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon, orange, or other curd (optional)
• 1 cup (150–180g) fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries

Instructions

1. Separate the eggs carefully and place the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Set the bowl over a saucepan containing gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
2. Use a balloon whisk to continuously stir the egg whites and sugar. Continue until the sugar has dissolved completely. Rub a small amount between your fingers to check the texture. If it still feels gritty, continue heating and stirring over the double boiler.
3. Carefully dry the outside and bottom of the mixing bowl. Attach it to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add the vanilla bean paste or extract and whip on high speed until the meringue becomes thick, glossy, and holds firm peaks. This can take ten minutes or longer.
4. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and transfer the meringue into it. Place a liner inside the air fryer basket. Pipe a ring of meringue onto the liner, fill the center, and build up the outer sides with additional meringue.
5. Cook the pavlova in the air fryer at 120°C for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 95°C and continue cooking for another 70 minutes, making the total cooking time 90 minutes.
6. Switch off the air fryer after cooking and leave the pavlova inside the basket to cool gradually. Allow it to cool for approximately one hour. It can remain inside the switched-off air fryer overnight if required.
7. Place the heavy or double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla bean paste into a clean mixing bowl.
8. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whisk on medium-low speed until the cream reaches soft peaks. Do not over-whip.
9. Carefully remove the cooled meringue shell from the air fryer and transfer it to a cake stand or serving plate.
10. Spoon the softly whipped cream into the center of the pavlova.
11. Add the optional lemon or orange curd, then arrange the fresh berries over the cream.
12. Serve the pavlova immediately after adding the cream and fruit for the best contrast between the crisp meringue and creamy topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 543 cal · Carbohydrates: 73 g · Protein: 7 g · Fat: 26 g · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 71 g