Meringue kisses in the air fryer are a classic of sweet baking, combining simple ingredients with delicate craftsmanship to create light and crisp meringue kisses. This recipe will explore how, using a modern air fryer, you can create perfect meringue kisses, as well as dive into the history, the techniques behind the meringue mixture, and the colourful and flavourful variations that can be added to this timeless treat.
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents
- Why make meringue kisses in the air fryer?
- What are meringue kisses?
- I recommend this lovely coffee with our meringue kisses
- Who invented meringue, and where do meringue kisses come from?
- How to make meringue crisp and perfect
- How do you make multicoloured meringue kisses?
- What flavour variations of the cake can you make?
- Why you should make meringue kisses in the air fryer
- FAQ
Why make meringue kisses in the air fryer?
Using an air fryer to make meringue kisses is a clever approach that offers several advantages. The circulating air in the air fryer gives an even, dry heat, so the meringue turns crisp on the outside while keeping a slightly chewy centre. In addition, you can easily keep an eye on the kisses while they bake, so they don’t take on too much colour, as can happen in a traditional oven.
What are meringue kisses?
A meringue kiss is a small, round or oval-shaped cake made primarily from whisked egg whites and sugar. This simple mixture is whisked until it becomes light and airy, after which it is baked at a low temperature until it is dry and crisp on the outside, but still soft and chewy on the inside. Meringue kisses can be eaten as they are, or used as decorative elements on desserts and cakes.
I recommend this lovely coffee with our meringue kisses
Meringue kisses are a perfect companion to your afternoon coffee. An excellent coffee for this would be Puro Organic Filterkaffe – 1 kg. This organic filter coffee offers a delicious and balanced flavour that perfectly complements the sweet and crunchy meringue kisses. It is the ideal coffee for cosy moments, and you and your guests will surely love the combination of good coffee and freshly baked kisses from your air fryer.
Who invented meringue, and where do meringue kisses come from?
According to legend, the history of meringue stretches back to the 18th century in Europe, but its exact origin is debated. Some sources point to a Swiss pastry chef named Gasparini, while others believe it was developed in France or Italy. Meringue kisses, as we know them today, are closely tied to the European pastry tradition and have been part of tea parties and celebrations for centuries.
How to make meringue crisp and perfect
The key to perfect meringue kisses lies in the technique. The egg whites should be at room temperature before whisking, and the sugar is added gradually to ensure that it dissolves completely. A little acid, such as lemon juice or cream of tartar, helps to stabilise the egg whites. It is also important to whisk the mixture until it is glossy and stiff. When baking, the temperature must be low enough to dry the kisses without them taking on colour.
How do you make multicoloured meringue kisses?
To make multicoloured meringue kisses, you can divide your meringue mixture into several bowls and add different food colourings to each bowl. Use a piping bag with several compartments, or place differently coloured meringue side by side in a single piping bag. When you pipe out the kisses, they will have a beautiful marbled or striped pattern.
What flavour variations of the cake can you make?
Meringue kisses can be adapted and enriched with a range of different flavour variations. Here are four exciting variations, one of which includes dark melted chocolate:
- Dark Chocolate Dip: Once the meringue kisses are baked and cooled, you can dip the base of each kiss in melted dark chocolate. When the chocolate sets, it adds a rich and intense flavour contrast to the sweet, airy meringue, and creates a lovely balance of textures.
- Lavender and Honey: Add a few drops of lavender oil and a tablespoon of honey to the meringue mixture before baking. The lavender gives a delicate floral aroma, while the honey adds a mild and natural sweetness, making these kisses ideal for a spring brunch.
- Lemon and White Chocolate: Grate the zest of a lemon and add it to the meringue mixture. When the kisses are done baking, you can lightly brush them with melted white chocolate. The lemon zest gives a fresh and tangy flavour, while the white chocolate complements it with a creamy sweetness.
- Espresso and Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of finely ground espresso and half a teaspoon of cinnamon to the meringue mixture. The combination of coffee and cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic depth that makes these kisses a perfect companion to your afternoon coffee or as part of a dessert tapas.
Each of these variations adds something unique to the classic meringue kiss, and gives you the opportunity to experiment with both visual and flavour elements.
Try adding a teaspoon of liquorice powder. It gives a lovely light-brown colour and a really delicious flavour of sweet liquorice.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Why you should make meringue kisses in the air fryer
Meringue kisses made in the air fryer are not just a quick and efficient method, but also a fantastic way to experiment with different flavours and colours. With a few small adjustments to the recipe and the preparation method, you can adapt this traditional treat to any occasion and taste.
FAQ
Chewy meringues are usually down to not enough drying time, or sugar that hasn’t fully dissolved in the egg whites. Whisk until the mixture is glossy and stiff, and give the kisses a few extra minutes at 100 °C if they’re still soft. You can also leave them to finish drying in the switched-off air fryer for about half an hour.
Let the kisses cool completely, then put them in an airtight tin. That way they stay crisp for up to 1 week at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as the moisture there quickly makes them soft and sticky.
Yes, absolutely. Use gel food colouring if you can, as it adds very little liquid, and fold it in gently at the end once the meringue mixture is whisked stiff. Liquid colouring can make the mixture runny, so it won’t hold its shape when you pipe it.
Recipe
Meringue Kisses in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Airfryer size
All our recipes are tested in a Philips Airfryer 2000 Series NA230/00 – 6.2 L
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Recommended equipment
- 1 Air fryer - Capacity of approx. 3.5 to 4 litres
- 1 Hand mixer
- 1 Stand mixer - Alternative to a hand mixer
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Piping bag
- 1 Star piping tip
Shopping list
Ingredients
- 2 pcs egg whites (pasteurised)
- 100 g caster sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp lemon juice (optional, for stability)
How to make it
- Preheat your air fryer to 100 °C. (Pre-program it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking.)
- Use a completely clean and grease-free bowl to whisk 2 pcs egg whites until frothy. Add 1/4 tsp lemon juice if you’re using it.
- Gradually add 100 g caster sugar while you keep whisking, until the mixture is thick and glossy and the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.
- Fill a piping bag with the meringue mixture and pipe small kisses onto a piece of baking paper that fits in your air fryer basket.
- Turn off the air fryer and let the kisses rest in the air fryer for a further ½ hour to achieve the perfect texture.
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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