Christmas Edition Pavlova from the Airfryer
Complete your Christmas dinner with this delicate and airy Pavlova, a dessert that is both impressive and easy to prepare. The crispy meringue shell with a soft marshmallow-like centre is filled with creamy whipped cream, fresh berries and a touch of lemon curd. Perfect for a festive end, and easy to adapt to your taste! Thanks to the airfryer, this classic dessert is effortless to make, and the result is guaranteed to be spectacular.
Ingredients (for 6-8 persons):
- 4 egg whites (fresh, no liquid egg whites)
- 200 g granulated sugar or caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 4 tablespoons lemon curd
- A mix of fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Optional: icing sugar for decoration
Preparation method:
Step 1: Preparing the meringue
- Separating the eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Make sure that no yolk gets into the egg white. Let the egg whites come to room temperature.
- Dissolve the sugar: Combine the egg whites, sugar and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (the bowl should not touch the water). Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved. Check by rubbing a little of the mixture between your fingers; it should not feel grainy.
Step 2: Beat the meringue
- Beat: Dry the bowl and beat the mixture in a stand mixer on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly.
Step 3: Shape and bake the Pavlova
- Pavlova shapes: Line the basket of your airfryer with baking paper. Spoon the meringue into the center and form a nest by building up the sides slightly with a spatula or spoon.
- Baking: Bake the Pavlova in the airfryer at 120°C for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 95°C and bake for another 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let the meringue cool completely in the airfryer; if necessary, leave it overnight.
Step 4: Decorate and serve
- Filling: Carefully place the cooled meringue on a serving plate. Fill the center with the whipped cream and spread the lemon curd over it. Garnish with a medley of fresh berries and possibly a drizzle of fruit syrup.
- Serving: Serve the Pavlova immediately, as the filling softens the crispy exterior.
Tips for a perfect result:
- Make sure all materials are grease-free for a light meringue.
- Let the Pavlova cool completely in the air fryer to prevent cracking.
- Experiment with toppings like pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, or chocolate chips for an extra touch of luxury.
Enjoy this light, festive ending to your Christmas meal – a dessert guaranteed to impress! 🎄