Air Fryer Meringue is Crisp

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 2 hours Yield: Approximately 20 meringue cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 200°F (95°C). It’s essential to have a low temperature to slowly dry out the meringues.
2. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature. Cold egg whites take longer to whip. Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully, making sure no yolk is mixed with the whites.
3. Whip Egg Whites:
   • In a clean, dry bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add a pinch of salt to help stabilize the meringue.
4. Gradually Add Sugar:
   • With the mixer running, gradually add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This may take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add Vanilla Extract:
   • Gently fold in the vanilla extract until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped egg whites.
6. Pipe or Spoon Meringues:
   • Prepare a piping bag with a large star tip or simply spoon small dollops of meringue onto a parchment-lined tray. Leave some space between each meringue.
7. Air Fry:
   • Place the meringues in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°F (95°C) for about 2 hours or until the meringues are crisp and dry to the touch. Check them occasionally to prevent browning.
8. Cool:
   • Once the meringues are done, turn off the air fryer and let them cool inside for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store:
   • Store the crispy meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp for a few days.

Note: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the meringues towards the end to ensure they don’t brown.

These airy and crispy meringues make a delightful treat on their own or can be used to decorate desserts. Enjoy your homemade air fryer meringue cookies!