Authentic Air Fryer Polish Desserts
Learn how to make air fryer Polish desserts and cakes, deliciously indulgent.
They are a delicious and important part of Polish culinary heritage, representing the country’s love for sweets and desserts.
From mouthwatering pastries to luscious cakes, Polish desserts have captivated taste buds for centuries.
In this article, I will show you how you can recreate these Polish desserts in the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Recipes For Polish Desserts
Polish Angel Wings (Faworki/ Chrusciki)
What Are Polish Angel Wings (Faworki)?
Polish Angel Wings, also known as Faworki and Chrusciki are delicate and crispy pastries that are a traditional Polish dessert enjoyed on special occasions in Poland.
The name “Faworki” translates to “little feathers” in English, which perfectly describes their light and airy texture.
These fried dough ribbons are made from a simple dough, consisting of flour, eggs, butter, and sugar, and are sometimes flavoured with a hint of vanilla extract.
The dough is carefully made into unique patterns, resembling delicate feathers or ribbons and then air-fried until golden brown and crispy
Ingredients
Makes Approx 50
- 360g plain flour
- 100g sugar
- 60ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 120ml sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- icing sugar, for dusting
How To Make Air Fryer Polish Angel Wings
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, baking soda, sugar and salt. Set aside.
- Take a separate bowl, and whisk together the eggs, sour cream and milk until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 C / 360 F for 10 minutes.
- Roll out each portion of dough very thinly, to about 2-3mm thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips about 5-6cm wide and make a small slit in the middle of each strip.
- Carefully twist one end of the strip through the slit to create the characteristic twisted shape of Faworki.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the Faworki in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking of the pastries.
- Cook the Faworki in the air fryer for approximately 5-7 minutes. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the Faworki, as well as the efficiency of your specific air fryer model.
- Around the halfway mark of the cooking time, gently flip the Faworki to ensure even browning on both sides. This step helps to achieve a consistent golden colour and crispy texture.
- Keep a close eye on the Faworki as they cook. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown colour.
- Adjust cooking time if needed: If the Faworki requires additional time add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. However, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
- Once the Faworki has cooled down, generously dust them with icing sugar.
- Serve this Polish dessert as a treat for special occasions or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.
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FAQs
Can I make Polish Angel Wings (Faworki) in advance?
Yes, you can make Faworki a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Polish Angel Wings?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I replace sour cream with another ingredient?
Yes, you can replace sour cream with an alternative ingredient if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to use a different option. While sour cream adds a tangy flavour and moistness to the Faworki dough, there are a few substitutes you can consider:
- Greek yoghurt: is a popular substitute for sour cream in various recipes. It has a similar tangy flavour and creamy consistency, which works well. Use an equal amount of Greek yoghurt as a replacement for sour cream.
- Cottage cheese: can be blended until smooth to create a creamy substitute for sour cream. Use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth texture. Replace sour cream with an equal amount of blended cottage cheese.
- Plain yoghurt: Regular plain yoghurt can also work as a substitute if you don’t have Greek yoghurt. While it may not be as thick as sour cream, it will still provide moisture and a slight tanginess. Use an equal amount of plain yoghurt in place of sour cream.
Air Fryer Polish Gingerbread (Katarzynki)
What Is Air Fryer Katarzynki – Polish Gingerbread?
Air fryer Katarzynki (Polish Gingerbread) are small cookies resembling wheels, hence their name “Catherine’s Wheels.”
Traditionally, they are made by deep-frying the dough, but with the arrival of air fryers, this Polish dessert can now be prepared with less oil and fewer calories.
Preparing Air Fryer Polish Gingerbread
When it comes to preparing air fryer Katarzynki, the process is simple.
First, the dough is prepared using flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
The dough is then rolled out, and small circles are cut out using a cookie cutter.
Finally, they are placed in the air fryer, where they are cooked until golden and crispy.
Tips For Making Perfect Air Fryer Katarzynki Polish Gingerbread
To ensure your Air fryer Katarzynki turns out beautifully every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Chilled Dough: Refrigerate the dough before rolling and cutting to ensure it is easier to handle and maintains its shape during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked exterior.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Before cooking, brush the Katarzynki with an egg wash to enhance their golden colour and add a glossy finish.
Air Fryer Katarzynki Polish Gingerbread Recipe
Ingredients
Makes approx 30 depending on size and thickness
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yoghurt
- 1 1/2 tsp gingerbread spice
- 630g plain flour
- 2 tbsp water
- 125g white or brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 75g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 12 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
How To Make Air Fryer Polish Gingerbread
- Place the honey into a saucepan and heat until nearly boiling. Add the butter, water, sugar and gingerbread spice. Stir well then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, beaten egg and baking powder. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are combined.
- Once the honey has cooled pour in the flour mixture. Mix well to form a dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for a minute or two until it becomes smooth and well combined.
- Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles can vary depending on your preference, but aim for around 7.5cm in diameter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 10 minutes.
- Brush each one with water.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Dust with icing sugar for a finishing touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Air fryer Katarzynki!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Air fryer Katarzynki difficult to make?
While they require a bit of preparation, Air Fryer Katarzynki are relatively simple to make and worth the effort.
Making gluten-free Katarzynki?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the regular flour in the recipe to make gluten-free Katarzynki.
Using different shapes for Katarzynki?
Absolutely! While the traditional shape is circular, feel free to get creative and try different shapes using cookie cutters.
Storing leftover Katarzynki?
You can store leftover Katarzynki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating Katarzynki in the air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Can You Freeze Katarzynki?
Once cooked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in the air fryer or oven when desired.
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Air Fryer Polish Chocolate Cake (Ciasto Czekoladowe)
What is Air Fryer Polish Chocolate Cake?
Chocolate Cake, or “Ciasto Czekoladowe”, is a mouthwatering Polish dessert enjoyed by generations in Poland.
It is a rich and decadent chocolate cake that is truly delicious with its moist texture and indulgent flavour.
This recipe includes these ingredients: plain flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Ingredients
- 225g plain flour
- 300g granulated sugar
- 75g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 240ml buttermilk
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 240 ml boiling water
Substitutes For Buttermilk
No buttermilk? Here are two easy substitutes that will achieve a similar effect in your Polish chocolate cake:
- Milk and Lemon Juice/Vinegar: Take 240 ml of milk (whole or 2%) and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar will curdle the milk slightly, mimicking the tangy flavour of buttermilk.
- Yoghurt: If you have plain yoghurt in your fridge, you can use it as a substitute for buttermilk. Simply measure out 240 ml of yoghurt and whisk it until smooth. It will add a creamy texture and a subtle tang to your cake.
Both substitutes will work in your Polish Chocolate Cake recipe. They’ll provide the moisture and tanginess of buttermilk.
How To Make Air Fryer Polish Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C / 360°F.
- Prepare a round or square cake tin (depending on the dimensions of your air fryer basket) by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper/greaseproof paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until combined.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed or a whisk with a hand whisk until the batter is smooth.
- Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin, but that’s expected.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated air fryer and air fry for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Once done, carefully remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Pro Tip: If the top of the cake is browning too quickly place a piece of foil over it.
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Frosting Ideas
Here are a couple of frosting ideas you can consider:
- Chocolate Ganache: A velvety chocolate ganache is a classic choice for Polish Chocolate Cake. Made by melting chocolate and combining it with warm cream, ganache creates a smooth and glossy coating that adds an extra layer of indulgence to your cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you enjoy a tangy and creamy frosting, cream cheese frosting is a fantastic option. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this velvety frosting complements the richness of the chocolate cake.
- Whipped Cream: A simple whipped cream topping can be a good choice. Lightly sweetened and whipped, it adds a fluffy and airy texture to the cake.
Remember, frosting is all about personal preference, so feel free to explore other options or even get creative with your unique twist.
How Do I Make Chocolate Ganache?
Ingredients
- 200 grams of dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 200 ml double cream
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl, add the finely chopped chocolate. Make sure the chocolate pieces are small and even for easier melting.
- In a small saucepan, heat the double cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Don’t boil it, get it hot enough to melt the chocolate.
- Once the cream is hot, pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir to ensure all the chocolate is covered.
- Let the mixture sit for two minutes, allowing the hot cream to melt the chocolate.
- After a couple of minutes, whisk the mixture. Use slow and steady motions until the cream and chocolate are combined and smooth.
- Keep whisking until you have a glossy and velvety ganache. It should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the cake.
- If you prefer a thicker ganache, let it sit at room temperature until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want a thinner ganache, warm it in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between.
Now you’re ready to pour or spread your homemade chocolate ganache over your air fryer Polish chocolate cake.
Let it drizzle down the sides, create beautiful swirls, or simply frost the entire cake.
The ganache will set as it cools, creating a deliciously rich and smooth topping.
How Do I Make Cream Cheese Frosting?
This recipe will be sufficient to cover the top of the cake and fill it inside.
Ingredients
- 300g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature (Philadelphia or Aldi’s brand)
- 150g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 150g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Use the cream cheese and butter at room temperature. It will be easier to blend smoothly.
- In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat until creamy and well combined. You want to achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps.
- Gradually add the icing sugar to the bowl, about 50 grams at a time. Beat the mixture after each addition until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract. Mix until combined to a smooth and creamy texture.
- Taste the frosting, prefer it sweeter add more icing sugar until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- Once the cream cheese frosting is ready, it’s time to frost your Polish chocolate cake. Use a spatula or a piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting onto the cake.
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Air Fryer Polish Chocolate Cake Variations
While the traditional Polish Chocolate Cake is delicious on its own, you can get creative and add your personal touch.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Raspberry Twist: Spread a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a teaspoon of mint extract into the batter and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water for a subtle coffee flavour.
- Nutty Indulgence: Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, on top of the frosting for extra crunch.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Serve the cake as a standalone dessert or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw before serving.
Air Fryer Baking Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make your Air Fryer Polish Chocolate Cake healthier, here are a few substitutions you can try:
- Wholewheat Flour: Replace some or all the plain flour with wholewheat flour for added fibre.
- Natural Sweeteners: Use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute some of the oil with Greek yoghurt to reduce the overall fat content.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage to increase the antioxidants in the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
You can. However, remember to adjust the baking powder and salt amounts accordingly.
Can I use a different-sized cake pan?
You can use a different size, but the baking time may vary. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
The recipe can be adapted to make delicious chocolate cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use a different flavour of frosting?
Feel free to explore different frosting flavours such as cream cheese, peanut butter, or even a classic buttercream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Ensure that your air fryer can accommodate the increased quantity.
