How To Make Classic Greek Desserts With An Air Fryer

Greek desserts have a reputation for their indulgent flavours and traditional recipes.

From syrup-soaked pastries to dough balls, these desserts are loved not only in Greece but also around the world.

With their exotic ingredients like honey, filo pastry, and aromatic spices.

Greek desserts are incredibly delicious and will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Greece at a glance.

Traditional Greek Desserts

1. Baklava: Baklava is a popular Greek pastry made of layers of filo pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup. The layers of crispy pastry, nutty filling, and syrup create a delicious dessert.
2. Loukoumades: (Greek Honey Balls) Loukoumades are bite-sized deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. These fluffy treats are perfect for enjoying with friends and family.
3. Portokalopita: (Greek Orange Cake) is a lovely cake soaked in orange syrup. It is cooked until golden and crispy, resulting in a beautiful dessert that tastes amazing.

Tips for Air Frying Greek Desserts

• Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
• Brush the desserts with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter to enhance the crispiness.
• Place the desserts in a single layer, leaving some space for air circulation.
• Monitor the cooking time carefully, as desserts may cook faster in an air fryer compared to traditional methods.
• Experiment with different toppings and glazes to add variety to your Greek desserts.

Air Fryer Baklava Recipe

These air fryer baklava pieces are sweet, nutty, and flaky.

The air fryer makes the filo pastry crispy and golden brown, while the nutty filling adds a lovely crunch.

The honey syrup adds a touch of sweetness and makes the baklava extra moist.

The most commonly used nuts in baklava are walnuts, pistachios, and almonds.

The filo pastry is brushed with melted butter between the layers to keep them crispy and crunchy. 

Variations Of Air Fryer Baklava

There are many variations of baklava, including chocolate, coconut, and fruit-filled baklava.

This is a classic Greek dessert perfect for any occasion, so give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Ingredients

• 1 packet filo pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 375g unsalted butter, melted
• 380g chopped walnuts
• 100g sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 170g honey
• 118 ml water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick

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How To Make Air Fryer Baklava

1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 360°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Brush the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or tin (suitable for your air fryer) with melted butter.
4. Layer 2 sheets of pastry in the baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
5. Add a layer of the walnut mixture on top of the pastry.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the pastry and walnut mixture has been used, ending with a layer of pastry brushed with melted butter.
7. Cut the baklava into small diamond-shaped pieces using a sharp knife.
8. Place the baklava in the air fryer basket.
9. Air fry the baklava at 180°C / 360°F for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
10. While the baklava is air frying, make the syrup.
11. In a small saucepan, heat the honey, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens.
12. Once the baklava is done, remove it from the air fryer and pour the syrup over the top, making sure to cover all the pieces.
13. Let the baklava cool completely before serving.

Storing Baklava

If you have leftover baklava it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

It’s best to separate individual pieces with greaseproof paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you live in a warm or humid climate, storing it in the refrigerator might be a better option to prevent spoilage.

Freezing Baklava

To freeze the baklava, make sure it has cooled completely. Then, wrap individual pieces or the entire tin tightly in cling film or aluminium foil.

Place the wrapped baklava in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and label it with the date. Frozen baklava can be stored for up to three months.

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Air Fryer Yeast Free Loukoumades -Greek Honey Balls

These golden, bite-sized dough balls are cooked to perfection and then drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon, or topped with crushed walnuts or sesame seeds.

These small, round pastries were offered as sacred food to the gods during religious ceremonies and festivals.

This recipe is yeast-free. The texture will be slightly chewy but still delicious.

Ingredients

Makes approx 16 depending on size.

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 210g authentic Greek yoghurt
• Cooking spray

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How To Make Yeast-Free Air Fryer Loukoumades

Mix the yoghurt, flour, vanilla extract and sugar in a bowl.

Knead with your hands until all ingredients are fully combined.

Tear off pieces of the dough and form ball shapes.

Preheat your air fryer to 170 C / 350 F for 5 minutes.

Once preheated carefully line your air fryer basket with greaseproof paper. ( I would suggest doing this after the air fryer has preheated as the paper may fly around as not weighted down.)

Place the dough balls into the basket making sure they do not overlap.

Brush or spray the dough balls with oil.

Air fry the dough balls for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Turn halfway through cooking time.

While still warm, drizzle the Loukoumades generously with honey and sprinkle them with ground cinnamon.

Toppings and variations

Traditional Loukoumades are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, feel free to get creative with your toppings.

Try chocolate sauce, fruit puree, or even savoury options like tzatziki or aioli.

Are Air Fryer Loukoumades suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Air Fryer Loukoumades can be adapted to suit various dietary requirements.

Use alternatives such as sweeteners, gluten-free flour, or dairy-free toppings, you can create a version that meets your specific dietary needs.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Loukoumades?

Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Loukoumades.

Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month.

Layer with greaseproof paper if you have multiple layers of Loukoumades, to prevent sticking.

To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they become warm and crispy again.

Storage

1. Allow to cool completely. This helps prevent condensation and maintains its desired texture.
2. If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, then it can be stored at room temperature. Place the Loukoumades in the airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
3. Refrigerate for longer storage: If you have more leftovers or want to store the cake for a longer period, refrigeration is recommended. Wrap the Loukoumades tightly with cling film or transfer them to an airtight container before placing them in the refrigerator. The Loukoumades can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
4. When placing the Loukoumades in the container, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Thawing and Serving Frozen Loukoumades

1. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen Loukoumades, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight or for a few hours.
2. Once thawed, you can refresh the Loukoumades by heating them in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature to regain their crispness.

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Air Fryer Portokalopita -Greek Orange Cake

Are you looking for a delicious dessert recipe that combines the zesty flavours of oranges with the convenience of an air fryer?

Look no further! Below, you will learn how you can create this mouthwatering Greek Orange Cake in the comfort of your kitchen.

What is an Air Fryer Portokalopita (Greek Orange Cake)?

Air Fryer Greek Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich and tangy taste of oranges with a moist and tender cake.

This recipe takes this traditional cake and adapts it to the air fryer.

Traditional Air Fryer Portokalopita (Greek Orange Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

Syrup

• 400 ml sugar
• zest of 1 orange
• 400 ml water

Cake

• 200g low-fat yoghurt
• 300ml orange juice
• zest of 1 1/2 orange
• 300 ml sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 440g filo pastry
• 4 medium eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300ml olive oil

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How To Cook Air Fryer Greek Portokalopita (Orange Cake)

Unwrap the filo pastry sheets from their plastic sleeve and place them on a large surface.

Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or dry it out in the air fry at 150C / 300F for 5 minutes. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

To make the syrup for the Greek orange cake, start by combining water, sugar, and orange zest, in a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens. Set it aside to cool.

Preheat your air fryer to 150C/300C for 6 minutes.

While the syrup is cooling, prepare the cake batter.

In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs.

Whisk them until well combined.

Add the yoghurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk again until the ingredients are smooth and blended.

Finally, add baking powder and give it a light whisk.

Break the filo pastry into small pieces using your hands.

Gradually add them to the batter while whisking to prevent them from sticking together.

Using some oil brush the bottom and sides of a baking tray or tin suitable for your air fryer.

Pour the mixture into the tray or tin suitable for your air fryer and air fry at 150C/300C for 30-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and cooked through. To check if it’s ready, insert a knife into the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done

To finish the orange cake, pierce several holes in the cake and slowly pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake.

Let the cake sit for some time to absorb the syrup, then place it in the refrigerator.

Greek orange cake is best served cold to prevent it from crumbling. Enjoy it with a generous scoop of ice cream!

Air Frying Tips For Portokalopita (Greek Orange Cake)

• Make sure to preheat the air fryer before placing the cake inside.
• Keep an eye on the cake while baking to avoid overcooking. Every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your specific model.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin, it will help maintain its shape.

Storage And Freezing

If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Greek Orange Cake or want to prepare it in advance for a special occasion, it’s important to know how to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour.

Here are some tips for storing your cake:

1. Allow the cake to cool completely: Before storing the cake, make sure it has cooled down entirely. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a soggy texture.
2. Wrap the cake in cling film or place it in an airtight container: To protect the cake from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. This helps maintain its moisture and keeps it fresh.
3. Greek Orange Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to note that the cake may become denser and slightly drier after refrigeration, but it will still be delicious.
4. Freeze for longer storage: If you want to extend the storage time, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in cling film, followed by a layer of aluminium foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
5. Thawing and serving frozen cake: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain the cake’s moisture. Once thawed, bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavour.

It’s worth mentioning that while the cake can be stored and enjoyed later, it is at its prime when freshly baked.

The moistness and flavours are most vibrant soon after it comes out of the air fryer. Therefore, it’s recommended to eat the cake within a day or two for the best taste and texture.