Description
A practical and affectionate recipe for making dulce de leche in an air fryer, perfect for busy households. This quick and safe method transforms condensed milk into a creamy, golden, and authentic sweet treat, reminiscent of homemade goodness, becoming a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 unit (395g) Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Can: First, ensure the condensed milk can is label-free. Completely remove any paper or glue from the packaging to prevent it from burning in the air fryer. If using a carton, transfer the contents to a refractory pot or ceramic bowl that is safe for the air fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking
- Position the Can (or Pot): Carefully place the condensed milk can (or the pot with condensed milk from the carton) inside the air fryer basket. Ensure it is stable. No water or covering is needed
- Cook: Bake the can (or pot) at 180°C for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time varies depending on your air fryer’s power and your desired consistency. For a lighter and creamier dulce de leche, 30 minutes may be sufficient. For a darker and richer dulce de leche, cook up to 45 minutes
- Flip the Can (Optional, but Recommended): For even more uniform cooking, flip the can halfway through the cooking time (e.g., at 20 minutes). Use an oven mitt and extreme caution, as the can will be very hot
- Cool Completely: After cooking, remove the can (or pot) from the air fryer. It is vital to let the dulce de leche cool completely before opening. The can will be under pressure and the contents very hot. Let it cool for at least 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or until warm. To speed up cooling, you can place it in a bowl with cold water (be careful not to submerge the entire can, only the base)
- Open and Enjoy: Once cool, carefully open the can. Your air fryer dulce de leche is ready to be enjoyed. Stir well to unify the consistency and serve!
Notes
Maintain a constant air fryer temperature; fluctuations can affect uniform cooking.
Do not open the can before it has completely cooled; this is crucial for safety and the final texture.
Adjust cooking time for desired consistency: less time for a lighter, more liquid dulce de leche; more time for a darker, firmer one, always within the recommended range.
If you prefer not to use the can, transfer the condensed milk to a ceramic or refractory glass pot (cook without the lid) for the same result.
Ensure your air fryer is clean to prevent unwanted smells or flavors, especially if any label residue might burn.
Each air fryer has its specificities; monitor the cooking time on your first attempt and adjust as needed, noting what works best for you.
For storage, transfer the dulce de leche from the can to an airtight glass container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent odor absorption.
To reheat, if the dulce de leche becomes too firm in the fridge, gently warm the desired amount in a small pot in the microwave on low power for 15-30 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds, or use a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly. Avoid reheating the original can.
For a lower-sugar option, use diet condensed milk; cooking time may vary slightly, so monitor color and consistency.
For a gourmet touch, add a pinch of cinnamon powder or a vanilla bean (cut in half and placed inside the can) to the condensed milk before air frying.
For a tropical variation, mix shredded coconut (dry or fresh) into the ready-made dulce de leche.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian