Fried Ice Cream

Let’s talk fried ice cream, but not your usual deep-fried affair. I’ve got a killer recipe that lets you choose: go traditional with oil or keep it crisp and less guilty in an air fryer. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself, this dessert is a game-changer. Who knew you could whip up something this indulgent right at home? Spoiler: You totally can, and it’s easier than you think!

Serve this with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch!

Top down image showing an off white bowl with a round ball of ice cream that has been covered in broken cereal. The bowl is on a wooden cutting board with a teal napkin


 

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe

  • Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are a dream when it comes to cleaning. Say goodbye to splattered oil and hello to a quick wipe-down.
  • Safety First: No hot oil means less risk of burns or accidents in the kitchen. Especially great if you’re cooking with kids.
  • Convenience: Air fryers heat up fast and have consistent temperatures, making it easier to get that perfect golden shell.

Let’s recreate one of my favorite childhood treats- fried ice cream. This recipe is seriously so delicious and perfect for any and all occasions, especially Cinco De Mayo. It’s one I grew up loving and making with my grandma every year and have mastered.

The difference between mine and hers? I make mine in the air fryer! It’s less messy, you still get that beautiful golden brown finish, and it is DELICIOUS. The combination of vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and crunchy cereal topping is unbeatable. Although, I did include the classic fried version for you too!

close up image showing the inside of a rectangle ice cream carton with a scoop being scooped out
two ice cream balls sitting on a small piece of parchment paper on top of a golden baking tray

Ingredients You Need

This land firmly in the 5 Ingredients or less category! You only need a handful of items which makes it a go-to when you want a really delicious treat!

  • Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream gives you the absolute perfect base, but not all ice cream is equal. Pick a good quality option. We like Tillamook and surprisingly the Great Value or Kroger brand.
  • Egg whites: These are used to hold the cereal topping in place.
  • Cereal: You have so much wiggle room here. I like the classic crunch you get with Corn Flakes, but you can up the flavor by using Cinnamon Toast Crunch, crushed graham crackers, or even rice krispies!
  • Cinnamon: It’s sweet, but not sugary-sweet. Instead, it offers a subtle spiciness that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the ice cream.
  • Toppings: Optional, but adding hot fudge, a caramel drizzle, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, or even a little toasted coconut takes this from good to great!
close up image of a rectangle glass dish filled with broken cereal pieces with a scoop of vanilla ice cream right in the middle
close up image of a rectangle glass dish filled with broken cereal pieces with a scoop of vanilla ice cream right in the middle coated in the pieces

How To Make Fried Ice Cream

  1. Scoop It Up: Begin by scooping the vanilla ice cream into round, baseball sized balls. Use a standard ice cream scooper for this – it’s just like making ice cream cones!
  2. Chill Out: Place the ice cream scoops on a baking sheet (make sure it fits in your freezer!). Then, place in the freezer to harden for about an hour. This step is crucial for keeping them solid during the frying process.
  3. Crumby Mix: While the ice cream is chilling, place the cornflakes and cinnamon into a blender and pulse until you get a crumbly mix. Think of it as making a crunchy coat for your ice cream.
  4. Double Dip: Once the ice cream is solid, take each ice cream ball from the tray and dip in egg whites followed by a roll in the cornflake mix. Make sure to coat well.
  5. Freeze Again: Once covered in the mix, the ice cream balls need another freezing session. Pop them back into the freezer for at least an hour, but ideally leaving them overnight really firms them up for the best texture post-air frying.
  6. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Place the ice cream balls, no more than two at a time, on a small piece of parchment paper (cut to size to prevent burning). Then, air fry them for just 2 minutes. Watch them closely; they cook fast!

And voilà! You’ve just made a culinary marvel. Enjoy your crispy, warm-coated, yet cold-centered fried ice cream! Perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Helpful Tools

For whipping up some delicious fried ice cream, having the right tools on hand can turn your kitchen into a dessert-making haven! Here’s a list of handy helpers:

  • Ice Cream Scoop: To get perfectly rounded balls of ice cream. Size matters here – not too big, not too small.
  • Baking Sheet: Essential for freezing the ice cream balls before frying. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Air Fryer or Deep Fryer: Depending on your method, a good quality air fryer for a healthier version, or a deep fryer for the classic approach.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely placing in and retrieving the ice cream from the fryer. It’s all about keeping those fingers burn-free!
top down image showing the inside of an air fryer basket with a ball of ice cream covered in cereal pieces sitting on a piece of parchment paper

Deep Fried Ice Cream

No air fryer? No problem! You can actually deep fry this ice cream and here’s how: Follow the instructions through the second chill of the ice cream balls then move to the steps below.

  1. Choose Your Pot: Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer.
  2. Fill ‘Er Up: Pour in a neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches. You need enough oil so the ice cream balls can float without touching the bottom.
  3. Heat It Right: Heat the oil to around 375°F (190°C). This temperature is key to ensuring the ice cream doesn’t melt inside before the coating gets crispy.
  4. Fry Away: Fry each ice cream ball for 10 seconds per side, or until the cereal coating is golden brown. Serve immediately.
Top down image showing an off white bowl with a round ball of ice cream that has been covered in broken cereal. The bowl is on a wooden cutting board with a teal napkin

Expert Recipe Tips:

Here are some expert tips to elevate your recipe from “pretty good” to “mind-blowingly amazing”:

  • The Freezer is Your Friend: Make sure your ice cream balls are super frozen – like, Arctic-level frozen. This helps them maintain their shape when they hit the hot oil or air fryer.
  • Double Dip for Extra Crunch: A double layer of coating ensures a crispy outer shell and better insulation for the ice cream. Dip in egg, then cereal crumbs, freeze, and repeat!
  • Serve Immediately: Fried ice cream waits for no one! Serve it as soon as it’s done for that perfect contrast of hot and cold.
  • Personalize Your Toppings: Go beyond the recipe and get creative with toppings. Think outside the box – maybe some salted caramel or even a dash of chili powder for a surprise element.
Top down image showing an off white bowl with a round ball of ice cream that has been covered in broken cereal, whipped cream, and cherries with a bite on a spoon. The bowl is on a wooden cutting board with a teal napkin

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the ice cream balls in advance for air frying?

Yes. You can prep the ice cream balls and freeze them. Just hold off on frying or air frying until you’re ready to serve for that perfect crispness.

How long should I freeze the ice cream before air frying?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is best. You want the ice cream rock solid to prevent melting during air frying.

Can I use something other than cereal for the coating?

Absolutely! Crushed cookies, nuts, or even pretzels can be used for a unique twist.

How can I make my fried ice cream extra crunchy?

Double coat the ice cream: dip in egg and crumbs, freeze, and then dip again just before frying.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps to cook the ice cream evenly and quickly, which is crucial for keeping the inside frozen.

Top down image showing an off white bowl with a round ball of ice cream that has been covered in broken cereal, whipped cream, and cherries with a bite on a spoon. The bowl is on a wooden cutting board with a teal napkin

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5 from 1 vote

Cereal Fried Ice Cream

Author Jesseca
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 2 hours 21 minutes
Serves: 6 servings
This easy fried ice cream recipe gets a bonus flavor boost thanks to your favorite cereal! Easy to make and a fun way to serve ice cream.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 2 cups corn flakes (or your favorite cereal)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 large egg whites (whisked until foamy)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by scooping the vanilla ice cream into round, baseball sized balls. Use a standard ice cream scooper for this – it’s just like making ice cream cones!
  • Place the ice cream scoops on a baking sheet and place in the freezer to harden for about an hour.
  • While the ice cream is chilling, place the cornflakes and cinnamon into a blender and pulse until you get a crumbly mix.  Transfer to a shallow bowl.
  • Once the ice cream is solid, take each ice cream ball from the tray and dip in egg whites followed by a roll in the cornflake mix. Make sure to coat well.
  • Pop them back into the freezer for at least an hour, but ideally leaving them overnight really firms them up for the best texture post-air frying.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  • Place the ice cream balls, no more than two at a time, on a small piece of parchment paper (cut to size to prevent burning). Then, air fry them for just 2 minutes. Watch them closely; they cook fast!
  • Serve immediately with your favorite toppings

Notes

Deep Frying Instructions
  1. Follow Through Step 5.
  2. Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer.
  3. Pour in a neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches. You need enough oil so the ice cream balls can float without touching the bottom.
  4. Heat the oil to around 375°F (190°C). This temperature is key to ensuring the ice cream doesn’t melt inside before the coating gets crispy.
  5. Fry each ice cream ball for 10 seconds per side, or until the cereal coating is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 305gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 268gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11g

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Desserts
Cuisine Mexican

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