ADVERTISEMENT
For the Flan:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Neapolitan Layers:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for the chocolate layer)
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (for the strawberry layer, see instructions below)
For the Caramel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Start by making the caramel for your flan. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to simmer. Continue cooking until it turns a rich golden brown color. Be careful, as it can burn quickly!
Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it into the bottom of your baking dish or individual ramekins. Tilt the dish to ensure the caramel covers the base evenly. Set the caramel aside to cool and harden while you prepare the flan mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Flan Base
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking until smooth. This will form your base flan mixture.
Step 3: Create the Neapolitan Layers
To create the Neapolitan effect, divide the flan mixture into three separate bowls.
- Vanilla Layer: Leave one bowl as-is to serve as your vanilla flan base.
- Chocolate Layer: To the second bowl, add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined. You’ll now have your chocolate flan mixture.
- Strawberry Layer: To the third bowl, add the strawberry puree and stir until smooth. If you don’t have strawberry puree, you can blend fresh or frozen strawberries into a puree and use that for the layer.
Step 4: Layer the Flan
Now that you’ve prepared the three different layers, it’s time to layer them into your prepared baking dish or ramekins.
- Start by pouring the vanilla mixture into the bottom of the dish or ramekin until it’s about a third full.
- Next, carefully spoon the chocolate mixture over the vanilla layer.
- Finally, add the strawberry layer on top of the chocolate.
You can use a spoon to gently swirl the layers together slightly, but be careful not to mix them too much. The aim is to keep the layers distinct to showcase the Neapolitan colors and flavors.
Step 5: Cooking the Flan in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Carefully place the ramekins or baking dish into the air fryer basket. Air fry the flan for 20-25 minutes. The flan should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check the flan at the 20-minute mark and adjust the time accordingly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the flan is cooked, allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling the flan helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the dish.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekin or baking dish to loosen the flan. Invert the flan onto a plate, allowing the caramel to flow over the top as a rich sauce. The caramel will melt and drizzle down the sides of the flan, adding to the sweet, indulgent experience.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Neapolitan Flan:
- Quick and Easy: Using the air fryer dramatically reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven methods. You can have a delicious, creamy flan ready in just under an hour (plus chilling time).
- Neapolitan Flavor: This dessert is a delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, just like the classic ice cream, but in a smooth, creamy flan form.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can add fruit purees, flavor extracts, or even a hint of liqueur to the layers to create your unique variation of this flan.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special event, this Neapolitan Flan is a visually stunning and delicious treat that will wow your guests.
- Air Fryer Convenience: The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making flan. It allows you to get that perfect, creamy texture without heating up the entire kitchen with an oven. Plus, it’s a faster method that still delivers amazing results.
Final Thoughts:
This Neapolitan Flan in an Air Fryer combines the best of both worlds—classic dessert flavors and the modern convenience of the air fryer. With its smooth, velvety texture and the perfect balance of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned flan maker or a newcomer to the world of custard-based desserts, this recipe will impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
So, fire up your air fryer and treat yourself to this indulgent yet easy-to-make Neapolitan Flan!
