Oh my goodness, you have to try this air fryer chocolate marshmallow fudge! I stumbled upon this magical combo last Christmas when I needed a quick dessert for unexpected guests. Five ingredients, zero oven time, and that irresistible chocolate-marshmallow swirl? Yes please! What I love most is how the air fryer gives it that perfect slightly crisp top while keeping the center gloriously gooey. It’s become my go-to treat for potlucks, movie nights, and those “I need chocolate NOW” emergencies. Trust me, once you taste how the marshmallows get all toasty and melty in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to regular fudge again!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Let me count the ways this fudge will steal your heart:
- It’s ready faster than you can say “dessert emergency” – we’re talking 15 minutes start to finish!
- No oven means no sweating over a hot stove (perfect for summer cravings).
- The marshmallows toast just enough in the air fryer, giving you pockets of melty goodness.
- Five simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- That magical combo of rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow? Absolute perfection.
Seriously, I’ve made this three times this week – it’s that addictive!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need five simple ingredients to make this magical fudge happen! I’ve learned through trial and error (mostly error) that quality matters here, so don’t skimp on the good stuff.
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – I always use name-brand here because cheaper ones sometimes don’t melt smoothly. Trust me, it’s worth the extra dollar!
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – Not evaporated milk! That sticky-sweet condensed milk is what gives our fudge that perfect creamy texture.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows – The minis distribute better than big ones, and they hold their shape when folded in. Fresh ones work best – check that they’re not sticking together!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference. That imitation stuff just won’t give you the same depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch! This little secret balances all that sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
See? Nothing fancy, just pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these trusty tools before you start – I promise it’s nothing fancy!
- 8×8-inch baking pan – Metal works best for even heating
- Parchment paper – Lifesaver for easy fudge removal
- Microwave-safe bowl – Glass is my go-to
- Silicone spatula – For that perfect smooth mixing
- Air fryer – Any size works as long as your pan fits
That’s it! No special gadgets needed for this magical fudge.
How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! I’ll walk you through each step – it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this every week. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have fudge that’ll make everyone think you’re a pastry chef!
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First things first – let’s get our pan ready. Grab that 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This isn’t just for looks – it’s your golden ticket to perfect fudge removal later! I like to crumple the parchment first then smooth it out – helps it stay put better. Trust me, you’ll thank me when your fudge pops out in one beautiful slab!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Now for the fun part! Combine your chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in that microwave-safe bowl. Here’s my secret: microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. Don’t try to rush this – chocolate burns easily! It usually takes me about 2 minutes total. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s glossy and smooth like melted chocolate silk. Stir in that vanilla and salt – this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Fold in Marshmallows
Here comes the star of the show! Gently fold in those mini marshmallows with a silicone spatula. The key word here is GENTLY – we want them to stay whole for those perfect melty pockets. I usually do this in two batches to make sure they’re evenly distributed. The mixture will thicken as it cools slightly – that’s perfect! Now pour it into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 4: Air Fry the Fudge
Time for the air fryer to work its magic! Carefully place your pan in the air fryer basket (it’s okay if it’s snug). Set it to 300°F for exactly 5 minutes – set a timer! This gives the marshmallows that perfect light toast without melting them completely. When it’s done, you’ll see the top looking slightly crisp with marshmallows peeking through. Let it cool completely at room temperature – about 2 hours – before cutting. I know waiting is hard, but it’s worth it for clean slices! If you are looking for other fun air fryer desserts, check out this air fryer apple crumble cups recipe!
See? Easier than you thought, right? Now comes the hardest part – waiting for it to cool before digging in!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
After making this fudge more times than I can count (okay fine, at least twice a week), here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Chill for clean cuts – Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes if you want picture-perfect squares
- Fresh marshmallows matter – Stale ones won’t give you those dreamy melty pockets
- Fold, don’t stir – Be gentle to keep marshmallows intact
- Watch the clock – Even 1 extra minute in the air fryer can melt your marshmallows completely
- Room temp is key – Letting it cool completely prevents a gooey mess when cutting
Follow these, and you’ll have fudge that looks as good as it tastes!
Variations for Air Fryer Fudge
Oh, the possibilities! This recipe is like a blank canvas for your wildest fudge dreams. My favorite twist? Swirling in a big spoonful of peanut butter before air frying – it makes the most heavenly ripples. Crushed peppermint candies turn it into holiday magic, and tossing in some chopped pecans gives that perfect crunch. For my vegan friends, just swap in dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows – works like a charm! Cookie lovers, try folding in crushed graham crackers or Oreos. Honestly, I’ve never met a mix-in this fudge didn’t love. For another great holiday treat idea, try these air fryer pecan pie bars!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Okay, here’s the hardest part – you’ve gotta let this beauty cool completely before cutting! I know, I know, the smell is intoxicating and you just want to dive right in. But trust me, waiting those 2 hours at room temperature means you’ll get clean, perfect squares instead of a gooey mess. Pro tip: if you’re in a real hurry, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to speed things up.
When it’s time to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (wipe it dry between cuts) for those picture-perfect slices. I love cutting mine into 16 generous squares – though let’s be real, I usually end up eating half the pan myself! Understanding the science behind melting chocolate can help prevent issues; for more on that, you can check out resources on candy making science.
Now for storage – this fudge keeps beautifully! At room temperature in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for about a week (if it lasts that long). The marshmallows might lose some of their toastiness after a couple days, but the flavor just gets richer. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks – just let it come to room temp before serving so the texture stays perfect.
Want to revive that just-made freshness? A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that melty magic. Or if you’re feeling fancy, pop a piece back in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 minute – it’ll give the marshmallows a second toast!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know you might be curious about what you’re indulging in with this heavenly fudge! Keep in mind these numbers are estimates – they’ll vary depending on your exact ingredients (like if you use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet).
Per generous 1-square serving (about 2×2 inches):
- Calories: 210 (worth every single one!)
- Fat: 10g (6g saturated – hello, chocolate goodness)
- Sugar: 25g (it is fudge after all)
- Sodium: 45mg
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g (thanks, chocolate!)
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these are rough estimates – your numbers might be slightly different based on the brands you use. But let’s be honest, when you’re biting into that perfect chocolate-marshmallow combo, the numbers hardly matter! Everything in moderation, right? (Though good luck stopping at just one square… I never can!)
FAQs About Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
I’ve gotten so many questions about this fudge from friends and family (and okay, from myself during my many test batches). Here are the answers to everything you might wonder:
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
You can, but cut them into quarters first! The big marshmallows will melt too much in the air fryer. The minis give you those perfect little pockets of gooey goodness throughout the fudge.
Why did my fudge turn out grainy?
Ah, the dreaded graininess! This usually happens if the chocolate got too hot while melting. Always microwave in short bursts and stir well between each one. And never skip the salt – it helps prevent that gritty texture!
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just skip the air frying step – the fudge will still set up nicely in the fridge. You won’t get that lightly toasted marshmallow top, but it’ll still taste amazing. Or pop it under the broiler for 1 minute if you’re feeling adventurous! If you’re interested in other ways to use your appliance, check out this air fryer roast chicken recipe.
How do I know when the fudge is done in the air fryer?
Set that timer for exactly 5 minutes at 300°F – no peeking! When it’s done, you’ll see the marshmallows peeking through the surface looking slightly golden. They should still hold their shape, not melt completely.
Can I freeze this fudge?
You bet! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour when cravings strike. The texture stays perfect!
Got more questions? Just ask! I’ve probably made every mistake possible with this recipe, so I’ve got solutions for just about anything that might come up.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite quick dessert that never fails to impress! I’d love to hear how your air fryer chocolate marshmallow fudge turns out. Tag me when you make it – I promise I’ll drool over your photos while eating my own batch! For another easy air fryer treat, consider these air fryer burrata bomb recipe.
Print
5-Ingredient Air Fryer Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make easy air fryer chocolate marshmallow fudge with simple ingredients. This no-bake dessert is quick and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Fold in mini marshmallows.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Place pan in air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Remove and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For firmer fudge, refrigerate before cutting.
- Add nuts or crushed cookies for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: air fryer fudge, chocolate marshmallow fudge, easy dessert, no-bake fudge