Nothing says “holidays” like a classic Yule log, but who has time for fussy oven baking? I’m obsessed with making these adorable Air Fryer Yule Log (Mini Versions) – they’ve become my go-to holiday dessert. Imagine pulling golden-brown chocolate spirals from your air fryer in minutes, each one perfectly portioned for gifting or snacking. My grandmother would’ve loved how this modern twist keeps all the cozy tradition while cutting the kitchen time in half!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Yule Logs
Trust me, these mini Yule logs will become your new holiday obsession! Here’s why:
- Crazy fast: Done in under 30 minutes—faster than preheating my oven!
- Portion perfection: No more fighting over slices—everyone gets their own adorable log.
- Air fryer magic: That crispy exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth center? Yes please!
- Festive wow factor: The chocolate swirls look fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.
I make these on repeat from December first through New Year’s—they disappear every time!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Yule Logs
Gather these simple ingredients—measured just right—for mini Yule logs that taste like holiday magic. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that precision matters here!
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup spooned and leveled all-purpose flour (don’t pack it!)
- ½ cup sifted cocoa powder (I use Dutch-process for that deep chocolate flavor)
- 1 tsp baking powder (check it’s fresh—mine gets lumpy after 6 months)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt (skip the coarse stuff—it won’t blend properly)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs at room temperature (cold eggs don’t whip as fluffy!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (measure then sift if lumpy)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (imitation just won’t give the same depth)
Plus the goodies for assembly: heavy cream, powdered sugar, and that luscious ganache we’ll get to later. Hold off on substitutions for now—I’ll share my favorite tweaks in the variations section!
How to Make Air Fryer Yule Logs
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps for perfect mini Yule logs every time—I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to.
- Preheat that air fryer! Crank it to 320°F (160°C) while you mix—this isn’t like those “preheat optional” recipes. Trust me, cold starts lead to sad, flat logs.
- Whisk dry ingredients together like you mean it—I use a fine mesh strainer to sift the cocoa powder right into the bowl. No one wants lumpy batter!
- Beat eggs and sugar until they’re pale and ribbony (about 3 minutes with my hand mixer). This is your volume secret—don’t rush it! Add vanilla when it’s fluffy.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients with a spatula in three batches. Stop when you stop seeing flour streaks—overmixing makes tough logs.
- Pour into lined air fryer basket (parchment paper is your best friend here) and smooth the top. Don’t overfill—leave at least 1 inch at the top so it can rise!
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until the top springs back when touched. Toothpick test works too—just a few moist crumbs is perfect.
Rolling the Mini Logs
Here’s my trick: let the cake cool just enough to handle (about 5 minutes), but roll it while still warm. Use the parchment paper to help—roll it up like a yoga mat, paper and all! This prevents cracks better than any technique I’ve tried.
Adding the Ganache
Timing is everything! Drizzle that glossy ganache while the rolled cake is still slightly warm—it’ll soak in just enough to stay put but won’t make your whipped cream melt. Perfection!
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Yule Logs
After burning my share of logs (oops!), here are my hard-won secrets for air fryer success:
- Toothpick test twice: Check at 10 minutes—if clean, pull it! Overbaking kills the moisture.
- Chill before slicing: 30 minutes in the fridge firms up the swirls for picture-perfect cuts.
- Know your air fryer: Mine runs hot—I reduce time by 2 minutes. Yours might need extra!
- Parchment paper hack: Leave overhang on the sides to lift logs out without breakage.
These little tweaks took my Yule logs from “meh” to “more please!”
Variations for Air Fryer Yule Logs
Let’s get creative! These mini Yule logs are like a blank canvas for holiday flavors. My favorite twists? A teaspoon of peppermint extract in the batter makes them taste like Christmas morning. Or try orange zest in the whipped cream—that citrus-chocolate combo is *chef’s kiss*.
Need dairy-free? Swap in coconut cream for the heavy whipping cream—just chill it overnight first. And for my coffee-loving friends, a tablespoon of espresso powder in the dry ingredients takes these from sweet to sophisticated. The best part? You can make a few different batches in one air fryer session—holiday variety without the hassle!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Yule Logs
For that bakery-worthy finish, dust your mini Yule logs with powdered sugar right before serving—it looks like freshly fallen snow! These keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long). Want to revive leftovers? A quick 10-second blast in the air fryer brings back that just-baked warmth. Pro tip: Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to protect those pretty swirls!
FAQ About Air Fryer Yule Logs
Can I make these mini Yule logs ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they might be even better. You can assemble them completely, then chill overnight in the fridge. The flavors really meld together, and the cake stays incredibly moist. Just add your ganache drizzle right before serving so it stays glossy.
What if I don’t have the right pan for my air fryer?
Stick to oven-safe pans that fit with space for air to circulate. I’ve tried a small round cake pan in a pinch, but you’ll need to adjust the time since it’s thicker. Honestly, the parchment paper method directly in the basket works best for that classic roll shape!
How do I keep my Yule logs from getting dry?
Don’t overbake—that’s the number one rule! Pull them when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs. Also, roll while still warm—it traps steam inside. And please, for the love of chocolate, don’t skip the whipped cream layer. It’s your moisture insurance policy.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know—these numbers are estimates (my heavy cream pour isn’t always exact!). Each mini Yule log clocks in at about 280 calories, with 12g fat and 38g carbs. Nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients and how generous you are with that ganache drizzle!
Final Thoughts
Now go make some holiday magic—and tag me @MyKitchenChronicles so I can see your gorgeous Yule log creations! For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest boards.
Print
30-Minute Air Fryer Yule Log Mini Magic is Unmissable
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 mini logs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make a delicious mini Yule log in your air fryer for a festive treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add vanilla.
- Fold in the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a lined air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Let it cool, then roll tightly.
- Whip cream and powdered sugar, then spread over the cake.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache and serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Chill before serving for better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: French