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Air Fryer Cherry and Almond Squares

These simple cherry and almond squares are made in the air fryer and are ready in around 30 minutes, making them ideal when you want a homemade bake without turning on the oven. Made with ground almonds instead of flour, they are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, with a soft, moist texture and plenty of juicy cherries throughout. The ground almonds help keep the squares moist, so only a small amount of oil is needed. You can use muscovado sugar for a rich caramel-like sweetness or swap it for date syrup if you prefer a less refined sweetener. These squares are lovely for breakfast, a mid-morning coffee break, afternoon tea, or as part of a brunch spread. They also travel well for picnics and packed lunches. Notes:
  • Fresh cherries work best, but frozen cherries can be used if thawed and well drained.
  • Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Cuisine: British
Calories: 1234
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup muscovado sugar or 4 Tbsp date syrup
  • 2 Tbsp cold-pressed vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 8 –10 cherries pitted
  • Sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C for 5 minutes. Lightly grease a shallow cake tin or silicone mould that fits inside the air fryer basket.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar (or date syrup), oil and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Stir in the ground almonds, baking powder and cinnamon to form a smooth batter.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin or mould and smooth the surface with a spatula. Press the pitted cherries into the batter and scatter over the sliced almonds, if using.
  5. Place the tin carefully into the air fryer basket and cook at 160°C for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and set.
  6. Test the centre with a skewer or cocktail stick. If it comes out clean, the squares are ready.
  7. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Cut into squares, placing a cherry in the centre of each piece where possible, or simply remove the squares from the silicone mould.