Air Fryer Pastry Baking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their ability to create crispy food with less oil. They can be used for a variety of dishes, from savoury pies to sweet treats. But can you bake pastry in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. Whether you're making shortcrust pastry, puff pastry, or a pie crust, an air fryer can deliver a flaky, buttery texture without the need for an oven.

Air fryer puff pastry tarts

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use little to no oil to create crispy, golden-brown results. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which is why they are perfect for cooking pastry.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large apples, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• Apricot jam

Method:

First, roll out your puff pastry and cut it into rectangle-shaped pieces. Next, mix your sliced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Add the apples on top of the puff pastry.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, place the puff pastry into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Finally, brush the tarts with apricot jam right before serving.

Tips:

• The best apples for this recipe are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Don't slice your apples too thin, or they will burn. Slice them about 1/4 inch thick.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Every air fryer is slightly different, so keep an eye on your pastry as it cooks.
• If you are making these in an air fryer oven, place the puff pastry tarts on the bottom shelf or racks to ensure even cooking.

Variations:

You can also make sweet upside-down puff pastry tarts by drizzling honey onto the parchment paper and then adding fruit such as peaches or pineapple. For a savoury option, drizzle olive oil onto the parchment paper and add toppings such as tomato and ricotta or pepperoni with tomato sauce.

Air fryer apple turnovers

Yes, you can bake pastry in an air fryer. In fact, pastry in an air fryer is amazing! You can cook both raw and pre-cooked pastry in an air fryer for pies, sweet treats, sausage rolls, and more.

Now, let's get into the details of making Air Fryer Apple Turnovers. This delicious dessert is a quick and easy treat that can be made with apples and store-bought puff pastry. Here's a step-by-step guide to making these mouthwatering turnovers:

Ingredients:

• Apples (any kind, but Granny Smith is a great option for a tart flavor).
• Puff pastry (pre-cut sheets are recommended for convenience and less waste).
• Butter (or coconut oil/margarine for a vegan option).
• Cinnamon (apple cinnamon lovers can also add some cinnamon to the mix).
• Brown sugar (or white/coconut sugar; you can skip the sugar if your apples are sweet enough).
• Egg (for an egg wash; alternatively, use milk, melted butter, or coconut oil).
• Icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze (optional).

Instructions:

• Thaw the puff pastry on the counter until it's soft but still cold.
• Peel and cut the apples into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size.
• Heat butter in a pan and add the diced apples.
• Add brown sugar and a small amount of water to the pan and cook until the apples have softened and the liquid has thickened.
• Cut the puff pastry into squares. You can also use pre-cut pastry sheets.
• Add a spoonful of the apple mixture to the center of each pastry square.
• Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling and seal the edges using a fork.
• Make one or two small incisions on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during cooking.
• Brush the turnovers with a beaten egg (or milk, butter, or oil) for a golden glow.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 365°F.
• Place the turnovers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space between them.
• Set the temperature to 180°C or 465°F and cook for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown.
• If desired, prepare a glaze by mixing icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to a pourable consistency.
• Drizzle the glaze over the turnovers before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• You can make these turnovers vegan by using vegan pastry and brushing the pastry with margarine or a vegan milk substitute instead of the egg wash.
• If you prefer a sugar-free option, simply omit the sugar. Cooked apples have natural sweetness, and you can always add a few raisins for extra sweetness.
• For a decorative touch, cut out some leaf shapes from the leftover pastry and stick them on top of the turnovers before cooking.
• You can also fill the turnovers with other ingredients like shaved almonds, peanuts, confetti, chocolate, caramel, or even cheese!
• To freeze, place the uncooked turnovers on a tray and pop them into a zip-lock bag. When ready to eat, simply air fry from frozen.

So, there you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Apple Turnover recipe that is sure to impress. Enjoy the sweet and flaky goodness of these turnovers any time your sweet tooth cravings kick in!

Air fryer chicken pot pies

Yes, you can bake pastry in an air fryer. In fact, it's amazing! You can cook raw pastry in the air fryer and use it for pies, sweet treats, sausage rolls, and more.

Now, for the Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie recipe, here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Shredded chicken (you can use leftovers, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken specifically for the pot pie)
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Chicken gravy (instead of canned soups, you can use gravy for a thicker pot pie)
• Dough sheets (ready-to-bake dough sheets from the grocery store will make this recipe easier)
• Fresh or dried parsley
• Thyme
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ramekins by spraying them with a non-stick cooking spray. Take a 6x6 square of dough and place it into each ramekin. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the ramekin.

Step 2: Bake the dough in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

Step 3: Prepare the chicken gravy and add it to a bowl along with the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, and spices. There is no need to thaw the frozen vegetables.

Step 4: After the crusts are baked, fill each ramekin with the chicken mixture. Top each ramekin with another 6x6 square of pastry dough. Press the dough firmly onto the top of the ramekins. Cut a small "X" on the top of each pot pie to prevent the pastry from rising too much.

Step 5: Bake the pot pies in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C). The top of the pot pie should be golden brown, and the filling should be cooked through and hot.

Step 6: Allow the pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Be careful, as they will still be hot.

Tips:

• You can make a larger pot pie by using an oven-safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Keep in mind that a larger dish may take longer to cook.
• You can also cook a frozen pot pie in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the frozen pie inside. Air fry for 15 minutes, and use a cooking thermometer to ensure it is cooked through. If not, cook for an additional 3 minutes until done.
• To store leftovers, cover the top of the ramekin with foil and refrigerate for up to two days. Do not refrigerate and reheat a pie more than once.
• To reheat a refrigerated pot pie, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

So, there you have it! A delicious, homemade chicken pot pie made right in your air fryer. It's a quick, easy, and comforting meal that your family will surely enjoy.

Air fryer sausage rolls

Yes, you can bake pastry in an air fryer. In fact, you can use an air fryer to make a variety of delicious treats, including sausage rolls.

Ingredients:

• Gluten-free puff pastry (or regular puff pastry)
• Gluten-free sausages (or regular sausages)
• Wholegrain mustard
• Egg

Instructions:

• Remove the sausages from their skins and mash them together in a bowl. You can also use pork mince seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Unroll the puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise so you have two long strips.
• Spread a line of mustard just off-centre along each strip, then top with a line of sausage meat.
• Brush beaten egg along one edge, then fold the pastry over and seal using a fork.
• Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg and cut slashes in the top.
• Cut the sausage rolls to the desired size, ensuring they fit in your air fryer basket.
• Place the sausage rolls in the air fryer at 200°C for 12-14 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Allow the puff pastry to rest at room temperature before using, as it can be brittle and break easily when cold.
• Watch a video tutorial to better understand the cutting and folding process.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry and ensure your work surface won't be scratched.
• Let the sausage rolls rest for a few minutes after cooking to prevent soggy pastry.

Air fryer pies

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens for baking pies. They cook faster, use less energy, and produce a crispy, golden crust. Here are some tips and tricks for making perfect air fryer pies.

Choosing the Right Pie

The first step is to select a pie that suits your taste. It's important to ensure that your pie fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. This is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired golden, crispy crust.

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential. Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) for a standard preheat, or go higher at 400°F (200°C) for puff pastry, and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

To prevent your pie from sticking to the basket, it's a good idea to lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

Cooking Your Pie

Place your pie in the centre of the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie. As a general guideline, a frozen pie will take around 30 minutes at 320°F (160°C). For a mini apple pie, 5-7 minutes at 360°F (175°C) should be sufficient. Monitor the progress to ensure even cooking, and consider rotating the pie halfway through.

Checking for Doneness

To confirm that your pie is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For savoury pies, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Cooling and Serving

Once your pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to eat. Then, serve and enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of your air-fried pie!

Recipe Ideas

• Savoury Spinach and Feta Puffs
• Sweet Apple Turnovers
• Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Strudels
• Air Fryer Babybel Pies
• Air Fryer Sausage Cheese & Bean Melt
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

Frequently asked questions