Air Fryer Pastry: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, baking, or oven-cooking a variety of foods. But can you put pastry in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can cook both raw and frozen pastry in an air fryer, including puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, and filo pastry. This means you can make a range of sweet and savoury treats, from apple turnovers and sausage rolls to air fryer pies and quiches.

Can you cook raw pastry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw pastry in an air fryer. It is a great way to make sweet treats, savoury snacks and even full pies.

The air fryer is perfect for cooking with raw pastry as it can create a deliciously light, flaky, and crispy texture. You can cook anything from apple turnovers to sausage rolls, and even a homemade quiche.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking raw pastry in an air fryer. Firstly, make sure the pastry fits properly in the air fryer basket, leaving space for the pastry to rise and puff up. Secondly, brush the pastry with an egg wash to help with colour and crispness. Finally, keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time, as air fryers can vary, and you don't want your pastry to burn.

• Cut thawed puff pastry into rectangles or squares.
• Brush one side with milk or egg wash.
• Place the pastry in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
• Brush the tops with milk or egg wash.
• Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-7 minutes.
• Flip the pastry and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
• Plate and serve with your choice of toppings, such as powdered sugar, honey, or cinnamon sugar.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook raw pastry, give your air fryer a go!

What temperature to cook pastry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pastry in an air fryer. It is possible to cook both raw and frozen pastry in an air fryer, and you can make a variety of dishes, from savoury pies to sweet treats.

The temperature you should cook pastry at in an air fryer depends on the type of pastry you are cooking and the model of your air fryer.

For puff pastry, most sources recommend cooking at around 350°F/180°C. However, one source suggests cooking at 400°F/200°C for a flakier texture.

For shortcrust pastry, one source recommends cooking at 165°C for 10 minutes, and then at 180°C for 5 minutes to add colour and crispness.

For pie crust, one source recommends blind-baking at 300°F for 5 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pastry while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

Can you put a pastry pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a pastry pie in an air fryer. In fact, pastry in an air fryer is said to be amazing! You can cook sweet or savoury pies, sausage rolls, quiches, flans, and more.

When cooking pastry in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that it fits properly, is brushed with an egg wash, and is cooked at the right temperature and timing. It is also important to keep an eye on the pastry to prevent overcooking, and to reduce the temperature if cooking a pie to ensure it cooks in the centre.

You can cook raw pastry in an air fryer, as well as frozen pastry. It is recommended to cook frozen pastries from frozen, without defrosting them first. When cooking raw pastry, it is important to ensure that the pastry is thawed before cooking.

There are many different types of pastry that can be used for pies, including shortcrust pastry, flaky pastry, and puff pastry. For a savoury pie, it is recommended to use shortcrust pastry for the bottom and puff pastry for the top.

Ingredients:

• 225g/8oz Plain Flour
• Enough water to bind into a dough ball
• Optional: Salt, pepper, dried parsley, or other seasonings

Method:

• Add the flour and any optional seasonings to a bowl.
• Rub the fat into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
• Slowly add water a little at a time and mix until a soft pastry dough ball forms.
• Knead the dough for a couple of minutes.

Once you have made your pastry, you can use it to make a pie to cook in your air fryer. It is recommended to cook pies at a lower temperature to ensure they cook through in the centre.

Some examples of pies that can be cooked in an air fryer include:

• Air Fryer Egg & Bacon Pie
• Air Fryer Cheese Flan
• Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

How long to cook shortcrust pastry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook shortcrust pastry in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly baked results. The cooking time will depend on what you are using the pastry for. Many shortcrust pastry recipes will require a 20-minute cook time, or shorter if you are making something like air fryer Oreo bites. For example, to cook an empty pie shell, cook at 180°C/360°F for 8 minutes.

• Preheat the air fryer.
• Chill the pastry before cooking.
• Use parchment paper or non-stick spray to prevent the pastry from sticking to the basket.
• Monitor the cooking time and adjust as necessary.
• Flip the pastry if needed to ensure even browning.
• Allow the pastry to cool before serving.

Can you cook frozen pastry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pastry in an air fryer. It is a quick, simple, and easy way to make a delicious dessert without any baking skills required. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking pastry, providing consistent heat circulation that results in evenly cooked pastries.

Preparation:

• It is not necessary to thaw frozen puff pastry before adding it to the air fryer. However, if your pastry is frozen, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions if you want to cut it into specific shapes.
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, keeping in mind that it will rise during cooking.
• Cut the pastry into your desired shapes, such as squares, rectangles, circles, or twists.

Cooking:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place the cut pastry pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space between them.
• Cook for about 5-10 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to get the perfect rise.
• Flip the pastries halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Keep an eye on your pastries as they cook, as air fryers can vary, and you don't want them to burn.

Serving:

• Plate and serve the pastries with your choice of toppings or fillings. Some popular options include powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce, or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
• You can also make savoury pastries with fillings such as sautéed spinach and feta cheese or diced ham and mushrooms.

Storing and Reheating:

• Air-fried pastries can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for 2-3 days.
• To reheat, place the pastries back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions