Air Fryer Frozen Pastries: Can You Do It?

Frozen pastries are a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a quick and easy snack or breakfast without the hassle of baking from scratch. Air fryers have gained popularity as a fast and efficient way to cook and reheat food, but can they handle frozen pastries? Well, the short answer is yes! Air fryers are capable of cooking frozen pastries, including puff pastries, pain au chocolat, croissants, and turnovers. This method eliminates the need for preheating an oven, saving time and effort. The hot air circulated by the air fryer creates a crispy, flaky texture on the outside while keeping the inside warm and gooey.

Air fryer settings and temperatures

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook frozen pastries, giving them a crispy texture with minimal oil. The cooking time and temperature settings for frozen pastries in an air fryer vary depending on the type and size of the pastry.

For frozen puff pastries, it is recommended to set the temperature between 300–350 °F for the first 5 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400 °F and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. This temperature change helps the pastry rise and ensures even cooking on both sides.

When cooking frozen pies in an air fryer, preheating the air fryer to around 320 °F is suggested for even cooking and to achieve a golden, crispy crust. The cooking time for pies ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. It is advisable to check on them halfway through, flip them, and continue cooking until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may have varying temperature settings and cooking times. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the air fryer's manual and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. Additionally, the recommended oven temperature on the food packaging can be used as a guide, usually by reducing it by one step for the air fryer. For example, if the bag suggests an oven temperature of 400 °F, set the air fryer to 350 °F.

Lastly, overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided as it can lead to uneven cooking. It is preferable to cook the pastries in batches if necessary, ensuring they have enough space to cook properly.

How to avoid burning or undercooking

To avoid burning or undercooking your pastries, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to ensure your air fryer has sufficient space around it—at least 5 inches of space between the back of the fryer and the wall or any other surface. This is because air fryers can get very hot, with external parts reaching temperatures high enough to cause burns, and you want to avoid any contact with these hot exterior surfaces.

Secondly, when preparing your pastries, ensure they are spread out in an even layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely and cook the pastries evenly. Overlapping or stacking the pastries may result in uneven cooking or burning.

Thirdly, be mindful of the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking frozen pastries for a total of 8-16 minutes at temperatures ranging from 300°F to 400°F. However, different air fryer models vary in terms of cooking temperature and speed, so it is important to monitor your pastries as they cook and adjust the settings as needed. If your pastries are burning on the outside but still frozen in the centre, decrease the heat or reduce the cooking time.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the pastries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent undercooking or burning. This is especially important if you are cooking larger pastries, as they may require more time to cook through.

Finally, if you are cooking multiple batches, subsequent batches may cook quicker due to the preheated air fryer, so you may need to reduce the cooking time for the following batches.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your frozen pastries are cooked evenly and avoid any burning or undercooking issues.

No need to defrost

If you're in a rush and need a quick breakfast or snack, you can cook frozen pastries in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This method is not only a time-saver, but it also delivers delicious results.

To cook frozen pastries in your air fryer, first, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. There is no need to add any oil spray or butter. Then, set the temperature and the timer. The temperature and timing may vary depending on the type and size of the pastries, as well as the model of your air fryer. As a starting point, you can try cooking at 350°F for 5 minutes, flipping the pastries halfway through, and then cooking for another 2-3 minutes. For a darker hue, you can skip the egg wash and just cook the pastries as they are.

If you're making croissants, they may take around 10 minutes in total. Turnovers could take up to 16 minutes, depending on their size. For pain au chocolat, you can expect them to be ready in about 8 minutes, with the chocolate gooey in the centre and a golden glow on the pastry.

With this convenient method, you can enjoy hot, fresh pastries without the lengthy oven heating time.

No need to add oil or butter

Yes, you absolutely can! Cooking frozen pastries in an air fryer without adding any oil or butter is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, crispy treats without the need for extra fat or calories. Here's a simple guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This step is important as it helps the pastries cook evenly. While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen pastries out of their packaging and arrange them in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Leave some space between each pastry to ensure even cooking and allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of your pastries, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the pastries at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, then carefully flip them over and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on your pastries during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your pastries are done, look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. You can also use a food thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure any bacteria are eliminated. If the pastries are not yet done, put them back in the air fryer and cook in short intervals until they are ready.

Serving and Storage:

Once your pastries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. They are now ready to be devoured! These pastries are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer to retain their crispness.

Tips for Success:

• For even cooking, ensure your pastries have room to breathe in the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Experiment with different types of frozen pastries to find your favorites.
• Adjust the cooking time for larger or denser pastries.
• Always refer to the instructions on the pastry packaging for specific guidelines.

Serving suggestions

Frozen pastries cooked in an air fryer can be served as a snack, a portable lunch, or a hearty dinner option. They can also be served as a dessert or as part of a complete breakfast.

For a snack, you can serve air-fried frozen pastries on their own, or with a side of jam, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. For a more nutritious option, you can serve them with a side of fruit or vegetables.

For a portable lunch, you can wrap the pastries in foil or parchment paper and include some napkins, so they can be eaten on the go without getting messy.

For a hearty dinner, you can serve the pastries with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or a bowl of soup. If you're serving meat-filled pastries, a side of roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes would also be a good option.

For dessert, you can sprinkle the pastries with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or your favorite sweet spice. A scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top would also be delicious. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could create a pastry à la mode by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.

For breakfast, you can serve the pastries with a side of bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs. Some fresh fruit or a glass of orange juice would also be a nice way to round out the meal.

Frequently asked questions