Air-Fryer Toaster Strudels: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

You can make toaster strudels in an air fryer! They're crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, and you can make up to four at a time. The air fryer gets the pastry toasted on both sides, and the filling warm and irresistibly gooey. It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty breakfast or a sweet treat.

How to make toaster strudels in an air fryer

Toaster strudels are a delicious treat, and you can make them in your air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect, flaky pastry with a warm, gooey centre.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350°F. You can also prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, olive oil, or line the basket with parchment paper. This will prevent the pastries from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Toaster Strudels

Place 2-4 frozen toaster strudels in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for air to circulate. Most sources suggest using frozen toaster strudels, but you can also make your own homemade strudels.

Step 3: Air Fry

Use the Air Fryer setting and fry at 350°F for 4-7 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how dark you want your strudels. You are aiming for a golden brown colour. You may need to flip the strudels halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the strudels from the air fryer using tongs. Plate and serve while they are still hot! Top with the cream cheese or icing that comes with the toaster strudels.

Tips:

• Keep a close eye on the toaster strudels as they cook, as you don't want them to overcook.
• Always follow the instructions for your specific air fryer model, as cooking times may vary.
• If you are making homemade strudels, you will need puff pastry sheets, fruit filling or jam, and an egg wash. Cut the pastry into rectangles, add the filling, and seal the edges with a fork. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
• It is best to cook only what you need, as toaster strudels do not reheat well once the icing has been added.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy toaster strudels!

Why use an air fryer instead of a toaster?

Air fryers and toasters are both countertop kitchen appliances, but they have key differences that make each better suited for specific tasks. Here are some reasons why you might prefer an air fryer over a toaster:

• Evenly Cooked Food: Air fryers circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy texture. Toasters, on the other hand, use direct radiant heat from the top down, which can result in uneven toasting. With an air fryer, you're less likely to end up with dry, cracker-like toast.
• Versatility: Air fryers are great for a variety of foods beyond just toast. They are perfect for frozen fries, meat, fish, veggies, and chicken. You can even make sweet treats like toaster strudels, pop tarts, cheesecakes, and cookies.
• Reheating Leftovers: Air fryers are excellent for reheating leftovers and making them crispy again. Soggy egg rolls or falafel? Pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes, and they'll be hot and crispy.
• Convenience: Air fryers often come with features like a "shake reminder," which reminds you to shake the basket to ensure even cooking. They also have non-stick interiors for easy cleanup.
• Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than toaster ovens due to the hot, rapidly circulating air. If you're short on time, an air fryer can be a great option for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Capacity: Air fryers typically have larger capacities than toasters, allowing you to cook more at once. This can be especially useful when cooking for a larger group or family.
• No Need for a Toaster: If you're tight on counter space, an air fryer can eliminate the need for a separate toaster. Some air fryers even have a toast setting, so you can still make your morning toast without sacrificing space.

While toasters are great for basic toast, air fryers offer more versatility, convenience, and speed. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances and enjoy a wider variety of cooking options.

How long to cook toaster strudels in an air fryer

Toaster strudels in an air fryer will cook to perfection in 4 to 7 minutes. The ideal cooking time will depend on the size, brand, and model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on your strudels to ensure they don't overcook.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then, place 2 to 4 frozen toaster strudels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for air to circulate. You don't need to grease the basket, as the oil in the pastry will prevent sticking.

Air fry your toaster strudels for 4 to 7 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't over-brown. They are done when they are a deep golden brown on the outside and the filling is hot.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove the strudels from the air fryer using tongs and drizzle the icing included in the package on top. Allow the strudels to cool for a minute or two before enjoying, so you don't burn your mouth!

Tips for making toaster strudels in an air fryer

Preparation:

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need frozen toaster strudels and some form of cooking spray or oil (such as olive oil). You can also use parchment paper, a silicone liner, or a non-stick cooking spray to prepare your air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). This step may be skipped in some air fryer models, but it is recommended to ensure even cooking.

Arrange the toaster strudels:

Place 2-4 frozen toaster strudels in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer, leaving a little space between each one to allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking time and temperature:

Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, it should take between 4 to 7 minutes at 350°F (176°C). Keep a close eye on the toaster strudels to ensure they don't overcook. You are aiming for a golden brown, flaky exterior.

Icing:

Remove the cooked toaster strudels from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a plate or serving dish. Drizzle the icing that comes with the toaster strudels over the top of each pastry. The icing should be at room temperature or slightly warmed, so it is easy to drizzle.

Serving:

Let the toaster strudels cool for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy the warm, flaky, and gooey treat!

Bonus tip:

Remember, the icing should be added after cooking. If you ice the toaster strudels before air frying, the heat will cause the icing to melt off.

How to store leftover toaster strudels

Toaster strudels are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have made your own homemade strudels, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the icing.

For store-bought strudels, it is best to cook only what you need as reheating them after putting on the icing is not recommended. However, if you do have leftover store-bought strudels, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.

To prevent a mess, it is recommended to use a silicone liner or parchment paper during reheating as the icing will melt.

Frequently asked questions