Air Fryer Poptarts: Timing For Perfect Toasts

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, impressing many with their ability to cook or crisp up almost any food in less time and with less mess than a conventional oven. One food that can be cooked in an air fryer is Pop-Tarts. Air-fried Pop-Tarts have a crispy exterior and a warm, flaky interior, with the filling warmed through but not scalding. The exact cooking time depends on the number of Pop-Tarts being cooked and the air fryer model, but generally, they take around 3-4 minutes to cook at 400°F or 3-4 minutes at 350°F.

Pre-made vs. homemade pop-tarts

The Pros of Pre-made Pop-Tarts

Pre-made pop-tarts are convenient and easy to prepare. They are perfect for when you are in a hurry or want a quick snack. You can simply grab one from the packet and pop it into the toaster or microwave. They are also individually packaged, making them easy to carry on the go.

The Cons of Pre-made Pop-Tarts

Pre-made pop-tarts often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients, which may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or preferences. They tend to be dry and crumbly, with a lack of flavour compared to their homemade counterparts.

The Pros of Homemade Pop-Tarts

Homemade pop-tarts offer a more flavourful and flaky pastry experience. You can also customise the filling to your liking, such as strawberry jam or brown sugar cinnamon. They are a fun project to do with kids and can be made in large batches to store in the freezer for later.

The Cons of Homemade Pop-Tarts

Making pop-tarts from scratch requires more time and effort than simply buying pre-made ones. It can be a lengthy process, especially if you are making a large batch. Additionally, homemade pop-tarts need to be baked in the oven, which uses more energy than a toaster or microwave.

Both pre-made and homemade pop-tarts have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are short on time or want a convenient snack, pre-made pop-tarts may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more flavourful and customisable treat, homemade pop-tarts are the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how much time you are willing to spend in the kitchen.

Filling options

Air fryer pop tarts are a quick and easy snack or dessert that can be made in a variety of flavours. The air fryer is perfect for heating the filling to just the right temperature, while also crisping up the pastry.

You can air fry any flavour of pop tart, but some popular options include:

• Strawberry
• Cinnamon
• Blueberry
• Brown Sugar
• Cherry
• Fudge
• Chocolate Chip
• Cookie Dough
• Raspberry
• S'mores
• Salted Caramel
• Peach Cobbler
• Banana Cream Pie
• Lemon

For a more indulgent treat, try using frosted pop tarts. Some frosted flavour options include:

• Brown Sugar Cinnamon
• Cookies & Crème
• Confetti Cupcake
• Wildlicious Wild Berry

Temperature and time

When making pop tarts in an air fryer, the temperature and time you choose will depend on whether you are making them from scratch or cooking pre-made pop tarts.

Pre-made pop tarts

If you are cooking pre-made pop tarts, the temperature you should set your air fryer to varies across sources. Some sources suggest 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of cooking time, most sources agree that cooking the pop tarts for 3-4 minutes is sufficient. However, one source recommends cooking them for 5-8 minutes.

Homemade pop tarts

If you are making your own pop tarts, the temperature and time will depend on the ingredients you use and the desired level of crispness. One source recommends cooking homemade pop tarts at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. Another source provides a recipe for air fryer pop tarts that involves cooking the pop tarts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer Pop-Tarts are a versatile treat that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They can be enjoyed by themselves or with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your air fryer Pop-Tarts:

• For a sweet and indulgent option, top your Pop-Tarts with salted caramel, drizzled chocolate syrup, berry frosting, or cream cheese with a drop of food colouring.
• If you're serving Pop-Tarts for breakfast, consider pairing them with Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins, Tater Tot Casserole, or Air Fryer Hash Browns.
• For a fun twist, involve your kids in the kitchen by letting them use cookie cutters to create Pop-Tarts in different shapes, such as animals, flowers, or holiday designs.
• For a classic breakfast combination, serve your Pop-Tarts with a side of bacon, either cooked in the air fryer or prepared using your preferred method.
• To round out your brunch menu, offer a selection of muffins, such as Banana Bread Muffins or Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins, alongside your air fryer Pop-Tarts.
• If you're serving Pop-Tarts for dessert, consider a scoop of your favourite ice cream on top for a pie-like treat.
• Experiment with different fillings to create savoury Pop-Tarts. While sweet fillings are traditional, you can explore using Nutella, nut butters, or even trying a completely savoury filling.
• For a festive touch, especially during the holidays, sprinkle colourful or themed sprinkles on top of the frosting.
• To make your Pop-Tarts extra flaky and crispy, brush an egg wash (beaten egg and a tablespoon of water) on the pastry before air frying.
• Don't forget that you can also make homemade Pop-Tarts from scratch in your air fryer! Use pre-made pie crust, your desired filling, and a delicious frosting for a custom treat.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer pop-tarts can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or sealed storage bag for up to five days. Refrigeration will also make them last up to seven days longer than if they were kept at room temperature.

If you have a lot of leftover pop-tarts, or you want to make an extra batch to save for later, you can freeze them. Freeze them in an airtight sealed storage bag or container for up to three months.

To reheat your pop-tarts, first, thaw them, and then cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

You can also eat pop-tarts cold, straight out of the packet.

Frequently asked questions