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

Toaster strudels are a popular breakfast or snack option, and cooking them in an air fryer is an easy way to achieve a crispy, flaky pastry with a warm, gooey centre. The air fryer method eliminates the issue of cold filling that can occur when using a toaster, ensuring that the strudel is cooked through and the filling is irresistibly hot and gooey. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a toaster strudel in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the toaster strudel-making process. By setting your air fryer to 350°F, you create the optimal temperature for achieving that desirable golden brown, flaky pastry exterior. It is important to give your air fryer a few minutes to reach this temperature before proceeding with the next step.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use non-stick cooking spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent your strudel from sticking. You can also use olive oil, but this is not necessary as the natural oils in the pastry will prevent it from adhering to the basket.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 350°F, you are ready to move on to the next step of placing your frozen toaster strudels into the basket. It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the basket and should leave a little space between each strudel to ensure even cooking.

The preheating step is crucial as it ensures that your toaster strudels cook evenly and achieve the desired level of crispness and warmth. It is the foundation for creating that perfect, irresistible texture and taste that makes air-fried toaster strudels so popular.

After preheating, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your air fryer is at the optimal temperature to transform those frozen pastries into delicious, crispy treats. So, take your time, preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and get ready to enjoy a warm and flaky toaster strudel.

Prepare the air fryer basket

Preparing the air fryer basket is an important step in making toaster strudels in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your strudels turn out perfectly:

Firstly, it is recommended to use a non-stick cooking spray or brush a light coating of olive oil onto the air fryer basket. This step is optional, as some sources suggest that the oil in the pastry should be sufficient to prevent sticking. However, if you choose to use a cooking spray or olive oil, be sure to coat the basket evenly to prevent any sticking and ensure easy removal of your strudels once they are cooked.

Alternatively, you can line the basket with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface and also makes clean-up easier. Cut the parchment paper to size, ensuring it fits the basket snugly. This will help to prevent the paper from blowing around when the air fryer is turned on.

Once your basket is prepared, you can add the toaster strudels. It is important to place them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven browning or insufficient crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one or two strudels at a time.

After placing the strudels in the basket, you are ready to move on to the cooking stage. Remember, proper preparation of the air fryer basket is key to achieving that perfect, golden-brown, flaky pastry!

Add the toaster strudels

Now that your air fryer is preheated and ready to go, it's time to add the toaster strudels!

First, open your package of toaster strudels and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You can cook as many as will fit in a single layer, but don't overcrowd the basket. Leave a little room between each strudel. If you don't have enough space, you can always cook them in batches.

Once your strudels are in the basket, it's time to set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic! Depending on your air fryer and the level of crispiness you prefer, you'll want to cook the strudels for 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like them extra crispy, you can go for the full 7 minutes. If you prefer them a little softer, 5 minutes should do the trick.

Keep an eye on your strudels as they cook. You may want to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. Use a spatula or tongs to carefully flip them over.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the strudels from the air fryer. They will be hot, so use your spatula or tongs to handle them. Place them on a plate and get ready to enjoy!

Air fry for 5-7 minutes

Now that you've placed your frozen toaster strudel in the air fryer, it's time to air fry! This step is crucial to achieving the perfect toaster strudel, with a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey centre.

Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 5-7 minutes. The timing may vary depending on your air fryer's brand and size, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your strudel after the first 5 minutes. You don't want it to burn!

During the cooking process, the air fryer's heating element generates hot air, and the rapid air circulation creates that distinctive fried taste and texture. This ensures that your strudel is cooked evenly and thoroughly, with no cold spots, which can sometimes happen when using a toaster.

If you're using a basket-style air fryer, like the Cosori 5,8qt, be sure to place the strudels in a single layer, giving them a little room to breathe. This will ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.

For best results, flip your strudel halfway through the cooking time. This will help ensure an even, golden brown colour on both sides.

Once the time is up, carefully remove your strudel from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. It will be hot, so take care not to burn yourself!

Drizzle with icing

Now for the fun part: the icing! There are a few different types of icing you can use to finish off your toaster strudel. The classic choice is a simple cream cheese icing, which will add a nice tang to the sweetness of the strudel. You could also try a peanut butter icing, which would pair well with the strawberry flavour of the strudel. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could even try a chocolate ganache.

When drizzling the icing, you have a few options for how to apply it. You can simply spoon the icing over the strudel, creating a zig-zag pattern or a simple back-and-forth motion. You can also try drizzling the icing through a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner. This will give you more control over the drizzle and create a neater final product.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your icing! You can add food colouring to create a fun design or even sprinkle on some crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture and flavour.

Remember, it's important to only ice as many strudels as you plan to eat, as the icing will melt if you try to reheat them. So, enjoy your freshly iced strudels right away!

Frequently asked questions