Air-Fried Pop Tarts: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

Air fryers have been a popular kitchen appliance for several years, and for good reason. They can cook or crisp up almost any food, from savoury meals to sweet treats, in less time and with less mess than a traditional oven. One surprising food that can be made in an air fryer is Pop-Tarts. Air-fried Pop-Tarts have a warm, sweet, and flaky texture that's hard to resist. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of making Pop-Tarts in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Choosing the right temperature

Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a good baseline temperature to ensure even cooking. At this temperature, the pop tarts will cook in around 3-4 minutes, resulting in a golden and crispy pastry with a warmed filling.

However, if you prefer your pop tarts a little more toasted, you can increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature will give you a firmer crust with golden, crispy edges in just 3 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the number of pop tarts in the air fryer and the specific model and brand of your air fryer. Therefore, it's recommended to keep a close eye on your pop tarts and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly until you find the perfect setting for your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, if you're making homemade pop tarts in your air fryer, the cooking time and temperature may differ slightly from store-bought pop tarts. For homemade pop tarts, a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes is recommended, but be sure to keep an eye on them as they can cook quickly.

In summary, the ideal temperature for making pop tarts in an air fryer is between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your desired level of crispness and the specific model of your air fryer. Always remember to follow the recommended cooking times and adjust as needed to avoid overcooking or burning your pop tarts.

How long to air fry for

The cooking time for air fryer pop tarts may vary depending on the number of pop tarts in your basket, your air fryer design, and the desired crispiness of your pastry. Most sources recommend cooking store-bought pop tarts at 400°F for 3 minutes. However, one source recommends cooking them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

If you are making homemade pop tarts in your air fryer, one source recommends cooking them at 375°F for 5-8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your pop tarts while they are cooking, as they can burn easily.

It is also worth noting that the cooking time may depend on the brand and model of your air fryer. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect cooking time for your pop tarts.

Flavours that work best

When it comes to choosing the best flavours for air-fried pop tarts, the good news is that almost any flavour will work! Whether you're a fan of the classic strawberry or want to branch out into something more adventurous, the air fryer will transform your pop tarts into warm, sweet, and crispy treats.

For those with a sweet tooth, the options are endless. Some popular choices include the traditional Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Frosted Cookies & Crème, Frosted Confetti Cupcake, and Frosted Wildlicious Wild Berry. You can also try other fruity flavours like blueberry, cherry, peach cobbler, or lemon. If you're feeling extra indulgent, go for chocolate-based flavours like fudge, chocolate chip, or s'mores. Banana cream pie pop tarts are also a great option for a creamy, fruity treat.

If you're looking for a more breakfast-appropriate flavour, stick to the jellies and jams. Apple, strawberry, and cherry can give your pop tarts that classic breakfast pie taste. You can even get creative and experiment with different jam flavours, such as huckleberry, for an extra special treat.

For a truly decadent dessert, you can't go wrong with Nutella or other nut butters. These fillings offer a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy pastry. Don't forget to add a generous amount of frosting on top!

The beauty of making pop tarts in an air fryer is that you can customise them to your liking. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your perfect combination.

What to serve them with

Now that you've made your pop tarts in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve them with. Here are some ideas:

Banana Bread

A great option to serve with your air fryer pop tarts is banana bread. This banana bread recipe only requires 4 ingredients and is sure to be a delicious accompaniment to your pop tarts.

Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Another banana-based option is banana blueberry oatmeal muffins. These muffins combine the sweetness of bananas with the juicy flavour of blueberries, all wrapped up in a hearty oatmeal muffin.

Tater Tot Casserole with No Meat

If you're looking for a savoury option to balance out the sweetness of the pop tarts, consider a tater tot casserole. This casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that can be made without meat to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Air Fryer Hash Browns

Another savoury option that can be easily prepared in your air fryer is hash browns. Crispy and golden, these hash browns will add a savoury contrast to your sweet pop tarts.

Ice Cream

For a fun and indulgent treat, consider serving your pop tarts with ice cream. You can create an ice cream sandwich by using two pop tarts as the "bread" and adding a scoop of ice cream in the middle. Alternatively, you can crumble your pop tarts over a bowl of ice cream for a fun and tasty topping.

Milkshakes

If you're feeling extra creative, blend your pop tarts into a milkshake! Simply add your favourite brand of vanilla ice cream, a sleeve of pop tarts, and a bit of milk to a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or peanut butter cups for an extra indulgent treat.

Making homemade pop tarts

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Pre-made pie crust
• Your choice of filling (jelly, jam, Nutella, nut butter, chocolate, etc.)
• Icing
• Egg (for egg wash)

Preparation

• Roll out the pie crust and cut out rectangles of about 3 inches in length.
• Place a teaspoon of your desired filling in the centre of half of the rectangles. Get creative and choose a filling that suits your taste!
• Take another rectangle and place it on top of the filling. Gently press the edges together with a fork to seal the pop tart.
• Brush the pop tarts with an egg wash. This will give them a golden, crispy finish.
• Place the pop tarts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Set your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Cook the pop tarts for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can fry quickly and you don't want them to burn!
• Once they are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using a spatula or oven mitt.
• Finish them off by smothering the pop tarts in icing. You can also sprinkle them with additional toppings, such as nuts or sprinkles.

Tips and Variations

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can fry the pop tarts in oil on a stove. Just be sure to seal them well and fry them for a shorter time to avoid greasiness.
• For a more breakfast-like taste, stick to fillings such as apple, strawberry, or cherry jelly or jam.
• If you're craving a dessert pop tart, go for fillings like Nutella, chocolate, or peanut butter.
• You can even try making savoury pop tarts with fillings of your choice.
• Experiment with different flavours and fillings to find your favourite combination!

Now you're ready to make your own homemade pop tarts! Enjoy the sweet, crispy, and flaky treat that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Frequently asked questions