With its delicate golden layers and buttery flavour, puff pastry is always a winner. And it's never been easier to make it thanks to your air fryer.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner home cook, we'll walk you through the process of cooking puff pastry in an air fryer – so that it rises beautifully and cooks evenly. And once you’ve got it, you’ll unlock all kinds of recipes. From sweet apple turnovers to savoury spinach tarts, the possibilities are almost endless.
So, get ready to take your pastry game to the next level with these easy tips and delicious air fryer puff pastry recipes…
Can you cook puff pastry in an air fryer?
It’s a question worth asking, since blasts of hot air and delicate pastry may not seem like the perfect partners. But rest assured that puff pastry in an air fryer comes out just as impressively as using a traditional oven. If anything, the pastry has even more puff to it.
The secret is the even heat distribution. The rapid hot air circulation means your puff pastry will rise and bake to perfection, flaky and golden, without any burnt bits.
Best temperature to cook puff pastry in an air fryer
It’s best to start at a lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. This initial lower heat helps the pastry layers to rise evenly without browning too quickly. As the cooking progresses, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) to crisp up the layers and achieve that beautiful golden colour.
Keep a close watch as your pastry puffs up, as it can go from golden to overdone in a flash. The trick is to adjust the temperature based on the thickness of your pastry and the recipe you're following. Thicker pastries might need a bit more time at a lower temperature, while thinner ones can handle a quicker, hotter bake.
How long to cook puff pastry in an air fryer
The cooking time for puff pastry in an air fryer can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and thickness of the pastry, as well as whether it is fresh or frozen.
Size matters. Smaller, thinner pieces will be ready in 5-7 minutes. Larger, thicker ones might take between 10-15 minutes. Start with the shorter time and keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can zap the moisture and leave you with a less-than-perfect texture.
For frozen puff pastry, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the additional time required to bring the pastry to room temperature. Fresh puff pastry, on the other hand, will generally cook more quickly.
And even your air fryer brand will make a difference. Whether you have a Ninja air fryer or another top brand, you’ll have to get to know your fryer to get the best out of it.
Step-by-step guide: cooking puff pastry in an air fryer
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your puff pastry in air fryer turns out crisp, flaky and delicious every time.
Preheat your air fryer to medium heat, typically around 356°F (180°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving the optimal rise and ensuring that the pastry cooks evenly. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your pastry by cutting it into the desired shapes or sizes.
Once your air fryer is preheated, gently place your puff pastry in the basket. Set your cooking time according to the thickness of your pastry and how crispy you like it. A small piece of parchment paper is your go-to for non-stick, no-fuss cleanup.
Halfway through the cooking time, check your pastry to make sure it's browning evenly. If it's not, you can rotate the basket or adjust the position of your pastry to ensure even cooking.
When done, it should be beautifully puffed up and feel firm to the touch. If it's not quite there, a quick return to the air fryer for a minute or two on a higher heat should do the trick. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry with undercooked pastry.
Quick air fryer puff pastry recipes
These air fryer puff pastry recipes are great as quick snacks or a nice thing to serve to guests.
Cheese and herb straws
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into thin strips.
Sprinkle with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and your fave herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Pizza pinwheels
Pinwheels are a quick treat for kids. Or for adults. Plus, they can be sweet or savoury depending on your mood. Here’s a recipe for a pizza-themed pinwheel.
Roll your puff pastry in to a rectangle.
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce over, leaving a border at the edge.
Add ham, cheese or whatever you like. We wouldn’t advise anything too chunky though.
Carefully roll the pastry as tightly as possible. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut equal size pinwheels.
Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Common mistakes to avoid when cooking pastry in an air fryer
Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to unevenly cooked puff pastry. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, and when the basket is too full, the air can't circulate properly. To avoid this, cook the puff pastry in batches so that each piece has room to cook evenly.
Not preheating your air fryer. If you don't, your puff pastry might come out a bit soggy. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the puff pastry hits the right temperature immediately, which is what you need to get that perfect, crispy texture.
Over-oiling. A light spray or brush of oil will help your pastry turn golden and crispy. But too much oil can make your pastry greasy and heavy, ruining its light and flaky texture.
Eat straight out of the air fryer. Aside from a burnt mouth, always let the pastry cool and settle before taking a bite.
What’s next?
If you want some more easy air fryer recipes inspiration, you’re in the right place! We’ve got everything from air fryer gammon to air fryer carrots. And even air fryer recipes for leftover Easter eggs!
