20-Minute Air Fryer Apple Puff Pastry Tarts

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 min1 tart (4 slices)mediumAmerican
Air Fryer Apple Puff Pastry Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar

Golden, flaky puff pastry squares filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, made effortlessly in the air fryer. These rustic individual tarts combine buttery pastry with sweet, caramelized apple filling that becomes perfectly tender in just 10 minutes. The air fryer creates an ideal crispy exterior while keeping the apples moist inside. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon treat when you want something homemade but don't want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

Yield: 1 tart (4 slices)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
    phyllo doughuse 4 sheets, brush with butter between layers

    phyllo creates a crispier texture

    Full guide →
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
    pears1:1

    use firm pears, same prep method

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    brown sugar1:1

    adds deeper caramel flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F

  2. 2

    Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares

  3. 3

    Mix the sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl

  4. 4

    Divide the apple mixture among the puff pastry squares, placing in the center of each

  5. 5

    Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the apples to form a rustic tart shape

  6. 6

    Brush the melted butter over the pastry

  7. 7

    Place the pastries in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender

  8. 8

    Serve warm

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overfill the pastry squares or the filling may leak out during cooking

Tip 2

Let pastries cool for 2-3 minutes before serving as the apple filling will be very hot

Tip 3

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla to the apple mixture

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, reheat in air fryer for 2-3 minutes

Make Ahead

Assemble tarts up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook

Serve With

Best served warm, can be topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip preheating the air fryer to avoid uneven cooking

Watch

Avoid overpacking the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation

Substitutions

sugar
brown sugar1:1

adds deeper caramel flavor

Full guide →
puff pastry
phyllo doughuse 4 sheets, brush with butter between layers

phyllo creates a crispier texture

Full guide →
apples
pears1:1

use firm pears, same prep method

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, thaw completely according to package directions before using. Make sure it's pliable and not too cold or it may crack when folding.

What if my apples are too tart?

Add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the apple mixture, or use sweeter apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala instead of Granny Smith.

How long will these keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.