20-Minute Air Fryer Apple Puff Pastry Tarts

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
- 1 sheet puff pastryphyllo doughuse 4 sheets, brush with butter between layers
phyllo creates a crispier texture
Full guide → - 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F
- 2
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares
- 3
Mix the sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl
- 4
Divide the apple mixture among the puff pastry squares, placing in the center of each
- 5
Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the apples to form a rustic tart shape
- 6
Brush the melted butter over the pastry
- 7
Place the pastries in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender
- 8
Serve warm
Tips
Don't overfill the pastry squares or the filling may leak out during cooking
Let pastries cool for 2-3 minutes before serving as the apple filling will be very hot
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla to the apple mixture
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, reheat in air fryer for 2-3 minutes
Assemble tarts up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook
Best served warm, can be topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Common Mistakes
Don't skip preheating the air fryer to avoid uneven cooking
Avoid overpacking the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation
Substitutions
phyllo creates a crispier texture
Full guide →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.