I’ve always been a fan of simple, yet indulgent desserts, and if you’re like me, you love a recipe that’s quick and easy without compromising on flavor. That’s where these Air Fryer Puff Pastry Apple Rings come in. They combine the crispy, flaky texture of puff pastry with the sweet, caramelized goodness of apples for the perfect treat. Whether you’re looking for a snack for your afternoon tea or a dessert to impress your guests, these apple rings are sure to hit the spot!
Using an air fryer takes these delightful pastries to the next level—no deep-frying or excessive oil needed! The puff pastry becomes golden and flaky, and the apples melt into a soft, cinnamon-spiced filling. Plus, it’s a recipe that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Let’s dive into what you need to create this delicious treat!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Puff Pastry: The star of the show, puff pastry brings that signature flaky and buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the apples. It’s pre-made and saves you time, so you can focus on the fun part—eating!
Apples: A crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best. Their natural tartness balances out the sweetness from the sugar and spices. Thinly sliced apples will cook down perfectly in the air fryer.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and depth of flavor. It coats the apples and gives the pastry a cozy, aromatic finish.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the apples and adds a slight crunch to the outer ring as it bakes. You can also try brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the puff pastry before it goes into the air fryer, helping to create that irresistible golden crust.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla brings out the sweetness of the apples and adds an extra layer of flavor to this dessert.
Egg Wash: An egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water) gives the pastry its golden, glossy finish when it comes out of the air fryer.
Ingredients list
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought)
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Air Fryer Puff Pastry Apple Rings
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin rings, about 1/4 inch thick. If you have a corer, it will make this step a lot easier. Toss the apple rings in a small bowl with the cinnamon and granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface. If it’s not already in sheet form, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out small circles from the pastry. Each circle should be big enough to wrap around an apple ring.
Step 3: Assemble the apple rings
Take a slice of apple and place it in the center of a puff pastry circle. Fold the pastry around the apple ring to form a little package. Pinch the edges to seal them. Repeat for all the apple slices.
Step 4: Brush with butter and egg wash
Place the apple rings on a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Brush each one with melted butter and then lightly brush with egg wash for a beautiful, golden finish.
Step 5: Air fry the apple rings
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the apple rings for 8-10 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer temperatures can vary.
Step 6: Optional finishing touches
Once the apple rings are cooked, you can dust them with a little powdered sugar for a sweet, festive touch.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Apple Variety: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, you can experiment with other apples to suit your taste. Just make sure to choose apples that hold up well when baked.
- Air Fryer Brand: Every air fryer is different, so cooking times may vary. If this is your first time making puff pastry in the air fryer, check the apple rings a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar or even skip it entirely.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top before air frying, or sprinkle some caramel sauce over the finished rings for a decadent touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen puff pastry works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling it out.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While puff pastry is best served fresh, you can prep the apple rings in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Puff Pastry Apple Rings?
These delicious apple rings pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve them with a hot cup of cinnamon tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even berries could be used in place of apples for a different twist on this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s moisture content.