Air Fryer Puff Pastry Bites
Air fryer puff pastry bites turn one packet of ready-rolled pastry into around 40 warm, cinnamon-sugar morsels in less than 40 minutes. Each one is cut into a small square, tossed in melted butter and sugar, and cooked in two batches so the pieces have room to puff. They go well with a cup of tea, or with a spoonful of custard for a quick pudding. This makes four generous servings of 10.
- Total
- 39 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 19 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 420kcal
Before you start: air fryer puff pastry bites
Ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry is the easiest choice, and the 320g sheets sold in most supermarkets are the size this recipe needs. Take the sheet out of the fridge only when you are ready to cut it. Cold pastry cuts cleanly and keeps its layers, which is what makes it puff.
Even squares matter, because they cook at the same rate. If you have an extra-large basket you can put them all in at once, but keep the pieces from touching so the air can flow around them.
How to prepare air fryer puff pastry bites
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat and cut Heat the air fryer to 180°C for . Unroll the cold pastry on a board and cut it into 4cm squares with a pizza wheel, which gives about 40.
- Make the coating Microwave the butter in a bowl for 20–30 seconds until melted. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat the pastry Add the squares to the melted butter and toss with your hands until each piece is lightly coated. Tip them into the cinnamon sugar and turn them over until evenly covered, shaking off any loose sugar.
- Cook the first batch Cut a piece of baking paper just smaller than the basket and punch a few holes in it, so the air can still pass through. Lay about 20 squares on it in a single layer, leaving gaps between them, and cook at 180°C for , turning them with tongs after , until deep golden and well risen.
- Cook the second batch and cool Move the first batch onto a wire rack or plate and cook the remaining squares for in the same way. Leave the bites for before eating, because the sugar coating is very hot.
Serving and savoury ideas
Serve the bites warm with a little custard or vanilla ice cream for dipping, or just pile them into a bowl for a tea-time snack. For a savoury snack, top the squares with cheese as described in the FAQ, or try air fryer chilli cheese bites.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Puff Pastry Bites
- The bites do not puff up.
- Warm pastry turns sticky and loses its layers. If it is soft when you unroll it, chill it for 10 minutes, cut with a sharp wheel without pressing the edges together, and leave gaps in the basket.
- The sugar burns or smokes.
- Loose sugar drops onto the heating element. Shake off the excess in step 3, use the baking paper in step 4, and wipe the basket between batches.
- The centres are doughy.
- The pieces were crowded or piled up. Cook 20 at a time in one layer for the full 8 minutes, and turn them halfway.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Puff Pastry Bites
How long do you cook puff pastry in an air fryer?
Small 4cm squares take 8 minutes at 180°C, turned halfway. Larger pieces need a minute or two more, so cook until they are puffed and deep golden.
Can you make savoury puff pastry bites?
Yes. Skip the cinnamon sugar, brush the squares with a little melted butter and top them with grated mature Cheddar and a pinch of smoked paprika. They cook in the same time and at the same temperature.
Can you use block puff pastry instead of a ready-rolled sheet?
Yes. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 3mm thick and cut it into the same 4cm squares. Keep it cold so that it puffs well.
How do you keep them crisp?
They are best eaten warm on the day. Keep any left over in an airtight container for up to a day, and re-crisp them in the air fryer at 160°C for 2 minutes.
How did you like the recipe?
4.9 / 5 · 53 ratings
