Craving a nostalgic treat that’s both homemade and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these delicious **Air Fryer Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts**! Forget the store-bought versions filled with artificial ingredients; with just a few simple pantry staples like refrigerated pie crusts and your favorite strawberry preserves, you can whip up a batch of warm, flaky, fruit-filled pastries in your air fryer in no time. Perfect as a quick breakfast on the go, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, these pop tarts offer a burst of fresh flavor and a satisfying crunch that the whole family will adore.
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This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with fresh content, expanded tips, and improved instructions for an even better baking experience.
Table of Contents
Why Make Your Own Pop Tarts?
While the convenience of store-bought Pop Tarts is undeniable, a quick glance at their ingredient list often reveals a less-than-appetizing truth. Many commercial varieties are packed with high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives, with very little actual fruit content—sometimes as low as 10%! If you’re looking for a healthier, more wholesome option for yourself or your family, making your own pop tarts at home is the way to go. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher taste and a treat free from unnecessary additives. Plus, the satisfaction of creating these delightful pastries from scratch is truly rewarding!
The Magic of the Air Fryer for Baking
The air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries and chicken wings; it’s also a fantastic tool for baking! For these homemade pop tarts, the air fryer delivers perfectly golden and flaky crusts with incredible efficiency. Unlike a traditional oven, it preheats rapidly and circulates hot air evenly, ensuring your pop tarts cook quickly and consistently without hot spots. This means you get that desirable crispy exterior and a perfectly warmed, gooey filling every single time. It’s an excellent way to enjoy baked goods without heating up your entire kitchen, making it ideal for smaller batches or busy mornings.
Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Pop Tarts
Choosing Your Pie Crust
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, largely thanks to using pre-made refrigerated pie crusts. Brands like Pillsbury work wonderfully, offering a consistent texture and saving you precious time. Two standard pie crusts will yield about six delicious pop tarts. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can certainly make your own pie crust from scratch, but for a quick and easy treat, the store-bought option is a lifesaver. Ensure your pie crust is thawed but still cool when working with it, as this makes it easier to handle and prevents sticking.
The Perfect Strawberry Preserve
Strawberry preserves are the star of our filling, providing that sweet, fruity burst in every bite. I recommend a good quality preserve like Smucker’s, or even better, a homemade strawberry jam if you have it! The key is to find one with a rich strawberry flavor and a good consistency. We’ll be mixing it with a touch of cornstarch, which helps thicken the filling slightly as it cooks, preventing it from becoming too runny and leaking out during air frying. This small step makes a big difference in the final product, ensuring a delightful, contained strawberry center.
Crafting the Creamy Frosting
What’s a pop tart without its frosting? Our homemade frosting is a simple yet indulgent blend of plain, non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cream cheese, and your preferred sweetener. This combination creates a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet topping that complements the strawberry filling beautifully. The Greek yogurt adds a slight tang and a lighter texture compared to traditional frostings, while the cream cheese provides richness. Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste, whether you prefer it less sweet or extra indulgent. A sprinkle of colorful sugar sprinkles on top adds a festive touch and a hint of extra sweetness and crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Pop Tarts
Preparing Your Pastry
- Begin by unrolling one sheet of refrigerated pie crust onto a clean, flat working surface. A bamboo cutting board or a silicone mat works perfectly for this.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut each of the two pie crusts into three equally sized rectangles. This will give you a total of six rectangles. Aim for rectangles that are fairly long, as you’ll be folding them over to create the pop tart shape. A typical rectangle might be about 3×5 inches, but precision isn’t paramount.
Filling and Sealing with Care
- In a small bowl, combine your strawberry preserves with the cornstarch. Mix these two ingredients thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully incorporated, creating a slightly thickened fruit filling.
- Take one of your pastry rectangles and spoon about one tablespoon of the prepared strawberry filling onto one half of the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. It’s crucial not to overfill, as this can lead to leakage during cooking.
- Carefully fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, aligning the edges to form a sealed pop tart.
- Using the tines of a fork, gently press down along all four edges of each pop tart. This not only creates the classic pop tart crimp but also helps to seal the edges securely, preventing the filling from escaping.
Air Frying to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C). While it’s preheating, lightly spray the pop tarts with a cooking oil spray (like olive oil) to help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Carefully place the pop tarts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them, as this will prevent even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes. Begin checking on your pop tarts around the 8-minute mark. They should be golden brown and slightly puffed when done. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness.
The Finishing Touch: Frosting and Sprinkles
- While the pop tarts are cooling, prepare your frosting. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and sweetener. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- This step is crucial: allow the air-fried pop tarts to cool down significantly before attempting to remove them from the air fryer basket or frosting them. Hot pop tarts are very delicate and prone to breaking. Letting them cool for at least 10-15 minutes will allow them to firm up.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the pop tarts from the air fryer. Spread a generous amount of the homemade frosting over each one, and then sprinkle with sugar sprinkles for that classic pop tart look and an extra hint of sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optimal Air Fryer Temperature and Cook Time
For achieving the perfect balance of a flaky crust and a warm, bubbly filling, I highly recommend setting your air fryer to **370°F (185°C)**. This temperature ensures thorough cooking without burning the pastry. The ideal cook time is typically between **8 to 10 minutes**. However, air fryer models can vary, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pop tarts, especially during their first batch. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on the crust. If they’re browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly or shorten the cooking time. The goal is a crispy exterior and a delicious, cooked filling.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Pop Tarts
Once your homemade air fryer strawberry pop tarts have cooled completely, you can store any leftovers to enjoy later. For best results, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored this way, they will maintain their freshness and delicious taste for up to **one week**. If you prefer them warm and crispy, simply reheat them in your air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Be mindful of the frosting, as it may melt slightly upon reheating, so you might prefer to re-frost after warming if you want a pristine look.
Can You Freeze Homemade Pop Tarts?
Yes, these pop tarts are excellent for meal prepping and freezing! To freeze them, allow the completely cooked and frosted (or unfrosted) pop tarts to cool down fully. Wrap each pop tart individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to **3 months**. When you’re ready to enjoy one, you can reheat it directly from frozen in the air fryer at 370°F (185°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until warm and crispy. This makes for an incredibly convenient grab-and-go breakfast or snack!
While you’re here, be sure to check out my Red Velvet Cupcakes for another sweet treat!
Customize Your Pop Tarts: Flavor Variations
While strawberry is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to get creative with your pop tart fillings! The beauty of homemade treats is the endless customization. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Berry Blast: Experiment with raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves for different fruity flavors.
- Apple Cinnamon: Use apple pie filling (finely chopped) mixed with a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or a similar chocolate-hazelnut spread for a rich, decadent treat.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Mix brown sugar with cinnamon and a little melted butter for a classic, comforting filling.
- Cream Cheese Delight: For an extra creamy filling, mix cream cheese with a little sugar and a hint of vanilla extract.
You can also vary the frosting! A simple vanilla glaze, a chocolate drizzle, or even a lemon-flavored frosting could add another layer of deliciousness to your customized pop tarts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pop Tarts
Here are some common questions you might have when making air fryer homemade strawberry pop tarts:
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
A: Yes, puff pastry can also be used for a slightly different, flakier texture. Adjust cooking time as puff pastry cooks faster and browns more quickly.
Q: My pop tarts are leaking filling, what am I doing wrong?
A: This usually happens if they are overfilled or not sealed properly. Ensure you use only about a tablespoon of filling and firmly crimp all edges with a fork.
Q: Can I make these savory?
A: Absolutely! Consider fillings like ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or even a pizza sauce with mozzarella for a savory twist. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting too dark?
A: Check your pop tarts frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking time. If they’re browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly for the last few minutes. Some air fryers also have a “bake” setting which might be gentler.
Q: What kind of sweetener should I use for the frosting?
A: You can use powdered sugar, a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, or even a touch of maple syrup or honey. Adjust to your desired sweetness and consistency.
Popular Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you’re loving the convenience of your air fryer, here are more fantastic recipes to explore:
Air Fryer French FriesAir Fryer Sweet Potato FriesAir Fryer Chicken TendersAir Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken SandwichAir Fryer Green Beans
More Air Fryer Dessert Ideas
The air fryer is a surprisingly versatile tool for desserts. If you enjoyed these pop tarts, you might also like:
Air Fryer Cherry TurnoversAir Fryer Lemon Pound Cake
Air Fryer Blueberry MuffinsAir Fryer Dessert Empanadas
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Air Fryer Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
These Air Fryer Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts are so quick and easy to make using refrigerated pie crusts and strawberry preserves. This sweet treat can double as breakfast or dessert.
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Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (I used Pillsbury)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup strawberry preserves (I used Smucker’s)
- Cooking oil (I used olive oil spray)
- ½ cup plain, non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 oz cream cheese (I used reduced-fat)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener
- 1 teaspoon sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Lay the pie crust on a flat working surface. I used a bamboo cutting board.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the 2 pie crusts into 6 rectangles (3 from each pie crust). Each should be fairly long in length as you will fold it over to close the pop tart.
- Add the preserves and cornstarch to a bowl and mix well.
- Add a tablespoon of the preserves to the crust. Place the preserves in the upper area of the crust, leaving a border for sealing.
- Fold each over to close the pop tarts.
- Using a fork, make imprints along the edges of each pop tart, to create vertical and horizontal lines and ensure a tight seal.
- Preheat your Air Fryer to 370 degrees F (185°C). Place the pop tarts in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack; cook in batches if needed. Spray with cooking oil.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. You may want to check in on the Pop Tarts around 8 minutes to ensure they aren’t too crisp for your liking.
- While pop tarts cool, combine the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and sweetener in a bowl to create the frosting.
- Allow the Pop Tarts to cool completely before removing them from the Air Fryer. This is important as they are delicate when hot and may break.
- Once cooled, remove the pop tarts from the Air Fryer. Top each with the prepared frosting and sprinkle sugar sprinkles throughout.
Video
Enjoy a visual guide for making these Air Fryer Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts!
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Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.