If you're wondering if you can make pop tarts in the air fryer, the answer is yes! This easy breakfast, snack, or dessert can be prepared in just minutes in an air fryer. The results are a lightly browned and deliciously sweet toaster pastry, ready to eat.
It's no secret that the air fryer is an amazing tool! In fact, it has soared in popularity over the last few years, and now many homes proudly display a small air fryer oven or basket style on the countertop. And while some of us try it and love it right away, some don't know what to do with it and end up letting it sit unused.
The truth is, you can make SO many things in your air fryer! Everything from easy prepared foods like these air fryer pop tarts and frozen Texas toast, to something with a several steps like my air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, or ham and cheese sliders.
So much can be done in this mini appliance, and the best part is that it won't heat your house up like an oven. It also takes the place of a toaster, as we see here with these toaster pastries. If you like to keep your toaster tucked away, you'll love using the air fryer to make toast, bagels, pop tarts, and even waffles.
Today I'm showing you just how easy it is to make pop tarts in an air fryer. And when I say easy, I mean easy. Let's get started!
You Will Need:
- Pop tarts: Use whatever flavor or brand you like best, so long as it is a similar size to the classic branded pop tart. If it's smaller or larger (or thicker), you will have to adjust the cook time up or down to account for that.
- Air Fryer: You can use either a basket style (like the Ninja I typically use) or a tray style air fryer (like this one from Instant Pot)
How to Make Pop Tarts in an Air Fryer
Making pop tarts in an air fryer is SO easy, you're going to wonder why you haven't tried it sooner! If you're like me and you don't keep your toaster on your countertop (but DO keep your air fryer in the coveted space), you're going to love this!
To get started, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturers instructions.
Add the pop tarts in a single layer to the basket. If you have a 6 quart basket model, you can probably fit 2-3 at a time. If you have a tray style, you could probably do 4-6 at a time depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned and warmed through. Be sure to check around the 2 minute mark, and return to the air fryer if it's not as browned as you would like.
If you didn't preheat your air fryer and added your pop tarts cold, you will have a longer cook time (about 3-5 minutes), but I recommend preheating just because it's a best practice!
Air Fryer Tips
- Always make sure to preheat your air fryer first! The general recommendation is for at least 3 minutes, but some models have a preheat button and that can be used as an easy shortcut.
- Never stack or layer your food in the air fryer. This prevents food from cooking through, and can create excess moisture in the basket or oven. If you want your food crisp, perfectly browned and cooked through, place everything in an even layer with some space between each item.
- Use a trivet when removing the basket and setting it down on the counter. Baskets can be hot, and you don't want to scorch your kitchen counter by putting it directly on the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although most pop tarts will have a relatively long shelf life, they do eventually go bad. That's why it's important to look for an expiration or u0022sell byu0022 date on the packaging. This is a good indicator of how long it will stay fresh, although you can often consume pop tarts that are just a few days past their expiration date. Sell by date is another story, with the product lasting several weeks past the date listed on the package.
Yes, you can put pop tarts in an air fryer! Just be sure to add them in a single layer and add to a basket or tray that has been preheated first. Then, cook them at 400F for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
If you are adding your pop tarts to an air fryer that has been preheated to 400F, they should take 2-3 minutes. If you did not preheat your air fryer, they will take 3-5 minutes to cook.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Texas Toast
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Frozen Pierogies in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- S'mores in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Pop Tarts {Toaster Pastries}
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 3 minutes, or according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Add the pop tarts in a single layer. You can cook as many as you can fit in a single layer, evenly spaced in your air fryer. This is typically 2-3 for a basket style, and 4-6 for a tray style air fryer.
- Cook your pop tarts for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Check on your pop tarts around the 2 minute mark, and remove as soon as they have browned lightly and feel very warm in the center.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Repeat in batches, if desired or cooking for a crowd.
Notes
Nutrition
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Steve says
This worked just as well as my toaster, and I'm pretty happy! My kids are going to love it.