Air Fryer Jam & Custard Pastry Pockets Recipe
Introduction
These air fryer jam and custard pastry pockets are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for any time of day. Crispy on the outside, with a sweet, creamy filling, they’re quick to make and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
- 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 6 tbsp jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work well)
- 6 tbsp custard
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
- Drop of vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk
- Sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries, to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Unravel the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal rectangles by slicing into three rows and four columns.
- Step 2: Spoon 1 tablespoon of jam and 1 tablespoon of custard into the center of six rectangles, leaving a 1cm border around the edges to prevent leaking.
- Step 3: Brush the exposed borders of these six rectangles with a little beaten egg.
- Step 4: Place the remaining six pastry rectangles on top of the jam and custard-filled ones. Press the edges firmly together, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal each pocket.
- Step 5: Cut a small cross in the top of each pastry pocket to allow steam to escape, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly brush the tops of the pockets with more beaten egg.
- Step 7: Cook the pockets in batches for 10 minutes or until they are puffed and deep golden brown. If the bottoms feel soft, carefully turn them over and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Step 9: Mix the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl to make a thick glaze.
- Step 10: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry pockets and scatter with sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, add a little vanilla extract to the custard before filling the pockets.
- You can swap jam for other fruit preserves or even chocolate spread for a different twist.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the pockets in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Make sure not to overfill the pockets to avoid any leakage during cooking.
Storage
Store the pastry pockets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months—just thaw and add 3 extra minutes to the cooking time when reheating. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the pastry crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works perfectly but may require a little extra chilling time to handle easily and prevent shrinking during cooking.
What other fillings can I use besides jam and custard?
You can try chocolate spread, lemon curd, Nutella, or even savory fillings like cheese and ham for a different variation on this recipe.
PrintAir Fryer Jam & Custard Pastry Pockets Recipe
These Air Fryer Jam & Custard Pastry Pockets are delightful, golden puff pastry parcels filled with sweet jam and creamy custard. They are quick to prepare, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and soft, luscious inside. Topped with a vanilla glaze and optional sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries, these treats make a perfect snack or dessert that can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastry pockets 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Pastry Pockets
- 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 6 tbsp jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot recommended)
- 6 tbsp custard
- 1 egg, beaten
Glaze & Decoration
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 drop vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk
- Sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Unravel the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal rectangles, ideally by dividing into a grid of three by four. This ensures evenly sized pastry pockets.
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon 1 tablespoon of jam and 1 tablespoon of custard into the center of six of the pastry rectangles, leaving a 1cm border around the edges to prevent leakage during cooking. Avoid overfilling.
- Seal the Pockets: Brush the exposed borders of the jam and custard filled rectangles with a little beaten egg to help with sealing. Place the other six pastry rectangles on top. Firmly press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp the seals with a fork. Cut a small cross on top of each pocket for steam to escape.
- Chill the Pastry: Place the sealed pastry pockets in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes, allowing them to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during cooking. These can be frozen for up to three months; if cooked from frozen, add three extra minutes to cooking time.
- Air Fry the Pastry Pockets: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly brush the tops of the pockets with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Cook the pockets in batches for 10 minutes until puffed and deep golden brown. If the bottoms remain soft, carefully turn the pockets over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once cooked, cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar, a drop of vanilla extract, and 1-2 teaspoons of milk until it forms a thick glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled pastry pockets. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries for added texture and flavor.
- Serving and Storage: These pastry pockets are best enjoyed the same day for optimal crispness and freshness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- Ensure not to overfill the pastry pockets to prevent leaking during air frying.
- Chilling the pastry before cooking helps keep the pockets intact and enhances puffiness.
- You can freeze the uncooked sealed pockets for up to three months; add three extra minutes to cooking time when cooking from frozen.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute custard and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Customize the filling by using different jam flavors to suit your taste.
Keywords: air fryer pastry pockets, jam and custard pastries, puff pastry dessert, easy air fryer desserts, sweet pastry pockets
