Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of egg tarts and you own an air fryer, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is not just for frying, it can also be used to bake delicious treats like egg tarts. With its even heat distribution and quick cooking time, the air fryer is a perfect tool for making these flaky and creamy delights.
Egg tarts are a popular Chinese dessert that consists of a buttery pastry crust filled with a smooth and custardy egg filling. Traditionally, egg tarts are baked in the oven, but with the air fryer, you can achieve the same great taste and texture in a fraction of the time. Plus, using an air fryer means less cleanup and a healthier version of your favorite dessert.
To make egg tarts in the air fryer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. For the pastry crust, you’ll need flour, butter, sugar, salt, and egg yolks. The filling is made with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor. Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on making the perfect egg tart.
Start by making the pastry crust. In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the egg yolks and mix until a dough forms. Divide the dough into small portions and press them into the tart molds, making sure to cover the bottom and sides. Place the tart molds in the air fryer and preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you can start making egg tarts with an air fryer, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- Pastry: You will need pre-made puff pastry sheets. Make sure to thaw them if they are frozen before using.
- Egg Custard Filling: You will need eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract for the creamy filling.
- Tools: You will need a mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a tart pan, and an air fryer.
- Optional Toppings: You can add some toppings to enhance the flavor and appearance of your egg tarts. Options include raisins, fruit preserves, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and tools, you are ready to start making your delicious egg tarts!
Mixing the Batter
Now that you have prepared the tart shells, it’s time to mix the batter for the egg tart filling.
In a mixing bowl, crack open six eggs and whisk them until well beaten. Make sure to whisk in one direction to create a smooth and uniform texture.
Next, add in the sugar and continue whisking until it dissolves completely. The sugar will add a touch of sweetness to the egg tart filling.
After the sugar has dissolved, pour in the evaporated milk and whisk until well blended. The evaporated milk will give the egg tart filling a creamy and rich taste.
For an extra flavor boost, you can also add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the taste of the batter.
Once all the ingredients are well combined, strain the batter through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or impurities.
Now your batter is ready to be poured into the prepared tart shells.
Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a hand blender or an immersion blender to mix the ingredients together.
Note: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can create air bubbles and result in an uneven texture.
Baking the Egg Tarts in the Air Fryer
Once you have prepared your egg tart mixture and lined your tart shells, it’s time to bake them in the air fryer. Baking egg tarts in the air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked custard filling. Follow these simple steps to bake your egg tarts to perfection.
Preheating the Air Fryer
The first step is to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature for baking the tarts.
Baking the Tarts
While the air fryer is preheating, place the egg tart shells on a baking tray that fits into your air fryer basket. If necessary, you can bake the tarts in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Make sure to leave some space between the tart shells to allow for even air circulation.
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the baking tray with the tart shells into the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer and set the timer for 12-15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the tarts as they bake.
Checking for Doneness
After about 12 minutes, carefully open the air fryer to check the doneness of the tarts. The crust should be golden brown and the custard filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the tarts need more time, close the air fryer and continue baking for another 1-2 minutes.
Once the tarts are done, carefully remove the baking tray from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Allow the tarts to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the egg tarts warm or at room temperature.
Baking egg tarts in the air fryer is a quick and efficient way to achieve a deliciously crispy crust and a perfectly cooked custard filling. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade egg tarts that rival those from your favorite bakery.
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with less oil.
Can I make egg tarts with an air fryer?
Yes, you can make egg tarts with an air fryer. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps to bake the egg tart crust and cook the filling simultaneously.
What ingredients do I need to make egg tarts with an air fryer?
To make egg tarts with an air fryer, you will need ingredients like pastry dough, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the filling, and some flour for dusting the surface when rolling out the dough.
How long does it take to cook egg tarts with an air fryer?
The cooking time for egg tarts in an air fryer may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to cook egg tarts in an air fryer.
Can I use pre-made pastry dough for egg tarts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use pre-made pastry dough for egg tarts in an air fryer. It will save you time and effort in making the pastry from scratch. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for any specific baking temperature or time adjustments.
