Air Fryer Jam and Custard Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe
These Air Fryer Jam & Custard Pastry Pockets are delightful treats featuring flaky puff pastry filled with sweet jam and creamy custard. Perfectly golden and crisp, they are quick to prepare and cook in the air fryer, finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze and optional sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastry pockets 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 and Decoration
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
- Drop of vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk
- Sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries, to decorate (optional)
- Prepare Pastry Rectangles: Unravel the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal rectangles by dividing it into three by four sections. This ensures uniform pastry pockets.
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon 1 tablespoon of jam and 1 tablespoon of custard into the centre of six rectangles, leaving about a 1cm border to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Seal the Pockets: Brush the exposed borders of the filled rectangles with beaten egg, then place the remaining pastry rectangles on top. Press the edges firmly with your fingers and crimp with a fork to seal them properly. Cut a small cross in the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape.
- Chill the Pockets: Place the prepared pockets in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to firm up. This step also allows for easy handling. Note that these can be frozen for up to three months; if cooking from frozen, add 3 extra minutes to cooking time.
- Air Fry the Pastries: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly brush the tops of the chilled pastry pockets with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Cook the pockets in batches for 10 minutes until they are puffed up and a deep golden brown. If the undersides remain soft, carefully flip them and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool Pastries: Once cooked, transfer the pastries to a wire rack and allow them to cool for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled pastries and optionally sprinkle with sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried berries for added color and flavor.
- Serve and Store: These pastries are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- Do not overfill the pastry to avoid spillage during cooking.
- Chilling the pastry pockets helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free puff pastry.
- Adjust cooking time slightly when cooking from frozen; add approximately 3 minutes.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges well to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Keywords: air fryer dessert, jam and custard pockets, puff pastry recipe, easy sweet pastries, quick air fryer dessert