Air frying frozen apple strudel is absolutely possible and can result in a delicious treat with a crispy outside and warm, gooey inside. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to crisp up the outside of foods using little to no oil. This makes them a great option for cooking frozen foods like apple strudel without thawing first.
Benefits of Air Frying Apple Strudel
There are several benefits to air frying frozen apple strudel rather than baking it in the oven:
- It cooks faster – Air fryers can cook foods much more quickly than a traditional oven due to the rapid air circulation. This means you can enjoy warm apple strudel faster.
- Crispier exterior – The circulating hot air will help crisp up the outside pastry layers of the strudel while keeping the apple filling moist.
- No preheating – Unlike an oven, most air fryers do not require preheating so you can simply place the frozen strudel right into the air fryer basket.
- Less fat – Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in a less greasy treat than deep frying.
- Easy cleanup – With minimal oil splatter, air fryers are easier to clean up after cooking than some other appliances.
How to Air Fry Frozen Apple Strudel
Air frying frozen apple strudel is simple but there are a few tips to follow for best results:
- Do not thaw the strudel – Make sure it is fully frozen when putting it in the air fryer basket.
- Brush with butter or oil – Lightly brush the top of the frozen strudel with a small amount of melted butter or vegetable oil. This helps it get extra crispy.
- Cut into portions – For more even cooking, cut the strudel into individual portions or strips before air frying.
- Cook at 400°F for 4-8 minutes – Arrange the strudel pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly – Let the cooked strudel cool for 2-3 minutes before serving so the filling can set.
- Dust with powdered sugar – For an extra touch, dust the warm strudel with powdered sugar before serving.
The exact air fryer cooking time can vary based on the size and number of strudel pieces, so keep an eye on it and adjust the time as needed. Smaller air fryers may need to cook the strudel in batches. Just fry until the pastry is crisped and golden brown.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for perfectly air fried apple strudel every time:
- Purchase strudel that is made for freezing – Some packaged strudels hold up better to freezing than others.
- Cut into even strips or pieces – This allows for more consistent cooking.
- Only air fry 2-3 pieces at a time – Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Flip halfway – Remember to gently flip and rotate the strudel pieces during cooking.
- Let rest before cutting – Allowing the strudel to cool slightly helps the filling set up.
- Serve warm – Apple strudel is best enjoyed warm right out of the air fryer.
Recommended Air Fryer Settings
While you may need to adjust the exact timing based on your particular air fryer model and the size of the strudel pieces, here are some general recommended air fryer settings to get perfect results:
Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
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Cooking Time | 4-8 minutes |
Strudel Pieces | 2-3 at a time |
At 400°F, frozen apple strudel takes about 4-5 minutes per side to become piping hot and turn a golden crispy brown color on the outside.
Different Flavors to Try
While classic apple is a delicious choice, consider air frying other flavors of frozen strudel as well:
- Cherry – Tart cherries pair nicely with the flaky pastry.
- Cheese – Cheese fillings like ricotta or cream cheese melt deliciously.
- Chocolate-Hazelnut – For a dessert lover’s dream!
- Blueberry – Bursting with sweet, juicy berries.
- Strawberry Rhubarb – A springtime favorite.
- Peach – Sweet, summery peach flavor.
The air fryer handles any frozen filled pastry well, so get creative with the fillings and flavors you love!
Serving Suggestions
Warm apple strudel right out of the air fryer is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up in lots of tasty ways. Top with:
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon sugar
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel or chocolate sauce
- Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans or almonds
- Fresh fruit like apple slices
- Crumbled cookies or graham crackers
- A dollop of nut butter
For an extra decadent dessert, turn air fried apple strudel into an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of ice cream in between two pieces of the warm strudel!
Sample Serving Ideas
Serving Suggestion | Ingredients |
---|---|
Cinnamon Crumb Topping | Cinnamon sugar, brown sugar, chopped walnuts |
Ice Cream Sundae | Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, chopped pecans |
Apple Pie Strudel | Sliced apples, cinnamon, raisins, powdered sugar |
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover air fried apple strudel can be stored and reheated using these methods:
- Room temperature – Allow cooked strudel to cool completely then store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration – Place cooled strudel in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freezer – For longer storage, freeze strudel pieces in a single layer on a pan then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating – Thaw refrigerated strudel on the counter or in the microwave. Reheat frozen strudel in a 400°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through, 5-10 minutes.
The pre-cooked strudel may not get as crispy on the outside when reheated but will still have a delicious warm filling!
Common Questions
Can I cook frozen apple strudel from completely frozen?
Yes, you do not need to thaw frozen strudel before air frying. Cooking it straight from frozen helps maintain a crispy outer layer.
Should I brush the strudel with oil or butter before air frying?
Brushing a small amount of oil or butter on the top of the strudel before air frying helps it get extra browned and crispy. Any neutral oil or melted butter works well.
How do I avoid soggy pastry when air frying?
Cutting the strudel into smaller pieces before cooking and not overcrowding the air fryer basket helps ensure even crisping. Taking care not to overcook it also prevents sogginess.
Can I make my own strudel and air fry it?
Definitely! Homemade strudel dough filled with your favorite fruits or other fillings can absolutely be air fried with great results. Follow the same cooking guidelines as for frozen store-bought strudel.
Should strudel be eaten hot or cold?
For ultimate enjoyment, apple strudel and other flavors are best served fresh and warm right from the air fryer. The contrast of flaky pastry with warm filling is what makes strudel so delicious.
Conclusion
Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook frozen apple strudel and other filled pastries from your grocer’s freezer section. The circulating hot air of an air fryer crisps up the outside layers beautifully while heating the filling through in just minutes. Following a few simple tips like brushing with oil and cutting into portions ensures the strudel comes out perfectly browned and crispy every time. Air fried apple strudel is fantastic on its own but can also be topped with ice cream, nuts, fruit and other goodies for a mouthwatering dessert. So go ahead – air fry some frozen apple strudel tonight for a fast and flavorful treat!