Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups

 

Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups

Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups: Little Bites of Sweet Wellness

Imagine delicate, flaky pastry cups filled with a subtly sweet and slightly tangy goji berry paste. These Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups are a delightful and surprisingly easy treat that offers a touch of wellness in every bite. The air fryer creates a beautifully crisp pastry, while the homemade goji filling provides a unique flavour and a boost of antioxidants. They're perfect for a light dessert, a healthy snack, or even a unique addition to a brunch spread.

Yields: Approximately 12 pastry cups

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Goji Grind (Paste):

  • 1/2 cup dried goji berries
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

For the Pastry Cups:

  • 1 sheet (about 225g) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon milk or egg wash (1 egg yolk whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling

Equipment:

  • Food processor or high-powered blender
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Round cookie cutter or glass (approximately 3-inch diameter)
  • Muffin tin or individual tartlet moulds
  • Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Goji Grind (Paste):

  • Place the dried goji berries and water in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the goji berries are softened and have absorbed most of the water.
  • Transfer the softened goji berries and any remaining liquid to a food processor or high-powered blender.
  • Add the honey (or maple syrup) and lemon zest (if using).
  • Blend until you have a smooth, thick paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pastry:

  • Lightly flour your work surface.
  • Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If it's quite thick, you can lightly roll it out to slightly thin it, but be careful not to make it too thin.
  • Using your round cookie cutter or glass, cut out approximately 12 circles from the pastry sheet. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more circles if needed.

3. Form the Pastry Cups:

  • Gently press each pastry circle into the cups of a muffin tin or individual tartlet moulds. Make sure the pastry reaches the bottom and up the sides. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to shape them.

4. Fill the Pastry Cups:

  • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the prepared goji paste into the centre of each pastry cup.

5. Prepare for Air Frying:

  • Brush the edges of the pastry cups with milk or egg wash.
  • If desired, sprinkle the edges with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

6. Air Fry the Pastry Cups:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  • Carefully place the filled pastry cups into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
  • Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them as air fryers can vary.

7. Cool and Serve:

  • Once cooked, carefully remove the pastry cups from the air fryer and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well for Better Taste:

  • Cream Cheese Swirl: For a richer and tangier flavour, swirl a small amount of softened cream cheese into the goji paste before filling the pastry cups.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios) on top of the goji filling before baking for added texture and flavour.
  • Citrus Infusion: Enhance the citrus notes by adding a drop or two of orange or lime juice to the goji paste.
  • Spice Hint: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the goji paste can add a warm and aromatic dimension.
  • Vanilla Touch: A drop of vanilla extract in the goji paste will complement the sweetness beautifully.
  • Yogurt or Whipped Cream: Serve the cooled pastry cups with a dollop of Greek yogurt or lightly sweetened whipped cream for a creamy contrast.

These Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups offer a delightful balance of flaky pastry and a unique sweet-tart goji filling. The air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp treat that's both delicious and subtly wholesome. Enjoy the little burst of flavour and the delightful texture!

Air Fryer Goji Pastry Cups


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