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!