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Air Fryer Fruit Tart

Name: Air Fryer Fruit Tart
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 refrigerated pie crust; 3.4 ounces cheesecake instant pudding mix or flavor of your choice; 1 1/2 cup milk (cold); 2 cups fruit (any type); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup lemon juice

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: October 27, 2021

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Air Fryer Fruit Tart — Do you love tarts? Do you want to make them without the hassle of rolling out pie crust and baking it before adding your filling? Well, you can use an air fryer for this!

My Air Fryer Fruit Tart recipe Tart a light and fluffy dessert filled with a simple cheesecake pudding and topped with freshly sliced strawberries and blueberries.

This is the perfect dessert for your family, company, or a special holiday gathering, and best of all, it is prepared in less than 25 minutes, including the cooking time. So, you can have it any day of the week, and it makes an excellent dessert for lazy weekdays.

Today, I used a simple refrigerated pie crust, making baking in the air fryer super simple. If you are looking for some other easy dessert ideas, check out my Air Fryer Blueberry Tart or Air Fryer Cannolis; both are super simple to make in the air fryer.

What Is A Fruit Tart?

Fruit tarts are a delicious pastry. They can be made from scratch or bought at the store. The crust is typically buttery and flaky, while the filling is sweet and juicy. The fruit inside your tart may vary depending on the season, but there’s always a delicate balance of sweetness to tartness that will leave you craving more!

Why You Will Love Making A Fruit Tart In Air Fryer

Making a fruit tart in an air fryer is a delightful and innovative approach to creating this classic dessert, offering several advantages that make it an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Here’s why you’ll love making a fruit tart in your air fryer:

Faster Cooking Time: The air fryer heats up quickly and cooks the tart crust efficiently, reducing overall baking time compared to a conventional oven. This means you can enjoy your delicious fruit tart much sooner.
Even Cooking: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring the tart crust cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden and flaky without the worry of uneven hot spots often found in traditional ovens.
Lower Energy Usage: Using an air fryer for baking a fruit tart is more energy-efficient than heating up a full-sized oven, making it an eco-friendly choice for your kitchen activities.
Less Mess: Baking a fruit tart in an air fryer typically involves less mess than using an oven. The contained space of the air fryer basket means any spills or crumbs are limited and easily cleaned up.
Ideal for Small Batches: The compact size of the air fryer makes it perfect for whipping up a small fruit tart when you don’t need to make a large dessert. It’s ideal for serving one or two people, reducing waste.
No Overheating the Kitchen: Unlike using an oven, baking with an air fryer doesn’t significantly increase the temperature of your kitchen, making it a comfortable experience even on hot days.
Experiment with Flavors: Making a fruit tart in an air fryer encourages creativity. You can easily experiment with different types of crusts, fillings, and toppings to create custom, delicious creations every time.
Control Over Ingredients: When you make a fruit tart at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can opt for whole, natural ingredients and adjust the sugar level to your preference, making it a healthier option than store-bought desserts.

Embracing the air fryer for making a fruit tart not only simplifies the baking process but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities, making it a method worth trying for both novice bakers and experienced chefs alike. The convenience, efficiency, and delightful results will make this your new favorite way to prepare this classic dessert.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Fruit Tart

Creating a Fruit Tart in an Air Fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dessert with a modern twist. Utilizing the air fryer not only simplifies the baking process but also ensures a perfectly crispy crust and beautifully roasted fruit toppings, all while keeping your kitchen cool. This method is ideal for anyone looking to combine the ease of air frying with the sophisticated appeal of a traditional fruit tart.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Tart Crust Dough: The base of your fruit tart, made from a blend of flour, butter, and a touch of sugar, provides a buttery, crisp foundation that holds up well to the filling and fruit topping.
Milk and Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: Creates a rich, creamy layer that is spread over the cooled tart crust, adding depth and creaminess to the tart.
Fresh Fruits: Sliced strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, and raspberries offer a vibrant, tangy contrast to the sweet filling, adding freshness, color, and nutrients.
Granulated Sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest mixed into the cream cheese filling or over the tart adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Fruit Tart In Air Fryer

Making a Fruit Tart in an Air Fryer offers a unique and efficient way to enjoy this classic dessert. Here’s a straightforward guide to creating a delicious fruit tart with a perfectly crispy crust and a vibrant, fresh topping.

Prepare the Tart Crust:

Lightly spray your tart pan with cooking spray. The size of your pan depends on the size of your air fryer.
Make sure it fits in your air fryer before starting.
Press the pie crust into the tart pan, making sure to press it along the sides into the scalloped edge.
Trim off any excess pie crust.

Pre-Cook the Crust:

Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.
Place a piece of foil on top of the pie crust and add pie weights.
Make sure they cover the entire inside of the tart.
Air fry for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Take the tart pan out of the air fryer and take out the foil and weights.
Let cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

While the crust is cooling, make the filling by whisking the instant pudding mix with the cold milk.
Once thickened but still pourable, pour the pudding into the cooled tart shell, smooth out the top.
Place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the pudding, make sure it’s touching.
Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the pudding is set.

Prepare The Glaze:

While the pudding chills in the refrigerator, make the glaze by whisking together the granulated sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Pour the lemon juice and whisk to combine thoroughly. Place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once you see it bubble AT ALL, any bubbles, take it off the heat immediately.
Let cool to room temperature, going so often.

Serving:

Take the tart out of the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap.
Place the fruit on top of the pudding. Brush everything generously with the glaze; you may have a slight glaze leftover.
Remove the tart from the pan. Slice and serve.

Pro Tips

Making a fruit tart in an air fryer might seem unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to achieve a deliciously crisp crust and beautifully cooked fruit topping. Here are some pro tips to ensure your air fryer fruit tart turns out perfectly every time:

Pan Compatibility: Ensure your tart pan fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. A removable-bottom tart pan is ideal for easy removal without damaging the beautifully arranged fruit topping.
Chill the Dough: For a flakier crust, keep your dough chilled until right before you press it into your tart pan. This helps prevent the butter from melting before cooking, resulting in a crispier base.
Dock the Dough: Before air frying, prick the bottom of the dough with a fork (docking) to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Dry Your Fruit: After slicing, gently pat your fruit dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the tart from becoming soggy.
Color and Texture: Choose a variety of colors and textures for your fruit topping to make the tart visually appealing and delightfully textured.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the tart starts cooking at the right temperature for a perfectly golden crust.
Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models can vary, so start checking your tart a few minutes before the recommended cooking time ends to prevent over-browning.
Warm the Apricot Jam: Slightly warming the apricot jam before brushing it on the fruit helps it spread more easily and gives the tart a beautiful shine.
Add Zest After Cooking: If using lemon zest for garnish, sprinkle it over the tart after air frying to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the tart to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving dish. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, dust the tart with powdered sugar just before serving.

By following these pro tips, your Air Fryer Fruit Tart will not only look stunning but also taste delicious, with a perfectly cooked crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.

Faqs

Can I use frozen fruit for the tart? Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but it’s best to thaw and drain it thoroughly first to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the tart from becoming soggy. However, for the best texture and flavor, fresh fruit is recommended.

How do I prevent the tart crust from becoming soggy? To prevent a soggy tart crust, you can blind bake (pre-bake) the crust before adding the filling. Pricking the bottom of the crust with a fork and using pie weights or dried beans can also help keep the crust crisp.

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare and pre-bake the tart crust up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to fill it.

What’s the best way to store a fruit tart? Fruit tarts are best enjoyed the day they are made, but if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. Cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the crust from becoming too soft. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days.

Can I make a gluten-free fruit tart? Yes, you can make a gluten-free fruit tart by using a gluten-free flour blend in your tart crust recipe. Ensure all other ingredients, including the thickener for the filling if used, are gluten-free.

How can I make the glaze for the fruit tart? A simple glaze can be made by heating apricot jam or clear jelly until liquefied. Brush the glaze over the arranged fruit for a shiny finish. If the jam is too thick, thin it with a little water.

Can I use a different type of cream for the filling? Yes, while cream cheese is a common filling, you can also use pastry cream, mascarpone, or whipped cream for different flavors and textures. Adjust the sweetness based on the type of cream used.

How do I keep the fruit from discoloring? Applying a glaze not only gives the fruit tart a beautiful shine but also helps prevent the fruit from discoloring. Lemon juice can also help maintain the fruit’s vibrant color, especially on apples, bananas, and pears.

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