These Air Fryer French Palmiers are buttery, crisp, and perfectly caramelized, making a delightful sweet treat in just minutes. Simple to make using puff pastry and sugar, they’re ideal for snacks, tea time, or impressing guests.

Golden, crisp Air Fryer French Palmier cookies with delicate layers on a plate.
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Bring a taste of French elegance to your kitchen with Air Fryer French Palmiers!

These crisp, buttery treats are surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the air fryer, which perfectly caramelizes the sugar and crisps the layers of puff pastry.

Whether you’re serving them with coffee, as a dessert, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these palmiers are a quick way to enjoy a classic French pastry at home.

Golden, crisp Air Fryer French Palmiers arranged on a plate, showing delicate puff pastry layers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Buttery, crisp, and perfectly caramelized in every bite.
  • Made quickly and easily in the air fryer.
  • Elegant French pastry that’s impressive yet simple.
  • Perfect for snacks, tea time, or dessert.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor and crunch.

Once you cook up a batch of Air Fryer French Palmier, here are some other Air Fryer Cookie Recipes you can try, AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT OREO MUG CAKE, EASY AND DELICIOUS COOKIE MUG CAKE RECIPE MADE IN MINUTES, AIR FRYER BREAKFAST COOKIES, and AIR FRYER COPYCAT DOUBLETREE COOKIES.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer French Palmier on kitchen table.
  • Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery sheets used to create crisp pastries.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the pastry for golden finish.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal from air fryer.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and crisp, tender layers.
  • Sparkling Sugar: Gives a decorative, crunchy, sweet topping on pastries.

How To Make Air Fryer French Palmier

Thawed puff pastry sheet laid flat on surface, sprinkled with granulated sugar.

Step 1: Start by laying out the thawed puff pastry sheet and then sprinkle the top with sugar.

Puff pastry rolled from both ends to meet in the middle, seam pressed, chilling in freezer.

Step 2: Roll one end into the middle and then roll the other end into the middle. Then press the top together, so the seam stays together. Place into the freezer for about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Cut the semi-frozen dough into 1-inch pieces. Cut until you use all of the dough.

Semi-frozen puff pastry dough cut into 1-inch pieces, ready for air frying.

Step 4: Spray your basket or tray with olive oil, and then place the sliced elephant ears on top. Important: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F, then air fry for about 7 to 9 minutes.

Step 5: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sparkling sugar.

Close of up Air Fryer French Palmier on blue and white plate.

Air Fryer French Palmier Recipe Tips

  • Chill the dough: Freezing the rolled puff pastry for a few minutes helps maintain shape while cutting.
  • Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier in the air fryer basket.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between each palmier so they cook evenly and crisp properly.
  • Watch the time: Air fryer temperatures can vary—check a minute early to avoid burning.
  • Add sugar last: Sprinkle extra sugar before cooking for a caramelized, crunchy finish.
  • Optional flavorings: Cinnamon or vanilla extract can be added for extra aroma and taste.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Keep cooled palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain crispness.
  • Freezing: Place baked palmiers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 1–2 minutes to restore crispiness, or in a preheated oven for 3–4 minutes.
Golden, flaky Air Fryer French Palmiers arranged on a plate, showing delicate layers and caramelized sugar.

Air Fryer French Palmier Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes, just thaw it according to package instructions before rolling and sugar coating.

Why did my palmiers spread too much? The dough may have been too warm—chill for a few minutes before cutting.

Can I add flavors to the sugar? Absolutely! Cinnamon, cocoa powder, or vanilla sugar can enhance the taste.

Can I bake these in the oven instead? Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden and caramelized.

How do I keep palmiers crispy? Store in an airtight container at room temperature; avoid refrigeration which can soften them.

Golden, crisp Air Fryer French Palmiers with flaky layers on a serving plate.

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Air Fryer French Palmier

Air Fryer French Palmier

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Description

Buttery, crispy, caramelized puff pastry made quickly in the air fryer. Perfect for snacks, desserts, or tea time treats.

Ingredients 

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sparkling sugar

Instructions

  • Start by laying out the thawed 1 sheet puff pastry and then sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
  • Roll one end into the middle and then roll the other end into the middle. Then press the top together, so the seam stays together. Place into the freezer for about 4 minutes.
  • Cut the semi-frozen dough into 1-inch pieces. Cut until you use all of the dough.
  • Spray your basket or tray with olive oil, and then place the sliced elephant ears on top. Important: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F, then air Fry for about 7 to 9 minutes.
  • Brush with melted 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sparkling sugar

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 58mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 29IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg

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