My air fryer mozzarella tarts with tomato and basil are the perfect appetizer for dinner or a delightful party snack for a buffet. These cheesy bites are all about crispy, crunchy, and cheesy deliciousness, and they couldn’t be easier to make. The best part is that they can be served both warm or cold, making them versatile for any occasion. Thanks to the air fryer, there’s no need for deep frying or excessive oil. Making these tarts a much healthier option compared to traditional fried snacks.
The combination of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a burst of fresh flavours in every bite. These ingredients come together so beautifully. Offering a balance of savoury, sweet, and aromatic notes that will be a hit at any gathering or a lovely addition to your family meals. Whether you’re serving them as a starter or just as a snack, these tarts are guaranteed to impress.
One of the best things about these air fryer mozzarella tarts is how customizable they are. If you’re not a fan of mozzarella or prefer something different, you can easily substitute it with goats cheese for a tangy twist. Or use cheddar or even blue cheese if you’re looking for something bolder. You can also switch up the herbs. Fresh oregano or thyme can provide a delightful variation on the classic basil flavour.
Storing any leftovers is simple. Just place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They reheat wonderfully in the air fryer, maintaining their crispiness. This makes them a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Whether as a quick snack or a side dish!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
MAKES 2 tarts
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer mozzarella tarts
Store-bought puff pastry
1 egg, beaten for the egg wash
Fresh mozzarella cheese
1 tomato, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil spray
To serve:
Balsamic vinegar
Rocket salad
Method
To make these simple yet delicious puff pastry tarts, I started by unrolling a sheet of store-bought puff pastry and placing it on a lightly floured surface. I then used a sharp knife to cut the sheet into two evenly sized rectangles – perfect for creating individual tarts that look elegant but require minimal effort.
To form a border that would hold in the filling as the pastry puffed up, I gently folded over the edges of each rectangle by about a centimetre on all sides. This creates a lovely raised crust once baked. I brushed the folded edges with a whisked egg, which helps give the pastry a beautiful golden finish during cooking.
For the filling, I kept things classic and fresh. I placed slices of creamy mozzarella cheese in the centre of each tart, followed by thin slices of ripe tomato. I then scattered over a few fresh basil leaves for that unmistakable Caprese flavour. To finish, I gave the tops a light spray of olive oil to help everything roast up nicely in the air fryer.
Then I transferred the tarts into the air fryer basket, making sure to give them a little space between each one, and cooked them at 190°C for about 8 to 10 minutes. So keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model – you’re looking for puffed, golden pastry and bubbling cheese.
Once cooked, I let the tarts cool for a minute or two, then served them warm with a handful of peppery rocket salad on the side. A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar over both the tart and salad added a perfect tangy contrast to the creamy cheese and sweet tomato. A quick, elegant meal or snack that tastes like summer on a plate!
Tips for Air Fryer Mozzarella Tarts
1. Use Fresh Mozzarella:
Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melt and creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that affect melting.
2. Opt for Ready-Made Pastry:
Using ready-rolled puff pastry or shortcrust pastry makes the process much quicker and easier. Just cut the pastry to size to fit your tart tins or air fryer basket.
3. Don’t Overfill:
Fill your tart shells with a moderate amount of mozzarella and toppings. Overstuffing can cause the cheese to spill over and make a mess in the air fryer.
4. Add Flavourful Extras:
Enhance your tarts by adding tomato slices, fresh basil, garlic, or a sprinkle of Italian herbs. These bring more depth and balance to the cheesy richness.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
It is always better to set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and let it preheat for at least a couple of minutes. This will help the pastry to cook evenly and become crisp.
6. Arrange Tarts Carefully:
Place the tarts in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space around each one for even cooking.
7. Cook Time:
Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the mozzarella is bubbling and melted.
8. Watch Closely:
Since air fryer models vary, keep an eye on your tarts to prevent over-browning or burning.
9. Serve Warm:
Mozzarella tarts are best served fresh and warm, right out of the air fryer, when the cheese is gooey and the pastry is flaky.
10. Try Different Toppings:
Get creative with toppings like caramelised onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to suit your taste.
Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy, melty mozzarella tarts that make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or light meal!
Similar recipes
If you like these simple air fryer mozzarella tarts, you might also like my delicious air fryer cheese tarts recipe.
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