These tasty air fryer pear tarts make the perfect canapés for any party and can be made in just ten minutes. With only three simple ingredients, they’re the perfect choice for fuss-free entertaining. However, if you decide to make them a little larger and serve them with a fresh salad, they would also make a delicious starter for a dinner party. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something more substantial, these tarts are sure to impress.
Sweet but not overwhelmingly so, these air-fried puff pastry pear and feta cheese tarts strike the ideal balance of flavours. The pear and feta are a perfect pairing, with their flavours complementing each other. The pear’s sweetness pairs beautifully with the creamy saltiness of the feta, creating a contrast that will leave your guests raving. This balance of sweet and savoury makes them a versatile dish that will be loved by anyone who tries them. Just be sure to make plenty as your guests will likely come back for seconds!
Imagine sinking your teeth into the crisp, golden layers of puff pastry. Only to be met with the delicate sweetness of ripe pear and the rich, creamy saltiness of crumbled feta. It’s a taste sensation that’s both simple and sophisticated, tantalizing your taste buds and leaving you wanting more. The combination of textures (the flaky pastry, the juicy pear, and the creamy feta) creates a mouth-watering experience with every bite.
I don’t know about you, but my mouth is already watering just thinking about them! These air fryer pear tarts are an easy, delicious way to elevate any occasion. So dive in and get cooking; your guests will be thrilled with this perfect blend of flavours!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
MAKES 2 tarts
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer pear tarts
1 pear, peeled and sliced – I used a Conference pear but Anjou (Red or Green), Bartletts (Red or Green), Bosc and Forelle all work well
1 sheet of pre-rolled store bought puff pastry
100g of feta cheese, crumbled
Vegetable oil spray
To serve:
Sun dried tomatoes
Watercress and rocket salad
Balsamic vinegar
Method
With their irresistible mix of sweet and savoury flavours and incredibly simple prep, these air fried puff pastry pear and feta tarts are a must-try for anyone who loves elegant yet fuss-free entertaining. Perfect as appetisers at a dinner party, part of a weekend brunch spread, or even as a light and satisfying snack, they always make a statement.
To start, I rolled out a sheet of puff pastry and sliced it into small rectangles. Just the right size to fit into my air fryer basket without overlapping. Keeping them small ensures they crisp up evenly and stay light and flaky.
Next, I topped each piece with thin slices of fresh pear and crumbled over a generous amount of creamy, tangy feta cheese. This combination of sweet, soft pear and salty cheese is absolutely dreamy. For an added touch, I gave the tarts a quick spray with Fry Light before placing them into the air fryer.
Then I set the air fryer to 180°C and cooked them for around 10 minutes. Be sure to check halfway through. So air fryer cooking times can vary, and you want the pastry puffed and golden with the cheese just beginning to brown.
So to serve, I placed the warm tarts on a bed of peppery watercress and rocket. Then I garnished with sun-dried tomatoes and delicate pear crisps for a hint of extra sweetness and crunch. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar added a glossy finish and brought everything together beautifully.
And if you are wondering how to make pear crisps, it really is easy. So just follow my air fried apple crisps recipe. Then swapping out the apple for pear and keeping an eye on them as they cook.
Tips for Air Fryer Pear Tarts
1. Use ready-rolled puff pastry for convenience
Pre-rolled puff pastry is a game changer. It saves time and bakes beautifully in the air fryer. Just cut it into squares or circles for individual tarts.
2. Choose ripe but firm pears
Select pears that are ripe enough to be sweet and flavourful but still hold their shape when baked. Varieties like Conference, Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc or Comice all work well.
3. Slice pears thinly and evenly
Thin, even slices of pear cook more consistently and look lovely layered on the tart. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for best results.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat to 180°C (356°F) for 2 to 3 minutes first so that your pastry starts puffing as soon as it hits the heat. This ensures a crisp base.
5. Keep pastry edges clear
When assembling, leave a small border (about 1cm) around the edge of the pastry free of filling. This allows the tart to puff up with golden, crisp edges.
6. Brush with egg wash or milk
For that golden finish, brush the exposed pastry edges with a little beaten egg or milk before baking.
7. Add sweetness and spice
Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar over the pears for warm, caramelised flavour. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup after cooking works beautifully too.
8. Cook in batches if needed
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Bake in batches so each tart gets crisp and evenly cooked.
9. Serve warm with extras
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or a dusting of icing sugar for a stunning, fuss-free dessert.
Crispy, golden, and fruity, these air fryer pear tarts are the perfect treat in under 15 minutes!
Similar recipes
If you like these air fryer pear tarts, you might also like my air fryer rhubarb tarts or the air fryer mozzarella tarts recipe.
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