📝 About This Recipe
Experience the magic of a Parisian bakery right in your kitchen with these incredibly flaky, air-fried fruit turnovers. By using the rapid air technology of your air fryer, you achieve a shatteringly crisp puff pastry crust and a jammy, caramelized fruit center without the long preheat times of a conventional oven. These hand-held treats feature a warm cinnamon-spiced apple and pear filling, finished with a delicate vanilla bean glaze that makes them the ultimate comfort dessert.
🥗 Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 1 large Granny Smith Apple (peeled and finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Bosc Pear (peeled and finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 3 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (dissolved in 1 teaspoon water)
Pastry and Assembly
- 1 package Frozen Puff Pastry (17.3 oz, thawed but still very cold)
- 1 large Egg (beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for dusting the work surface)
Vanilla Bean Glaze
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Heavy Cream (plus more if needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the fruit is slightly softened but not mushy.
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2
Stir in the lemon juice and the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for 1 minute until the juices thicken into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely (this is vital to prevent the pastry from melting).
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3
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold one sheet of the cold puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to lightly even out the seams and flatten it into a 10-inch square.
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4
Cut the pastry sheet into four equal squares (5x5 inches each). Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry to yield 8 squares total.
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5
Place approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled fruit filling in the center of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
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6
Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Fold one corner over the filling to the opposite corner, creating a triangle.
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7
Use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp the edges together, sealing the turnover. Use a sharp knife to cut two small slits on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
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8
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
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9
Brush the tops of the turnovers generously with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
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10
Place 3-4 turnovers in the air fryer basket at a time, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown.
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11
While the turnovers cook, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
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12
Carefully remove the turnovers from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the vanilla glaze while still warm and serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
Ensure your fruit filling is completely cold before placing it on the pastry; warm filling will melt the butter in the dough and ruin the layers. Don't overfill the turnovers, as the steam will cause them to burst at the seams during the rapid air frying process. If the pastry becomes too soft or sticky while you are working, place the squares in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up. For a flavor twist, substitute the pears for blueberries or peaches depending on the season. Always air fry in batches; overcrowding the basket prevents the air from circulating, which results in soggy pastry edges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a generous scoop of premium Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream. Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a spiced chai latte for a cozy afternoon snack. Drizzle with a little extra salted caramel sauce for a truly indulgent dessert experience. Serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese wedge for a classic sweet-and-savory flavor profile. Dust with a final pinch of cinnamon-sugar immediately before serving.