Pastéis de nata in the air fryer: an easy, quick recipe for the traditional portuguese pastry

Ingredients

• 1 sheet rectangular puff pastry
• 1 cup whole milk (250 ml), cold
• zest of 1 lemon (preferably organic and unwaxed)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 30 g pastry flour (if possible)
• 1 pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon butter, softened to room temperature, for greasing the tins
• 4 egg yolks

For the syrup:

• 75 ml water
• 150 g sugar

For the topping:

• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Materials

• Saucepan
• Air fryer
• 12 tart tins (or a mini muffin or muffin tin)

Preparation

• Roll out the puff pastry and roll it up into a log. Cut it into 12 pieces (approximately 2.3–2.6 inches (6–7 cm) each). Leave at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to shape later.
• Grease the tins with a little softened butter. Place one piece in each tin, cut side up. Moisten your thumbs and press from the center of each piece down to the base of the tin. Then spread the pastry radially from the base up the sides. Place the tins on a tray and put them in the freezer while you continue with the recipe.
  
• In a saucepan, heat 2/3 cup of milk together with the lemon peel and the cinnamon stick. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, dilute the flour in the rest of the milk (1/3 cup), beating well with a whisk until completely integrated. When the infused milk begins to boil, add the milk and flour mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from the heat.
• Pass the mixture through a chinois or sieve to remove the lemon peel and any lumps that may remain. Set aside.
  
• Prepare the syrup to the thread stage: In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, cook for 4 minutes (it will reach 112–115°C (233–239°F)). Pour the syrup in a thin stream over the reserved cream, stirring constantly. Leave to cool for a few minutes.
• In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and add them to the previous mixture. Fill the molds with the mixture.
  
• Cook in the air fryer at 370°F/190ºC for 15 minutes, in "air fry" mode. Five minutes before the end, increase the temperature to 410°F/210ºC. Cooking time may vary depending on the capacity and power of your air fryer.
• Remove the tarts from the air fryer and let them rest in the tins for 15 minutes. Once they are lukewarm, remove them from the tins and serve. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to taste.
  
• And that's it! Now we can enjoy our pastéis de nata made in the air fryer.

Observations

How should I store my pastéis de nata?
Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.

Can pastéis de nata be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen. Wrap each pastry individually in cling film, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. To enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them briefly in the oven or air fryer to restore their crisp texture.

Are pastéis de nata eaten hot or cold?
Ideally, they are eaten warm, when the pastry is still very crisp and the custard is warm. However, this popular Portuguese pastry can be enjoyed either cold or hot.

I don't have an air fryer. Can I make pastéis de nata in the oven?
Of course. Follow the same preparation method and bake them for 15 minutes at 230°C (450°F) in a preheated oven.

What should I serve with pastéis de nata?
A rich espresso is the perfect accompaniment to pastéis de nata. They also go wonderfully with a small glass of port or a glass of sweet white wine, such as a Muscat or Riesling.

What can I do with the egg whites?
Nothing goes to waste here. You can use the egg whites to make meringues, financiers, a chocolate mousse, and more. For more ideas, click here.

Syrup: If you find the syrup too sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar relative to the water when preparing it.

When infusing the milk, you can choose not to flavor it with lemon or cinnamon. These ingredients are optional in the recipe.

Puff pastry: You can simply cut discs from the pastry and place them in the tins as they are.

Cookware

Attributes

Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe