Mini chocolate and pear puff pastry strudels in the air fryer are a delightful solution for those who desire a simple, quick, and irresistible dessert. Perfect for a fancy breakfast, a tasty snack, or a light dessert, they combine the natural sweetness of pears with the indulgence of dark chocolate, all enclosed in a crispy golden pastry shell.
Thanks to the air fryer cooking method, you achieve perfect texture with less fat and reduced preparation time, without compromising on taste. Additionally, the braided form makes these mini strudels not only delicious but also visually appealing, ideal to serve on any occasion.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2 mini strudels
- Cooking methods: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons, Fall, Winter
Ingredients for Mini Chocolate and Pear Puff Pastry Strudels in the Air Fryer:
- 1 roll rectangular puff pastry
- 1/2 Abate pear
- 1.5 oz dark chocolate
- 2 tbsps hazelnut flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- as needed milk (for brushing the mini strudels)
- as needed granulated sugar (for decoration)
Tools for Mini Chocolate and Pear Puff Pastry Strudels in the Air Fryer:
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Brush
Steps for Preparing and Cooking Mini Chocolate and Pear Puff Pastry Strudels in the Air Fryer:
Peel the half pear and remove the core, then cut it into small cubes.
Coarsely chop the dark chocolate with a sharp knife.
In a bowl, combine the diced pear, add the dark chocolate, then the granulated sugar and mix well. If using very ripe pears, also add 2 tablespoons of hazelnut flour to absorb the moisture during cooking, and mix the ingredients well.
Unroll the puff pastry on a flat surface with the long side facing you, then divide it into two equal rectangles. Sprinkle one tablespoon of hazelnut flour over each rectangle to create a moisture-absorbing base for the filling.
Divide the filling into two parts and place one part on one puff pastry rectangle, forming a smaller rectangle leaving the 4 sides free, and the other half of the mixture on the other pastry.
With a sharp knife, make vertical cuts on the sides of the puff pastry creating strips.
Do the same on the other pastry.
Overlap the strips alternating them from one side to another to achieve a braided effect, sealing the ends well. Follow the same procedure for the two available pastries.
Place the two mini strudels on the air fryer’s grill without parchment paper, brush with milk, add granulated sugar if desired, and cook at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Once cooked, let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
Instead of milk, you can brush with beaten egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of milk.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What can I add to make the mini strudels even more indulgent?
You can add lightly toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts with the addition of a few drops of vanilla extract in the filling.
Can I also add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely, you can add ricotta (about 100 grams) to the chocolate and pear filling, and if you prefer, you can add a bit of honey instead of granulated sugar or you can add mascarpone (also about 100 grams) to the pear and chocolate mixture. With mascarpone, you get a more substantial filling compared to ricotta.
I love spices and flavors, can I add them?
Certainly, you can add ginger powder, or grated orange zest, or cinnamon to enhance the pear’s flavor, and if you dare, you can add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra spicy touch.
