I’m obsessed with making small moments into big memories for my kids. And, perhaps, this year more than ever. Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not even while my husband and I were dating. I just kind of saw it for what we have made it — into a “Hallmark holiday.” But kids don’t see it that way. I vividly recall Valentine’s Day as a kid. My dad used to shower my sister and I with chocolates and gifts. It was ‘his’ holiday. Even as a kid it was clear that my mom ran the show on other holidays. But Valentine’s Day was his. To continue this tradition, my husband has taken to showering our kids with chocolates and gifts at Valentine’s Day. He’ll even pass of my Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts as his. And I’ll totally let him!
What you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts
- 15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
- 4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 egg, whisked
- 4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
- 1 heart cookie cutter
Why an air fryer?
Okay, so I know I have given mad love to my Instant Pot. But we’ve been on the air fryer bandwagon as well. Like, for a long time. For the last 2 years we have hardly ever used our ‘bake’ feature on our oven — or our deep fryer. Because our air fryer has done so many amazing things. I throw the kids pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in it for a quick and easy lunch. But I can also make yummy treats like these pop tarts!
Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts
Ingredients
- 15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
- 4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 egg, whisked
- 4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
- 1 heart cookie cutter
Instructions
STEP ONE:
Lay your pie crust out flat on a lightly floured surface. With your cookie cutter cut out as many heart shaped hearts you can with the amount of pie crust you have.
STEP TWO:
On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.
STEP THREE:
Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.
STEP FOUR:
Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal.
STEP FIVE:
Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.
STEP SIX:
Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.
STEP SEVEN:
Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.
STEP EIGHT:
Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.
STEP NINE:
Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.
STEP TEN:
While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and jelly preserve. Mix, and whisk together. You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting thicker.
STEP ELEVEN:
Drizzle your frosting over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.
STEP TWELVE:
Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!
PIN FOR LATER
Carefully open the air fryer and very gently remove the tomatillos, place them on a small bowl. If the jalapeno has also softened and browned a bit remove it from the air fryer as well.
