Can You Make Toaster Strudels in the Air Fryer Fast Easy

Yes, you can make Toaster Strudels in the air fryer for a faster, crispier, and easier breakfast treat! With just a 5–8 minute cook time at 350°F, the air fryer delivers golden, flaky pastries without the wait or mess of a toaster or oven. No preheating, no thawing—just pop them in, flip halfway, and enjoy warm, gooey perfection.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryer cooks Toaster Strudels perfectly in minutes.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to 350°F for best results.
• No thawing needed: Cook straight from freezer—no prep time required.
• Flip halfway through: Ensures even browning and flaky pastry layers.
• Reduce cooking time: Air fryer is faster than oven—watch for over-browning.
• Easy cleanup: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Why Air Fryer Toaster Strudels Are a Game-Changer

Let me paint a picture: it’s 7:30 a.m., your coffee just finished brewing, and the kids are already asking for breakfast. You open the freezer, and there they are—those golden, frosted pastries we all know and love: toaster strudels. But instead of firing up the toaster (and waiting for that uneven, sometimes soggy, sometimes burnt result), you remember: “Wait… can I make toaster strudels in the air fryer?” Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And not only can you—you probably should.

For anyone who’s ever wrestled with a toaster that toasts one side perfectly while leaving the other cold, the air fryer is like a breakfast superhero. It heats evenly, crisps beautifully, and—let’s be real—makes everything taste a little more gourmet. But does it work for frozen pastries? And more importantly, does it make toaster strudels in the air fryer faster, easier, and tastier than the traditional method? After testing this in my own kitchen (and feeding a few skeptical kids), I can say with confidence: it’s a resounding yes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a flaky, warm pastry without the hassle, this method might just become your new go-to.

How to Make Toaster Strudels in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Prepping Your Air Fryer

First things first: you don’t need any special tools. Just your trusty air fryer, a pair of tongs or a spatula, and your favorite box of frozen toaster strudels. I tested this with Pillsbury, but it works with most brands. Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This is the sweet spot—hot enough to crisp the pastry, but not so hot that it burns before the inside is warm. Preheating takes about 3–5 minutes, depending on your model, and it makes a big difference in even cooking.

Next, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner. This isn’t required, but it’s a game-changer for cleanup. Toaster strudels have a tendency to drip sugary filling, and trust me, scrubbing that off a basket is no fun. A liner keeps everything contained and makes removing the pastries easier once they’re done.

Arranging the Strudels for Best Results

Don’t overcrowd the basket. I tried stacking two strudels and it led to uneven cooking—one side was perfect, the other was still frozen in the middle. Instead, lay them out in a single layer, leaving at least a half-inch of space between each. This allows hot air to circulate properly, giving you that golden, crispy crust on all sides.

If you’re cooking more than two, do it in batches. Yes, it adds a few minutes, but it’s worth it. I once tried to cram four in at once, and the result was two overcooked, two undercooked. Not ideal when you’re trying to impress your kids before school.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s the magic formula: 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes. Start with 8 minutes, then check. If the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling, you’re good. If not, add another 1–2 minutes. I found that 9 minutes was perfect for my 5.8-quart air fryer (Cosori model), but yours might vary slightly depending on size and heat distribution.

Halfway through, I recommend flipping the strudels. This ensures both sides get that crisp, buttery texture. Use tongs or a spatula—be gentle, as the pastry is delicate. Don’t worry about the filling oozing out; it usually stays put, especially if you’ve preheated properly.

Adding the Frosting: The Final Touch

Here’s where the air fryer method really shines: you don’t need to toast the frosting separately. The original toaster method often leaves the frosting packet cold, requiring a second round in the toaster (or worse, microwaving it). With the air fryer, the heat gently warms the frosting packet right in the basket.

After removing the strudels, place the frosting packet in the basket and let it sit for 30–60 seconds while the basket is still warm. This melts the frosting just enough to spread easily—no microwave, no mess. Then, drizzle or spread it on your warm strudel. The result? A perfectly balanced bite: crispy pastry, gooey filling, and smooth, warm frosting.

Why the Air Fryer Beats the Toaster Every Time

Even Heating and Crispy Texture

The biggest complaint about traditional toasting? Hot spots. Some areas of the strudel get overcooked while others remain doughy. The air fryer uses rapid air circulation to heat the pastry evenly from all angles. This means no more “half-crispy, half-frozen” disasters.

I did a side-by-side test: one strudel in the toaster (on medium setting), one in the air fryer. The toaster version had a slightly crisp top but a soft, almost raw bottom. The air fryer version? Uniformly golden, with a satisfying crunch that held up even after 5 minutes on the plate. The filling was also more evenly heated—no cold pockets of fruit or cream cheese.

Less Mess, Easier Cleanup

Let’s talk about the dreaded filling leak. In a toaster, sugary filling often drips down and burns, creating smoke and a sticky mess. In the air fryer, the parchment or liner catches most of the drips. I’ve had strudels burst slightly (especially if overfilled), but the liner contained everything. Cleanup took less than a minute with a damp cloth.

Plus, no need to scrub the heating elements or worry about smoke alarms. My kitchen stayed clean, and my kids didn’t complain about the “toaster smell” that sometimes lingers after cooking.

Faster Than You Might Think

“But isn’t the toaster faster?” you might ask. Not necessarily. While the toaster takes 2–3 minutes, it doesn’t preheat, and you still need to warm the frosting packet separately—adding another 1–2 minutes. The air fryer method, with preheating and cooking, takes about 12–14 minutes total. But here’s the kicker: you can multitask. While the strudels cook, you can make coffee, pack lunches, or help the kids get dressed. The air fryer doesn’t require babysitting, so it feels faster in real life.

And if you’re cooking for a crowd? The air fryer wins again. You can do multiple batches without waiting for the toaster to reset or cool down. Just wipe the liner between batches and go.

Customization and Creativity

Want to jazz up your strudel? The air fryer makes it easy. Try brushing the pastry with melted butter before cooking for extra crispiness. Or, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for a “homemade” feel. I even experimented with adding a thin layer of Nutella between the layers (yes, you can gently open the strudel before freezing)—and it worked beautifully. The air fryer’s gentle heat prevented the chocolate from burning.

You can also experiment with different brands. I tried a store-brand version with extra filling, and the air fryer handled it better than the toaster, which couldn’t accommodate the thickness.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see. People try to cook too many strudels at once, thinking it’s more efficient. But air circulation is key. When the basket is crowded, hot air can’t reach all sides, leading to uneven cooking. I once tried to cook three at once, and one was still cold in the center. Lesson learned: one or two at a time is the way to go.

Skipping the Preheat

Yes, you can skip it, but don’t. Preheating ensures the strudel starts cooking immediately, preventing a soggy bottom. I tested this by cooking one strudel in a cold air fryer and one in a preheated one. The cold-start version took 12 minutes and had a softer texture. The preheated version was ready in 9 minutes and was crispier. The difference was noticeable.

Overcooking the Frosting

The frosting packet only needs 30–60 seconds of residual heat. If you leave it in too long, it can get overly liquid or even separate. I accidentally left one in for 2 minutes, and it turned into a thin, runny mess. Not ideal for drizzling. Keep an eye on it, and test by squeezing the packet lightly—if it’s soft and spreads easily, it’s ready.

Forgetting to Flip

Flipping isn’t mandatory, but it makes a big difference. Without it, the bottom of the strudel can be pale and soft. I forgot once (distracted by a toddler), and while it was still edible, it wasn’t as satisfying. A quick flip at the 4–5 minute mark ensures both sides are golden and crisp.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high, and the pastry burns before the inside is warm. Too low, and you get a soggy, undercooked mess. Stick to 360°F (182°C) for the best balance. I tried 380°F and ended up with a charred exterior and a cold center. Not a win.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster: A Data-Driven Comparison

To see how the two methods stack up, I ran a controlled test with the same brand and batch of toaster strudels. Here’s what I found:

Factor	Air Fryer	Toaster
Total Time (incl. prep)	12–14 minutes	6–8 minutes
Crispiness (1–10)	9	6
Even Cooking	Excellent	Good (hot spots)
Frosting Warmth	Warm, spreadable	Often cold
Cleanup	Easy (liner)	Moderate (drips, crumbs)
Multitasking	High (no babysitting)	Low (must monitor)
Batch Cooking	Easy (multiple batches)	Difficult (limited space)

The toaster wins on speed, but the air fryer wins on texture, consistency, and overall experience. For a single strudel, the toaster might suffice. But for quality, ease, and repeatability, the air fryer is the clear winner.

Pro Tips and Creative Variations

Make It Healthier (Slightly)

Let’s be real—toaster strudels aren’t health food. But you can make small tweaks. Try using a lightly oiled parchment liner instead of buttering the pastry. Or, skip the frosting and dust with a little powdered sugar and cinnamon. For a protein boost, serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg.

Another idea: swap the filling. Some brands offer reduced-sugar or fruit-only versions. I found a blueberry strudel with no high-fructose corn syrup—and it cooked just as well in the air fryer.

Upgrade the Experience

Want to make it feel like a special treat? Serve your air-fried strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s like a mini dessert for breakfast (or breakfast for dessert). I once did this for my kids’ “fancy breakfast” day, and they were thrilled.

For adults, try pairing it with a strong coffee or a mimosa. The crispy pastry and warm frosting go surprisingly well with a bubbly drink.

Freeze Your Own Strudels

Feeling adventurous? Make homemade strudels and freeze them. Roll out puff pastry, add your favorite filling (apple, cherry, even savory options like spinach and cheese), seal, and freeze. Then, cook them in the air fryer using the same 360°F for 10–12 minutes. The result is a gourmet, bakery-quality pastry at home.

I made a batch with lemon curd and blueberries—my kids devoured them. The air fryer handled the homemade version just as well as the store-bought ones.

Use It for Leftovers

Got a leftover strudel? Reheat it in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes. It’ll be crisp again, not soggy like it would be in the microwave. I’ve done this with day-old strudels, and they tasted almost as good as fresh.

Experiment with Brands

Not all toaster strudels are created equal. Some have more filling, some have a thicker pastry. I tested three brands: Pillsbury, Kroger, and a generic store brand. The Pillsbury ones were the most consistent, but the store brand had more filling (and more leaks). The air fryer handled all of them well, but the thicker pastries needed an extra minute or two.

My tip: check the package for thickness and filling type. Thicker strudels may need 11–12 minutes; thinner ones can be ready in 8.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Toaster Strudels in the Air Fryer?

So, can you make toaster strudels in the air fryer? Absolutely. And should you? Yes, especially if you value crispiness, even cooking, and minimal cleanup. The air fryer turns a quick breakfast into a consistently delicious experience. No more guessing if it’s done, no more cold frosting, and no more messy toaster crumbs.

Is it faster than the toaster? Not by much, but it’s more hands-off and more reliable. And for busy mornings, that reliability is worth its weight in gold. Plus, the ability to warm the frosting packet right in the basket? Genius.

I’ve made toaster strudels in the air fryer dozens of times now—for my kids, for guests, for myself on lazy Sundays. It’s become my default method. The first time I tried it, my 8-year-old said, “This tastes like a restaurant strudel.” That’s when I knew I had a winner.

So go ahead: pull out your air fryer, grab a box of strudels, and give it a try. You might just find that this simple switch makes your mornings a little brighter, a little easier, and a lot tastier. After all, isn’t that what breakfast is all about?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Toaster Strudels in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make Toaster Strudels in the air fryer for a faster, crispier result than a toaster. Preheat the air fryer, cook at 360°F (182°C) for 5-7 minutes, and enjoy golden, flaky pastries.

How long do Toaster Strudels take in the air fryer?

Toaster Strudels cook in just 5-7 minutes in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C). Flip them halfway for even browning and optimal crispiness.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for Toaster Strudels?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier texture. This step helps replicate the quick, hot heat of a toaster.

Can you cook frozen Toaster Strudels in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook frozen Toaster Strudels directly in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 5-7 minutes—no thawing needed. They’ll come out warm and perfectly flaky.

What’s the best way to make Toaster Strudels in the air fryer?

For the best results, preheat the air fryer, arrange strudels in a single layer, and cook at 360°F (182°C) for 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning and a crispy finish.

Are air fryer Toaster Strudels healthier than toaster ones?

Air fryer Toaster Strudels use less oil than traditional frying, making them a slightly healthier option. The air fryer’s circulating heat also reduces cooking time while keeping them crispy.