Air-Fryer Portuguese Custard Tart Bites

Sweet Munch Recipe

Air-Fryer Portuguese Custard Tart Bites

Air-fryer portuguese custard tart bites from Sweet Munch, built for hot pastry, molten centres, sticky sugar and proper dessert chaos.

This is what happens when a custard tart decides one serving simply isn't enough. Flaky pastry. Silky vanilla custard. Golden caramelised tops. Buttery layers. The sort of little tart that starts with "I'll just try one" and somehow ends with the tray mysteriously empty

Air-Fryer Portuguese Custard Tart Bites
Air-Fryer Portuguese Custard Tart Bites preparation stage

You’ll Need

1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
250ml whole milk
2 egg yolks
50g caster sugar
1 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Finish
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp icing sugar
Optional But Dangerous
White chocolate drizzle
Caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.

Cut circles of puff pastry and press them into six small muffin moulds, ramekins, or foil tart cases.

Prick the bases lightly with a fork.

In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, caster sugar, cornflour, and vanilla extract.

Cook gently until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard.

Allow to cool slightly.

Fill each pastry case about three-quarters full with the custard mixture.

Place into the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until the pastry is golden and the tops of the custard develop dark

caramelised spots.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Dust lightly with cinnamon and icing sugar before serving.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lad Tip: The dark spots on top are not overcooked. They're the entire point. If the custard develops those classic caramelised patches, you've just recreated one of Portugal's greatest exports without ever leaving the kitchen.

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