Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Leek Filo Pastries
Crispy leek filo pastries are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer, perfect for air frying.
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks, washed and finely sliced
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 sheets of filo pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Method
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked leeks, crumbled feta, and dill. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
- Melt the butter and lightly brush a sheet of filo pastry, then layer with another sheet on top, brushing with butter again. Repeat until all filo sheets are used.
- Cut the stacked filo sheets into squares.
- Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the leek and feta mixture in the centre of each square.
- Gather the edges of the filo squares and twist slightly to enclose the filling, forming a parcel.
- Brush each pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a crisp finish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the filo parcels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry each batch for 10-12 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses rapid convection to circulate hot air, ensuring the filo pastry crisps evenly while the filling heats through, preventing sogginess.
Equipment notes
Assumes a standard 3.5L basket; for dual-zone fryers, use the top zone for even browning. Adjust time if using a larger basket due to heat distribution.
Common pitfalls
- Pastries not browning by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C for the last 2 minutes — filling may be too wet.
- Filo tearing during assembly? Ensure butter is fully melted and brush lightly; excess moisture weakens the pastry.
- Filling leaking out? Use less filling per parcel and ensure edges are tightly twisted.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute feta with ricotta for a creamier texture; increase air frying time by 2 minutes to ensure firmness.
- Add chopped spinach to the leek mixture for extra flavour; reduce leek quantity to prevent overfilling.
- Use puff pastry instead of filo for a different texture; increase cooking time to 15 minutes for full puffing.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 3-4 minutes. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
