Savory Cheese Pastries in the Air Fryer – 3‑Ingredient Dough, 15‑Minute Delight

Craving a warm, cheesy snack that’s quick to make? 🧀 These cheese pastries, made with a simple 3‑ingredient dough + your favorite cheese filling, are ready in about 15 minutes in the air fryer. Perfect for last‑minute guests, snack cravings, or a light meal. Below are step‑by‑step directions, helpful tips, nutrition info, and FAQs.

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Ingredients & Measurements

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Equipment Needed

• An air fryer with a basket or tray large enough for the pastries (so they aren’t crowded).
• Bowl for mixing.
• Work surface for kneading.
• Plastic wrap or food bag for resting dough.
• Rolling pin (optional) or hands to shape.

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sour cream, and salt. Mix with a whisk (or spoon) until it starts to form a homogeneous dough.
• Transfer to a floured surface. Lightly knead until the dough is smooth and uniform. It should not be very sticky—if it is, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading; if too dry, a tiny splash of water or extra sour cream can help.

2. Rest the Dough

• Place the dough in a food‑grade plastic bag (or wrap in plastic wrap) and refrigerate for about 40‑50 minutes. Resting helps relax the gluten and makes rolling/forming easier and gives a better texture.

3. Shape & Fill

• After resting, divide or portion the dough. You can roll out and cut simple shapes (squares, rounds, triangles) or flatten by hand.
• Add your cheese filling—grated cheese (e.g. cheddar, mozzarella), or a mix, maybe even with herbs or spices.
• Fold, pinch or seal edges to close in the filling. Optional: brush lightly with oil or butter on outside for golden color.

4. Air Fry

• Preheat your air fryer to **350 °F (≈ 175 °C)** if it has the preheat function.
• Place pastries in a single layer in the basket/tray. Don’t overcrowd; air needs to circulate.
• Cook for about **10‑12 minutes**, or until the exterior is golden and crisp, and the cheese inside is melted. Depending on thickness and size, might need a couple more minutes.

5. Serve

• Let the pastries cool slightly (couple of minutes) before biting—cheese can be very hot.
• Serve hot, with dips if desired (e.g. yogurt, hot sauce, or a simple garlic butter).

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Tips & Flavor Enhancements

• Use **sharp or flavorful cheese** to contrast the mild dough—cheddar, smoked gouda, or a mix of mozzarella + parmesan work well.
• Add herbs or spices to cheese filling: garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, or chili flakes can boost flavor.
• For extra browning and crispness, spray or brush a little oil or melted butter on the outside before air frying.
• Don’t skip resting the dough; it makes shaping easier and improves texture.
• If you like fill‑with more gooey centers, use cheese that melts well; if you want firmer bite, use cheeses with lower moisture.
• If outer parts brown too fast, turn or flip halfway through cooking if your air fryer allows it.

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Nutrition Estimate (Approximate)

Here’s a rough estimate per pastry, assuming the recipe makes about **8 medium‑sized cheese pastries**.

* Based on a 2,000 kcal/day diet. Your values could vary depending on choice of cheese, size, and exact measurements.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
   Yes—plain full‑fat yogurt can work, though texture may differ slightly. Sour cream gives more tang and richness.
2. What cheeses are best?
   Meltable cheeses like mozzarella, mild cheddar, fontina are good. For more flavor, sharper cheeses like aged cheddar or smoked cheeses work well in combination.
3. Can I freeze these pastries?
   Yes. After cooling, wrap individually and freeze. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to crisp up before serving.
4. My dough was sticky—what to do?
   Add flour little by little while kneading until it’s manageable. Resting in refrigerator also helps firm it up.
5. How do I avoid dough being raw inside?
   Don’t make pastries too thick. Leave enough space in air fryer so hot air circulates. Ensure you cook until exterior is golden and you can see melted cheese inside. If needed, add few extra minutes.
6. Can I bake these in an oven instead?
   Yes — bake at ~375 °F (190 °C) for about 15‑20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
7. What if my air fryer doesn’t preheat?
   That’s okay—just start cooking, but you may need to add a few extra minutes. Keep eye on color and texture.
8. Any extra flavor ideas?
   Garlic butter, herbs (thyme, rosemary), jalapeños, chopped peppers, or a sprinkle of paprika on top before cooking add great flavor.

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Conclusion

These cheese pastries are a fast, delicious way to enjoy a cheesy, savory treat with minimal ingredients and time. The dough is simple yet effective, and the air fryer gives you a crisp golden exterior with melty cheese inside. Perfect for snacks, side dishes, or a quick bite!

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