Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Introduction
These homemade Pop Tarts are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat, featuring a cinnamon-sugar filling wrapped in flaky pie crust. Made quickly in an air fryer, they offer a warm, satisfying start to your day or a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Cut it into six 3×4 inch rectangles, rerolling dough scraps as needed. Repeat with the second crust. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to make an egg wash.
- Step 2: Arrange half of the dough rectangles on a work surface and brush each lightly with the egg wash.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and flour until well combined.
- Step 4: Sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture evenly over each egg-washed dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.
- Step 5: Top with the remaining dough rectangles. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges, sealing the filling inside. Brush the tops with egg wash.
- Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place pop tarts in the basket without overcrowding and air fry for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary.
- Step 7: Remove the pop tarts and let them cool completely before glazing.
- Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Spoon the glaze over the cooled pop tarts and let it set for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a fruitier twist, add a spoonful of jam or preserves to the filling before sealing.
- Use a fork to create small vent holes on the top crust to prevent sogginess.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the pop tarts on a baking sheet at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Storage
Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, then reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Glaze may soften with time, so you can reapply fresh glaze if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze homemade pop tarts?
Yes, you can freeze them before glazing. Place parchment paper between the tarts and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and then glaze before serving.
Can I use a different crust for these pop tarts?
Absolutely. Puff pastry or homemade pie crust will work well. Just be sure to roll it out evenly to the right thickness for even cooking.
PrintHomemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Delight in these homemade Pop Tarts featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a cinnamon brown sugar mixture, air-fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. This easy-to-make breakfast or snack treat balances the warmth of cinnamon with a crispy crust and smooth icing for a nostalgic, satisfying bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 Pop Tarts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Crust and Filling
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out one refrigerated pie crust into a 12-inch circle and cut into six 3×4 inch rectangles. Reroll any scraps as needed. Repeat the same process with the second pie crust to get a total of 12 rectangles. Whisk the egg with one tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Brush base pieces: Place half of the dough rectangles on a clean work surface and brush them evenly with the prepared egg wash. This will help seal the filling and top crust to the base.
- Mix filling: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until thoroughly combined to create the filling mixture.
- Add filling: Sprinkle about 1½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture evenly onto each of the egg-washed dough rectangles, keeping a small border around the edges to allow sealing.
- Assemble Pop Tarts: Lay the remaining dough rectangles on top of the filled ones. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly to seal each Pop Tart. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash to promote browning during cooking.
- Air fry the Pop Tarts: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared Pop Tarts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool down: Remove the cooked Pop Tarts from the air fryer and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before applying the glaze.
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Add additional cream gradually until the glaze reaches your desired consistency—smooth but thick enough to coat the tarts.
- Glaze the Pop Tarts: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled Pop Tarts and allow it to set for about 15 minutes before serving. This final touch adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- The cinnamon-sugar filling can be customized to your taste by adjusting the amount of cinnamon or adding nutmeg.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for the glaze.
- Store Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To reheat, warm them briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
Keywords: homemade pop tarts, cinnamon pop tarts, air fryer pop tarts, breakfast pastries, easy pop tarts, sweet breakfast recipes

