This 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Appetizer Is Perfect for Stress-Free Entertaining

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Samantha Dillard

I’ll admit it, I love my air fryer. I’ve developed hundreds of air fryer recipes over the last decade, many of them using five ingredients or less. Beyond its reputation for churning out perfectly crispy food, I appreciate how air fryers are accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Plus, they come in a range of prices and styles, so whether you’re on a budget or want all the bells and whistles, there’s an option for you.

We know air fryers are an excellent way to crisp up freezer finds like french fries, mozzarella sticks, and pizza rolls, but let’s not forget they can cook plenty of homemade recipes as well. One of my favorite ways to use the air fryer is to make side dishes while the oven handles the main course.

For the holidays last year, my family decided against the typical spread of ham and all the fixings and instead opted for a potluck of everyone’s favorite appetizers. My appetizer of choice—as you might’ve already guessed—is one I’ve been making in the air fryer for years and it’s always a crowd favorite. Plus, it only requires five simple ingredients.

Air Fryer Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels 

Any sort of spinach roll with puff pastry will taste delicious when baked, but let me tell you, it reaches a whole new level of crispness when air-fried. Each bite is filled with soft feta cheese and the earthy taste of spinach. Buttery puff pastry adds deep, rich flavor and a satisfying crunch that elevates the ingredients it surrounds. 

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One thing I love about this recipe is that you don’t need to stick firmly to measurements. Just as with chocolate chips in cookies, you can measure with your heart and still have it turn out great. Just be sure to keep a close eye on the pinwheels while cooking because air fryer temperatures vary. I have used at least seven different air fryers for recipe testing and they all heat a little differently. 

And if you’re someone who can’t help but add your own spin to every recipe you cook, no problem—this one is easy to customize. Feel free to add caramelized onions, garlic, and salt to the spinach, or sprinkle in extra cheese or a pinch of chili flakes to give it a subtle kick. This cooking method works great for pizza pinwheels too. If you’re headed in that direction, I suggest using pizza sauce as a side for dipping instead of spreading it on the pastry to prevent the dough from getting soggy.

How to Make Air-Fried Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels 

First, you’ll need to gather and prepare your ingredients. If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure it is thawed. You can follow the box directions and do this in the microwave, but I’d suggest letting it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Frozen spinach is my easy go-to for this recipe but if you prefer fresh leaves, be sure to sauté them first. 

Samantha Dillard

When the pinwheels are done cooking, the dough should be golden brown. If the dough appears dark and gummy, it's likely undercooked, which means you should reduce the heat and continue cooking, as needed.

Finally, please note that depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Samantha Dillard

Ingredients: 

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
  • 3 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 large egg, whisked 

Directions:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F (160 degrees C).
  • Unroll the puff pastry into a flat rectangle on the included parchment or a clean, lightly floured surface. 
  • In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and spinach until well combined.
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture onto the pastry dough in an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges. 
  • Sprinkle feta evenly across the pastry dough. Roll lengthwise to form a log shape, then press the seams together firmly. 
  • Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces, creating 12 pinwheels. Lightly brush the egg over all sides of each pinwheel. 
  • Place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket, leaving at least one inch of space between each roll. Working in batches as needed, cook for 15 minutes, carefully flipping the rolls halfway through the cooking time. When done, the puff pastry should be golden brown and flaky. Let pinwheels cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
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