Imagine if we said that baklava, a beloved decadent dessert, can be vegan and made in an air fryer. Instead of butter, this vegan baklava recipe incorporates extra virgin olive oil. This is a unique take on the traditional baklava recipe, providing a healthier, vegan option while still preserving its delicious flaky sweetness.
Whether it’s your first time making baklava or you’re a seasoned baker, this air fryer version will save time while still delivering all the signature flavors and textures of traditional baklava.
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How to make baklava in air fryer? (video)
Ingredients
The ingredients for this vegan baklava recipe are simple and easily available in most grocery stores. You’ll need
- store-bought phyllo sheets or filo pastry sheets
- nut mixture of your choice (use walnuts, almonds,cashews),
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sugar
- Rose water or any flavour of your choice for the sugar syrup
- few drops of lemon juice
- Chopped pistachios,dried rose petals for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a final product that rivals any traditional baklava.
Vegan Baklava in air fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
- baking trays I have used a metal baking tin of size 15x20cm
- Aluminium foil
- Blender /Vitamix / food processor
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 15-18 filo pastry sheets i have cut 4-5 full size pastry sheets to get 15-18 pastry sheets that I have used for a small baking tin of the size 15x20 cm.
- ⅓ cup olive oil i have used extra virgin olive oil
- 11/2 cup mixed nuts (cashews/almonds/walnuts) coarsely chopped,adjust according to the size of the baking sheet/tin
- ⅓ cup sugar can use raw sugar
- ½ cup water for sugar syrup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice for sugar syrup
- 2 tablespoon rose petals for garnish
- 2 tablespoon pistachios chopped.for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the nut mix
- Grind the nuts in a food processor, keep it aside.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- Combine water, sugar, and a few drops of lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat until boiling, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until it thickens a bit.
- Assemble the Baklava:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (355°F).
- Line up 5-6 phyllo pastry sheets in an air fryer-safe tray, lightly brushing olive oil between each sheet. (i have used the ikea steel lunch box , size 15x21 cm)
- Add the Nut Filling:
- Spread half of the finely chopped nut mixture evenly over the first set of pastry sheets.
- Layer More Pastry Sheets:
- Layer an additional 5-6 phyllo sheets on top of the nut mixture, ensuring to brush each layer with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the rest of the nut mixture on top and layer with the last set of phyllo sheets (5-6 layers), brushing with olive oil.
- Cut and Cook:
- Slice the layered baklava with a sharp knife into your preferred shapes (squares or diamond shapes), ensuring the layers of filo pastry stay intact.
- Coat the top layer generously with olive oil and then cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Air Fry the Baklava:
- Put the tray in the air fryer that has been preheated, and cook at 180°C (355°F) for 17-18 minutes, while covered with foil.
- Uncover after 17-18 minutes and air fry for another 5-6 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the syrup and garnish on top.
- After cooking the baklava, take it out of the air fryer and quickly pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
- Add chopped pistachios and dried rose petals as a lovely final touch.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the baklava to cool completely, letting the syrup absorb fully before serving.
Video
Related recipes
How to make baklava in air fryer? step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup with mixing water,sugar,Rose water and few drops of lemon juice. Boil the mixture, once it start boiling, turn off the heat,keep it aside
2. Grind the nuts in a food processor, keep it aside.
Line up 5-6 sheets of phyllo pastry in a baking tin(i have used the ikea steel lunch box , size 15x21 cm)
3. Add half of nut mixture add another set of 5-6 pastry sheets.
Add remaining nut mixture followed by remaining pastry sheets.Cut in pieces by holding the sheets
4. Drizzle olive oil on top,tilt the container from all sides so that the oil spread across.
5. Cover with an aluminum foil, in a preheated airfryer @180C|355F ,cook for 17-18 minutes .
6. Remove the foil, continue to bake for 5-6 minutes. Once done, add cooled syrup on the top,garnish with pistachios and dried rose petals.
Variations & substitutions
One of the best things about baklava recipes is their flexibility.
- For a slightly different flavor, consider using coconut oil instead of olive oil,
- Try adding a little bit of orange blossom to your sugar syrup
- If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the phyllo sheets with puff pastry for a unique texture.
- You can also experiment with the nut mixture—pistachios, almonds, or even a mix of all three can add depth and variety to the recipe.
- You can use metled butter or ghee for a non-vegan version.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this baklava ahead of time?
Yes! After baking, this vegan baklava can be kept in a sealed container at room temperature for five days.
Q: Is it possible to use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough?
Despite its distinct texture, puff pastry can add a unique spin to the traditional baklava recipe. Keep in mind that puff pastry is denser and might need a bit longer in the oven. Also puff pastry has added fat in the sheets, hence you will need to use less oil with them.
Q: Can I substitute olive oil with other oils?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or melted vegan butter as alternatives, however, extra virgin olive oil offers the most delicious flavor for this vegan dish.
Q: What nuts work best for baklava?
While traditional baklava typically includes walnuts or pistachios, you can opt for almond flour or a mix of nuts to enhance the texture and taste.
Conclusion: classic baklava dessert recipe created in the air fryer is a straightforward yet impressive dessert that provides the layers of sweet filo, syrupy stickiness, and nutty crunch without any animal ingredients. This vegan recipe ensures a memorable experience with its perfect consistency, flavor, and added crunch, whether you love baklava or are new to this decadent treat . Savor this easy homemade baklava that rivals the real thing from market, and delight your loved ones with a luxurious dessert.
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