Air fryer Baklava

INGREDIENTS

Syrup (Şerbet)

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Baklava Layers

• 10–12 sheets filo pastry
• 100 g unsalted butter, melted

Nut Filling

• 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
  or
• Walnuts
  or
• A mix of both

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sweeter filling)

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EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED

• Air fryer
• Small metal or oven-safe pan that fits inside the air fryer
• Saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Spoon

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STEP 1: PREPARE THE SYRUP

1. Put sugar and water into a saucepan.
2. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Once boiling starts, stop stirring.
4. Let it boil gently for 10 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice.
6. Boil for 2 more minutes.
7. Turn off the heat.
8. Let the syrup cool completely.

Important rule:
Cold syrup must be poured over hot baklava.

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STEP 2: PREPARE THE NUT FILLING

1. Finely chop the nuts.
2. Place them in a bowl.
3. Add sugar if using.
4. Mix well and set aside.

The nuts should be finely chopped, not powdered.

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STEP 3: PREPARE THE FILO PASTRY

1. Remove filo pastry from the package.
2. Cover it with a clean, slightly damp towel.
3. Keep it covered at all times to prevent drying.

Dry filo breaks easily, so work gently.

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STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE BAKLAVA

1. Lightly butter the pan.
2. Place 1 sheet of filo in the pan.
3. Brush lightly with melted butter.
4. Repeat until you have 5–6 layers.
5. Spread the nut filling evenly.
6. Add another filo sheet on top.
7. Brush with butter.
8. Repeat until all sheets are used.
9. Brush the top generously with butter.

Every layer does not need heavy butter. Light brushing is enough.

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STEP 5: CUT BEFORE COOKING

1. Use a sharp knife.
2. Cut baklava into squares or diamonds.
3. Cut all the way down to the bottom.

Cutting before cooking prevents breaking later.

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STEP 6: AIR FRYING

1. Preheat air fryer to 170°C (340°F) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the pan in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 15 minutes.
4. Check color.
5. If not golden, cook 3–5 minutes more.
6. Reduce temperature if browning too fast.

Baklava should be:

• Golden brown
• Crisp on top
• Fully cooked inside

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STEP 7: ADD THE SYRUP

1. Remove baklava from the air fryer while hot.
2. Slowly pour the cooled syrup evenly over it.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

The baklava will absorb the syrup gradually.

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STEP 8: REST AND SERVE

1. Let baklava cool slightly.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.
3. Optional: sprinkle ground pistachios on top.

Baklava tastes best after resting so layers settle.