Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 rolls)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Orange and black food coloring
- Candy eyes (optional)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture vigorously until it is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. Taste the filling to ensure it has the perfect level of spice for your preference. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dough.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 identical pumpkin shapes. If you do not have a cookie cutter, you can draw a template on parchment paper and cut around it with a sharp paring knife. On half of the shapes (6 pumpkins), use a small knife to carve out jack-o’-lantern faces—think triangle eyes and toothy grins.
- Place the 6 solid pumpkin shapes on a flat surface. Spoon about one tablespoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of each shape, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Lightly brush the edges with a beaten egg. Place the carved “face” shapes on top of the filled shapes. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly together, sealing the filling inside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with a piece of perforated parchment paper. Place the pop tarts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Divide the icing and tint one part orange and a small amount black (or keep it white for contrast). Once the pop tarts have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the orange icing over the crust, avoiding the carved-out face areas. Use the darker icing or candy eyes to add extra detail to your spooky creations.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes