High-Protein Air Fryer Custard Tarts (Weight Watchers-Friendly)

Indulge in a delicious, low-carb, and high-protein treat with these Air Fryer Custard Tarts, a perfect dessert for anyone on a Weight Watchers plan or those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. With a combination of creamy custard filling and an almond-flour crust (optional), these tarts provide a satisfying dessert experience without the added sugar or high-carb content. You can also make them crustless for a lower-carb, even lighter option. With the use of an air fryer, this recipe allows for a quick, simple, and healthy alternative to traditional tarts, so you can enjoy a guilt-free treat any time.

Each tart contains a rich amount of protein, making them suitable for anyone aiming to manage their weight while ensuring they meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, these tarts are bariatric-friendly and keto-friendly, making them the perfect fit for a variety of dietary requirements.

Here, we’ll walk you through this amazing recipe step-by-step, and also provide detailed nutritional information, including Weight Watchers points, for those on the program. These delightful custard tarts will leave you feeling satisfied without derailing your health or weight goals.

Servings: 6

Weight Watchers Points (Freestyle, Blue, Green, Purple):
Each tart (without crust) = 3 SmartPoints
Each tart (with crust) = 4 SmartPoints

Net carbs per serving: ~3g

Ingredients:

For the Crust (Optional, for lower-carb version, omit crust):

  • 1/2 cup almond flour (WW Points: 3)
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour (WW Points: 1)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (WW Points: 4)
  • 1 tbsp sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit) (WW Points: 0)

For the Custard Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (WW Points: 0)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) (WW Points: 5)
  • 1/4 cup whey protein isolate (vanilla or unflavored) (WW Points: 2)
  • 1 large egg (WW Points: 0)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sweetener (erythritol or monk fruit) (WW Points: 0)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (WW Points: 0)

Equipment:

  • Air fryer
  • Muffin liners or silicone muffin cups
  • Blender or mixing bowl and whisk

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This temperature will ensure the custard bakes evenly while giving the tops a light golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust (Optional)

If you’re opting for the crust, begin by combining 1/2 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp coconut flour, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tbsp of your chosen sweetener. Mix these ingredients together until a soft dough forms. The almond flour provides a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional flour, while the coconut flour helps bind everything together.

Once the dough has come together, press a thin layer of it into the bottom of each muffin liner. Be sure not to overfill, as the crust should be a thin layer to maintain the right balance of flavors and textures. Refrigerate the crusts for about 10 minutes to allow them to set, helping them hold their shape during baking.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

While the crust is chilling, it’s time to prepare the custard filling. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or another low-carb milk substitute)
  • 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup whey protein isolate (you can use either vanilla or unflavored protein powder, depending on your preference)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp powdered sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend or whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The addition of whey protein isolate ensures that these tarts are packed with protein, making them an ideal snack for those aiming to increase their protein intake.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

After the crust has set, remove the muffin liners from the fridge and pour the custard mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. The custard will rise slightly during baking, so leaving room at the top helps ensure that they bake evenly without spilling over.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tarts

Place the muffin liners into the air fryer basket and air fry the tarts at 320°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes. You’ll notice that the tops of the tarts will become golden brown and slightly firm up. The custard in the center may still jiggle a bit when you tap the basket, but don’t worry; it will continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the tarts are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, place the tarts in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the custard set completely. This cooling time also helps the tarts develop their rich, creamy texture.

Serve the custard tarts chilled and enjoy! They make a wonderful, protein-packed dessert or snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without overloading you with carbs or sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 tart without crust):

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

Optional Crust (Per Tart):

  • Calories: +50
  • Net Carbs: +1g
  • Weight Watchers Points (with crust): 4 SmartPoints

This recipe is ideal for those on a low-carb, keto, or bariatric diet. It helps you maintain a high-protein intake while keeping your carb count low, making it the perfect snack or dessert for anyone trying to manage their weight or fuel their body in a healthier way.

Weight Watchers-Friendly Benefits

If you’re following the Weight Watchers program, this recipe is an excellent option. You can choose to make the tarts with or without the crust, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your specific needs. The inclusion of whey protein isolate not only enhances the protein content but also helps curb your hunger, making this dessert a filling choice that will keep you satisfied between meals.

For WW (Freestyle) Points, each tart without the crust is only 3 SmartPoints. Add the crust, and each tart is 4 SmartPoints. These points values make it an ideal option for anyone looking to indulge in something sweet without exceeding their daily SmartPoints budget.

Variations

Crustless Version: If you’re following a strict low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the crust entirely. The custard filling on its own is just as delicious and satisfying, and it reduces the carb count and SmartPoints even further. This crustless version has a great texture and rich flavor, making it a perfect option for those looking to minimize their carb intake while still enjoying a decadent treat.

Flavor Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture. A bit of cocoa powder could also be added for a chocolate-flavored custard tart. Additionally, you can experiment with using flavored protein powder to give the tarts a unique twist.

Sweetener Substitutes: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use stevia or monk fruit in place of erythritol. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of your chosen sweetener.

Final Thoughts

These High-Protein Air Fryer Custard Tarts are a perfect addition to any low-carb, keto, bariatric, or Weight Watchers-friendly meal plan. Whether you decide to include the crust or make them crustless, you’re guaranteed a satisfying, delicious dessert that aligns with your dietary goals. With each tart delivering a good amount of protein and low carbs, they serve as a filling and nutritious snack that can easily fit into your daily routine. Plus, the air fryer makes them incredibly easy to prepare in no time.

Enjoy these guilt-free treats that offer the best of both worlds: indulgence and nutrition, all wrapped up in one convenient, portable tart!