How can you check for air pockets or uneven filling in a tart before baking?

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Before baking a tart, you want the filling to sit evenly with no large air pockets. Gently tapping the filled pan helps the filling settle into a smooth, level layer. Visually check that the surface is flat and the filling is distributed evenly. If you notice large bubbles, poke them with a skewer or fork to release the air and then smooth the top again. This step prevents hollow spots and ensures the filling bakes uniformly with the crust supporting it.

Other approaches don’t reliably address the issue. Inserting a toothpick and baking immediately won’t detect or eliminate air pockets, and the pockets can still expand during baking. Letting the tart chill overnight doesn’t remove pockets in the filling. Baking at a lower temperature also doesn’t fix the problem and can lead to other texture issues.