There’s something about combining the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese with the sweet-tartness of cherries that makes these Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a sweet snack, these little pies hit all the right notes. Perfectly crispy on the outside, creamy and fruity on the inside, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
The best part? You can make these pies in the air fryer, cutting down on prep time and creating a lighter, less greasy version of a traditionally deep-fried dessert. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these delicious pies, and they’re guaranteed to impress everyone you serve them to. So, let’s get started on making this simple yet decadent treat!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that adds richness and creaminess to the filling. It gives the pie its smooth texture and balances the sweetness of the cherries perfectly.
Cherry Pie Filling: This is the fruity component of the pie, providing that delicious burst of sweetness and a touch of tartness. Cherry pie filling is pre-made for convenience, but you can also use fresh or frozen cherries if preferred.
Puff Pastry Sheets: These are the base of the pie, creating a flaky, golden crust. Puff pastry bakes up wonderfully in the air fryer, giving you that crispy crunch without deep frying.
Egg: Used to create an egg wash for the pastry, giving it a beautiful golden finish once it’s air-fried. The egg helps achieve that perfect crispy, flaky exterior.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla adds a layer of depth and a subtle sweet aroma to the cream cheese filling. It’s a must for enhancing the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This is used to sweeten the cream cheese filling, making it smooth and just the right amount of sweet to pair with the cherry topping.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a hint of warmth to the pies, elevating the flavor of the cream cheese filling. It complements the cherries wonderfully.
Ingredients List
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Cherry Pie Filling – 1 cup
- Puff Pastry Sheets – 1 package (usually 2 sheets)
- Egg – 1, for egg wash
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
- Powdered Sugar – 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
How to Make Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until smooth and creamy. Add the cinnamon and mix again until fully incorporated. This creamy filling will serve as the base for your pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into squares or circles, depending on the shape you prefer for your pies. If you’re using squares, try cutting them into 4-inch squares. These will hold the cream cheese filling and cherry topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece, then top it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Be sure not to overfill to avoid any spillage during the cooking process. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush a thin layer of the egg wash over each pie. This will give the pastry a golden and glossy finish once cooked.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prepared pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook the pies for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Serve
Once the pies are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. They’ll be very hot! After they’ve cooled slightly, dust the pies with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use chilled puff pastry: For the best results, work with puff pastry that is cold from the fridge. It will be easier to handle and puff up better when cooked.
- Don’t overfill the pies: It can be tempting to stuff your pies with extra filling, but too much can cause them to burst open while cooking.
- Brush with egg wash generously: The more egg wash you apply, the better the golden color you’ll get on the crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Add a touch of lemon: For an extra zesty kick, you can add a small amount of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This will balance the sweetness of the cherries.
- Try different fillings: While this recipe calls for cherry pie filling, you can swap it out for other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple for variety.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned? Yes, homemade cherry filling can be used. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before using it in the pies.
Can I make these pies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pies ahead of time and freeze them before air frying. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container once they are solid. When ready to cook, just air fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, crescent roll dough works as a substitute. However, the texture may be slightly different. Puff pastry gives a flakier, crispier crust, while crescent dough is a bit more tender.