Name: Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count); ½ cup cherry pie filling; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’re looking for an irresistibly easy pastry that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery case, Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are about to become your new obsession. These little treats are as delicious as they are impressive: think golden, flaky croissants filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture and sweet cherry pie filling, all finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. It’s pure magic from the air fryer, and you’re only twenty minutes away from your first warm bite.

Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the absolute charm of Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants is how few ingredients stand between you and an unforgettable pastry moment. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the pillowy dough to the luscious filling, making every bite positively sing.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8-count): The shortcut to flaky, golden croissants without the fuss of homemade dough—just unroll, fill, and roll up!
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Softened cream cheese brings creamy, tangy richness that pairs so well with the sweet cherries.
Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to smooth out the cream cheese bite.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A tiny dash, but it brings warmth and a bakery-style aroma to the filling.
Cherry pie filling (½ cup): Each spoonful bursts with sweet, juicy cherries in a glossy sauce—just right for that dessert twist.
Egg (1, beaten): For the egg wash, giving your croissants that bakery-shop shine and extra crunch.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Not essential, but a sprinkle before serving turns these from delicious to downright dazzling.

How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is fluffy and ultra-smooth. This creamy base is the heart of your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants, so you want it perfectly blended—no lumps allowed!

Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough

Pop open your can of crescent roll dough (there’s always a bit of anticipation, isn’t there?), unroll it onto a lightly floured surface, and separate it into 8 neat triangles. These triangles will be the cozy blankets wrapping up all that goodness inside.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spread about a teaspoon of your cream cheese filling right onto each triangle, taking care to leave a border. Then, spoon a bit of cherry pie filling on top—don’t overdo it, or the filling will escape! Now, roll each triangle up starting from the wide end, and gently tuck the ends underneath to help seal in all the creamy-cherry magic.

Step 4: The Egg Wash

Brush the tops of your croissants with the beaten egg. This simple step gives them a glossy, golden finish—trust me, your air fried croissants will look downright professional when they come out!

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for a couple of minutes so the croissants get an even bake. Arrange them in the basket, making sure to leave a bit of space between each, then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re puffed, crisp, and beautifully browned. Peek in around the 8-minute mark to ensure that perfect golden finish.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants cool down slightly (if you can wait!). Then, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that irresistible finishing touch. Time to dig in!

How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants

Garnishes

For the true patisserie effect, don’t forget a snow-like sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. If you want even more visual (and flavor) appeal, scatter a few extra chopped cherries on top, or add a little drizzle of vanilla icing. A few fresh mint leaves on the side can add a burst of color and freshness, making your pastries look—and taste—like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

These croissants shine brightest alongside a mug of strong coffee or a frothy latte, but you can make them a bigger breakfast moment with a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries on the side. For brunch with friends, try serving with a citrusy fruit salad or crisp bacon for a sweet-and-savory vibe. Your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are deliciously flexible!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to impress, pile the croissants high on a cake stand or platter and dust with extra sugar for that bakery-café look. For a more playful twist, serve mini croissants (just cut your triangles smaller before filling) on a tray for a festive breakfast spread or dessert bar. Another favorite: pack one up in a pretty paper bag for an extra-special breakfast on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and tasty, with that flaky exterior you love.

Freezing

Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants can absolutely be frozen! Once they’re completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just label and date them for easy grab-and-go treats.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect, just-baked texture, pop your croissants right back in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes. This revives the flakiness and makes the filling gooey again. If you’re using the oven, a brief warm-up at 325°F for 5-7 minutes works well too. Microwave reheating is quick, but it will soften the pastry.

FAQs

Can I use a different pie filling besides cherry?

Absolutely! Blueberry, apple, or even raspberry pie filling are fantastic substitutes. Feel free to experiment and use whatever fruit filling brings you the most joy—just adjust the amount to avoid overfilling the croissants.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?

It’s a good idea to lightly spray your basket with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the croissants from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can use a piece of parchment paper with holes punched in for airflow.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

The key is not to overfill each triangle and to be sure you roll tightly from the wide end, tucking the pointy end under. Sealing the sides a bit as you go can help keep every bit of that creamy cherry center locked inside.

Can I make these croissants ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the unbaked croissants a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready, simply place them in the air fryer and cook as directed. This makes them perfect for brunch parties or busy mornings.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Bake your croissants in a conventional oven preheated to 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until golden. The texture may differ slightly, but the results are still absolutely delicious.

Final Thoughts

When you need a breakfast or dessert that feels like a treat but is secretly simple, Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants always deliver. Whether for a cozy morning at home or a dazzling brunch, every bite is bound to put a smile on your face. Give them a try—I promise, you’ll be hooked from the very first flaky, creamy, cherry-filled taste!

Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 croissants 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants that are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Flaky crescent roll dough filled with a sweet cream cheese and cherry filling, air fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Other Ingredients:

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
½ cup cherry pie filling
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assembly: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, then top with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling. Roll up each triangle, starting at the wide end, and tuck the ends to seal.
Preparation: Brush the tops of the croissants with the beaten egg. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 2 to 3 minutes.
Cooking: Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.