If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful, quick treat that combines buttery, flaky croissants with luscious cherry and silky cream cheese, then this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe is exactly what you need! It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a golden crust that comes out perfectly crisp thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast or a charming dessert, these croissants will become your new favorite go-to. Plus, they come together faster than you’d think, making indulgence totally doable any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a star role. From the refrigerated crescent dough providing that satisfying flaky base to the cream cheese adding smooth richness, and of course, the cherry pie filling bringing a burst of vibrant sweetness—every element matters in creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): This refrigerated dough ensures a flaky and buttery croissant without all the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Cherry pie filling (½ cup): Adds juicy, sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color contrast inside the croissants.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a smooth, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons for filling, ¼ cup for glaze): Sweetens the cream cheese and can be used to add a delicate, glossy glaze on top.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A hint of warmth that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, optional): Mixed with powdered sugar to make a simple, shiny glaze for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper: Keeps your croissants from sticking in the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is silky smooth. This sweetened cream cheese base is what makes these croissants irresistibly creamy and balances out the tartness of the cherry filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Croissants
Carefully unroll your crescent dough and separate it into the pre-cut triangles. Near the wide end of each triangle, spread about one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, followed by a tablespoon of the cherry pie filling. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
Step 3: Roll the Croissants
Gently roll the dough starting at the wide end, carefully tucking the sides in slightly to help contain the yummy filling during cooking. This rolling technique helps keep everything snug and prevents those precious juices from escaping into your air fryer basket.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the croissants in the basket, leaving a little breathing room between each, so they get evenly cooked and beautifully golden all over.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 325°F and cook for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the croissants develop a lovely golden brown color and the dough is cooked through. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes so the filling can settle and you don’t burn your tongue when taking that first heavenly bite.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
If you want to take your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe to the next level, whisk together ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled croissants for a light, sweet finish that looks just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the beauty and flavor, consider sprinkling a few fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. A tiny sprig of fresh mint can also add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet-tart filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone treat but pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich vanilla latte for breakfast. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes an elegant and delicious accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your croissants on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra cherry pie filling and cream cheese dip. This way, your guests can customize or dip as they please, turning your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe into an interactive and festive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For a little longer freshness, keeping them in the fridge can extend their life by a day or two, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these croissants before air frying. Assemble as usual, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for an ultra-convenient future treat.
Reheating
To revive the flaky texture and warm the filling, reheat croissants in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures they regain their crisp exterior without becoming soggy, which microwave reheating can sometimes cause.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit fillings besides cherry?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe is very versatile. Blueberry, apple, or even mixed berry pie fillings work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavor twist.
Do I need to thaw the crescent dough before using it?
Yes, it’s best to let the refrigerated crescent roll dough come to room temperature before unrolling to make it easier to handle and to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in a conventional oven?
Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. However, the air fryer really helps to get that crisp, flaky texture faster.
Is it necessary to add the glaze on top?
No, the glaze is optional but highly recommended for a little extra sweetness and an eye-catching shine. If you prefer a less sweet finish, feel free to skip it.
Can I make these croissants vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, you’d need to use dairy-free cream cheese and a crescent dough that’s vegan-friendly. Keep in mind cooking times and textures might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, delightful treat that feels indulgent without the fuss. The contrast of flaky dough, creamy filling, and bright cherry filling always brings smiles. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a little sweet joy in your day!
Print
Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or dessert treat. Featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and tangy cherry pie filling, they bake to golden perfection in the air fryer for a quick, delicious pastry that pairs perfectly with morning coffee or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Optional Glaze
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Other
- Nonstick spray or parchment for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble croissants: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle, then top with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
- Roll the croissants: Gently roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, slightly tucking in the sides to help keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the croissants in the basket, ensuring there is space between each for air circulation.
- Air fry: Cook the croissants in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. For an optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle it over the warm croissants.
Notes
- Try other pie fillings such as blueberry or apple for a different flavor twist.
- These croissants are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to refresh the texture.
