Introduction:
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants, a delectable twist on a classic pastry. These buttery croissants are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and sweet cherry preserves, then air-fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully creamy on the inside, these croissants are sure to become a new favorite. Let’s delve into the recipe and discover how to create these irresistible treats using your air fryer.
- The Perfect Blend of Flavors: Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are a symphony of flavors and textures. The buttery croissant provides a flaky, golden exterior, while the creamy cream cheese filling and sweet cherry preserves add a burst of sweetness in every bite. It’s a match made in pastry heaven!
- Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Taste: Made with just a few simple ingredients including croissant dough, cream cheese, cherry preserves, and a touch of sugar, these croissants are easy to make yet utterly delicious. The combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors creates a truly indulgent treat.
- Air Fryer Convenience: Using an air fryer to make these croissants not only results in perfectly crispy pastries but also cuts down on cooking time. With the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air, you can achieve that coveted golden brown crust in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in a traditional oven.
- Versatile Serving Options: Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm for breakfast or brunch alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful afternoon snack or dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Make-Ahead Option: These croissants can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Simply prepare the croissants as instructed, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them in the air fryer for a quick and convenient treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cherry pie filling
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
4. Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle and top with a teaspoon of cherry pie filling.
5. Roll up the triangles, starting from the wide end and tuck in the sides to enclose the filling.
6. Beat the egg and brush over each croissant.
7. Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
8. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are best enjoyed warm, straight from the air fryer. The creamy filling and flaky pastry are at their most delicious when served fresh and hot.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the croissants with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve the croissants alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
- Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the croissants with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Before serving, garnish the plate with a few fresh cherries or berries for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have any leftover croissants, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the croissants within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
- Consume Within 2-3 Days: Enjoy leftover Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants within 2-3 days for the best quality. Reheat individual portions in the air fryer or oven until warmed through before serving.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you have more croissants than you can enjoy within a few days, they can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheat Before Serving: When ready to enjoy frozen croissants, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature until warmed through, being careful not to overheat and dry out the pastry.
- Refresh with Additional Cherry Preserves: If the croissants seem dry after reheating, brush them with a bit of warmed cherry preserves before serving to add moisture and enhance the flavor.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants remain delicious and enjoyable, whether served fresh or reheated as leftovers.
FAQ’s:
- Can I use pre-made croissant dough for this recipe? Answer: Yes, you can use pre-made croissant dough from the grocery store for convenience. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
- Can I use other fruit preserves instead of cherry? Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite fruit preserves such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot for a different flavor twist.
- Do I need to thaw the croissant dough before using it? Answer: Yes, it’s recommended to thaw the croissant dough according to the package instructions before assembling the croissants to ensure even baking.
- Can I make these croissants without cream cheese? Answer: While the cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, you can omit it if desired. The croissants will still be delicious with just the fruit preserves filling.
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves? Answer: Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to pit and chop them before using them as a filling. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may release more moisture during baking.
- What size air fryer should I use for this recipe? Answer: You can use any size air fryer for this recipe as long as it can accommodate the size of the croissants without overcrowding. If using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the croissants in batches.
- How do I prevent the filling from oozing out of the croissants during cooking? Answer: To prevent the filling from leaking out, make sure to seal the edges of the croissants tightly before air frying. You can also brush the edges with a bit of egg wash for extra security.
- Can I reheat leftover croissants in the air fryer? Answer: Yes, you can reheat leftover croissants in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Can I freeze the unbaked croissants for later? Answer: Yes, you can assemble the croissants ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 1-2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How long do the croissants stay fresh after baking? Answer: Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.