Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are a delightful treat that combines the flakiness of croissants with the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry cream cheese filling. These pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Using the air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare while still achieving a perfectly crispy and golden exterior. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create these delicious croissants.
Chapter 1: Ingredients
For the Croissants:
- 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Chapter 2: Preparation
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate the dough into individual triangles as per the package instructions.
Chapter 3: Assembling the Croissants
- Fill the Croissants:
- Place a triangle of crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of the dough triangle.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Carefully roll up the dough from the wide end to the point, encasing the filling.
- Seal the Edges:
- Pinch the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside and ensure it doesn’t leak out during cooking.
- Repeat with the remaining dough triangles and filling.
Chapter 4: Cooking
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the assembled croissants with the egg wash to help them achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Cook the Croissants:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and cooked through.
Chapter 5: Serving
- Cool and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the croissants to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cherry cream cheese croissants warm.
- They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Chapter 6: Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Ensure the croissants are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked pastries.
- Sealing the Edges: Properly sealing the edges of the dough is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Alternative Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberry or apple, or add a touch of chocolate chips for a different twist.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the best of flaky croissants and sweet cherry cream cheese filling. Perfect for any time of day, these pastries are sure to impress with their taste and simplicity. Using the air fryer makes them quick to prepare while still achieving a perfect golden, crispy texture. Try this recipe for a delicious addition to your breakfast, brunch, or dessert menu. Enjoy the delightful flavors and happy cooking!