Easy Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies: Your New Favorite Quick Dessert Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies! This delightful dessert features a perfectly golden-brown crust encasing a rich, creamy, and wonderfully sweet filling that bursts with the vibrant flavor of cherries and the subtle tang of cream cheese. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that has quickly become a cherished family favorite in our home, devoured by everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
What makes these air fryer cherry hand pies truly special is their incredible ease of preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick and impressive dessert for special occasions, a delightful treat for an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a delicious, fruit-filled breakfast on a busy weekday morning, these pies are your answer. Whipping up a batch is super quick, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time before your air fryer works its magic, delivering perfectly cooked, crispy pastries every time.
If you enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of air fryer fruit desserts, you’ll definitely want to explore other favorites like these air fryer apple turnovers, creamy cream cheese puff pastries, or our popular air fryer blueberry hand pies. Each offers a unique blend of flavor and effortless air fryer cooking!
Why You Will Love This Cream Cheese Cherry Pies Recipe
This simple pie recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to win the hearts of everyone who tries it. It’s an ideal choice for practically any occasion, from casual family dinners to more elaborate parties or even as a satisfying after-school snack for the kids. The best part? You can easily prepare these pies ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator or freezer, and simply pop them into your air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy a warm, freshly baked treat.
The combination of tart cherry pie filling with rich, smooth cream cheese creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. The air fryer delivers an unparalleled crispy, flaky crust without the need for deep frying, making these pies a healthier and less messy alternative to traditional fried pastries. Their portable nature also makes them fantastic for on-the-go enjoyment, ensuring they’ll be a hit every single time you serve them. From breakfast pastries to elegant mini desserts, these cherry and cream cheese pastries truly shine!
Ingredients:
Only a handful of common ingredients are needed to create these irresistible air fryer desserts. You’ll be amazed at how such simple components can combine to form something so utterly delicious!
- Cherry Pie Filling (canned): We use 12 ounces of canned cherry pie filling for convenience, but you can certainly opt for homemade filling if you prefer. This provides the signature sweet and tart cherry flavor.
- Cream Cheese (softened): 8 ounces of softened cream cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and a delightful tang that perfectly complements the cherries. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Egg: One beaten egg serves as an egg wash, giving the pies that beautiful, golden-brown, glossy finish and helping the crust crisp up.
- Refrigerated Pie Dough: One roll of refrigerated pie dough is the ultimate shortcut for a flaky, buttery crust. Look for rolled dough for the easiest handling.
Directions: Crafting Your Air Fryer Cherry Pies
Follow these straightforward steps to create perfectly crispy and creamy cherry pies in your air fryer. It’s simpler than you think!
- Prepare the Pie Dough: On a clean, lightly floured cutting board or silicone mat, carefully unroll your refrigerated pie dough. Using a 6-inch round cookie cutter, a small plate as a guide, or even a mini pie maker, cut the dough into perfect circles. Aim for consistency in size for even cooking.
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Choose Your Cutting Tool: You can use a dedicated mini pie maker for perfectly uniform pies, a standard round cookie cutter for classic hand pie shapes, or simply use a small plate as a template to cut your 6-inch circles with a knife. This size is ideal for individual servings and fits well in most air fryer baskets.
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire can of cherry pie filling with the softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the two ingredients are well incorporated and you have a beautifully marbled, creamy cherry mixture.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the single egg until it’s well beaten. This will be used to brush over the pies, creating that desired golden, crispy exterior.
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Fill the Dough Circles: Place about 2 tablespoons of the delicious cherry cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, leaving a border around the edges to ensure a good seal.
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Seal the Pies: Gently fold each dough circle in half, creating a semi-circular pie. Carefully press down on the edges to seal the filling inside. Then, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges all around, ensuring a tight seal and adding a lovely decorative touch to your homemade hand pies.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spritz the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful, even crisping of the crust. If you prefer, you can use parchment paper liners instead.
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Air Fry the Pies: Place the prepared pies in a single layer into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for proper air circulation. Brush the top of each pie generously with the whisked egg mixture.
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Cook to Golden Perfection: Air fry the pies at 380 degrees F (193°C) for a total of 6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process (around 3 minutes), carefully flip the pies using tongs. This ensures both sides become beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pies from the air fryer and place them on wire baking racks. This allows air to circulate, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensuring the crust remains delightfully crispy until serving.
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Enjoy Warm: These air fryer cream cheese cherry pies are best enjoyed warm, allowing the creamy filling to be perfectly gooey and the cherry flavor to truly shine.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pies: Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Want to take your cherry cream cheese pies to the next level? Consider these optional additions and kitchen hacks!
Optional Flavors: While delicious on their own, you can add extra depth to your cherry-cream cheese filling. Consider a dash of vanilla extract for warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for spice, a hint of lemon zest for brightness, a touch of cardamom for exotic aroma, almond extract to complement the cherry, or a mix of allspice for a complex profile.
Optional Toppings: Elevate your presentation and taste with various toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar or granulated sugar adds a simple sweetness. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a decadent touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra spice, or toasted coconut for a textural contrast. And of course, a dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a classic choice!
Kitchen Tips: For effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking, always use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers if you don’t have nonstick cooking spray readily available. These liners also help maintain the pies’ shape during cooking.
NOTE: Cooking times can vary significantly between different air fryer models, sizes, and wattages. This recipe was tested in a Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. If your air fryer is different, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes, watching closely to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Always cook in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
Craving more easy fruit dessert recipes made in the air fryer? Don’t miss out on our delightful air fryer banana boats, comforting air fryer peach cobbler, tender air fryer pears, or these incredibly tasty air fryer apple pie taquitos. The air fryer makes preparing fruit desserts a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Pies
Can I use other flavors of pie filling?
Absolutely! This air fryer hand pie recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the cherry pie filling with almost any other canned fruit pie filling available at your local grocery store. Popular choices include apple, raspberry, peach, strawberry, or blueberry. Each will give you a unique and equally delicious fruit pastry experience. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit combinations!
Are there other doughs I can use?
Definitely! While refrigerated pie dough offers ultimate convenience, you have many other fantastic options for the crust. If you have homemade pie dough in your freezer, it will work perfectly. Grocery stores also offer a wide selection of refrigerated or frozen doughs that can be used:
- Puff Pastry: For an extra flaky and airy texture.
- Canned Biscuit Dough: Provides a soft, slightly denser crust.
- Canned Crescent Roll Dough: Offers a tender, buttery, and slightly sweet base.
- Large Wonton Wrappers: A lighter, crispier option, especially for smaller, bite-sized pies.
- Filo Dough: For a super thin, delicate, and shatteringly crisp crust.
Keep in mind that cook times will vary depending on the type and thickness of the dough you choose. Always monitor closely to prevent burning and ensure a golden finish.
How to store leftovers?
To maintain freshness, always allow your air fryer cream cheese cherry pies to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these pies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer storage bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them briefly in the air fryer (at a lower temperature, around 300°F/150°C, for 3-5 minutes) or microwave until warmed through. This will help bring back some of their original crispiness.
What other dishes can I make with cherries?
Cherries are incredibly versatile and bring their unique sweet-tart flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Beyond these delicious cherry hand pies, here are some ideas:
- Sweet Cherry Creations:
- Cherry and Pecan Streusel: A crumbly, sweet topping over baked cherries.
- Cinnamon Roll Cherry Cobbler: Canned cinnamon rolls topped with cherry filling and baked until bubbly.
- Decadent Cherry Danish: A classic pastry with a sweet cream cheese and cherry topping.
- Cherry Scones: Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Black Forest Cake: A German classic with layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream.
- Savory Cherry Pairings:
- Tangy Onion and Cherry Pork Chops: A delightful balance of sweet and savory with caramelized onions and cherries.
- Rack of Lamb with Cherry Balsamic Drizzle: The acidity and sweetness of cherries beautifully cut through the richness of lamb.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chopped Cherries: A vibrant and flavorful side dish, especially with dried cherries.
- Dried Cherry and Sausage Stuffing: A wonderful addition to holiday meals, offering a burst of flavor.
- Cherry Glazed Duck Breast: A sophisticated main course with a rich, fruity sauce.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh, frozen, or canned cherries in your culinary adventures!
MORE AIR FRYER DESSERT RECIPES:
If you’re loving the simplicity and delicious results of air fryer baking, you’re in luck! We have a plethora of fantastic air fryer dessert recipes to satisfy every sweet craving. Explore these other fan favorites:
- Air Fryer Cheesecake: A surprisingly easy way to make a creamy, indulgent cheesecake.
- Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies: Another portable fruit pie favorite, perfect for fall flavors.
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp: Warm, spiced apples with a crispy oat topping.
- Air Fryer Blueberry Crisp: A sweet and juicy berry dessert with a golden crunch.
- Air Fried Banana Pudding Pie: A delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert.
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Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies
Jen
5 minutes
6 minutes
11 minutes
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer (e.g., Cosori 5.8 qt. or similar)
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Cutting board
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6-inch round cookie cutter or small plate
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Medium-sized mixing bowl
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Small shallow bowl for egg wash
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Whisk or fork
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Pastry brush
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Wire baking rack
Ingredients
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12 ounces cherry pie filling -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature -
1 large egg, beaten for egg wash -
1 refrigerated pie crust, rolled out, about 9-10 inches in diameter -
Cooking spray or parchment paper liners for air fryer
Instructions
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1. Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a clean cutting board and cut it into approximately 6-inch dough circles. You should get about 4-6 circles per crust.
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2. To ensure uniform size, use a mini pie maker, a round cookie cutter, or a small plate as a template for your desired hand pie size.
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3. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix the canned cherry pie filling and the softened cream cheese together until smooth and evenly combined.
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4. Whisk the egg in a separate shallow bowl to prepare your egg wash.
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5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the delightful cherry cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle, leaving a clear border around the edges.
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6. Fold each dough circle in half over the filling, creating a semi-circle. Press the edges firmly together, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, preventing any filling from leaking during cooking.
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7. Lightly spritz the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
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8. Place the prepared pies in a single layer into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brush the top of each pie evenly with the beaten egg mixture.
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9. Air fry the pies at 380°F (193°C) for 6 minutes, carefully flipping the pies halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides achieve a beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.
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10. Once cooked, remove the pies from the air fryer and transfer them to wire baking racks. This allows them to cool slightly and prevents the bottom crust from becoming soft.
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11. Serve your warm Air Fryer Cream Cheese Cherry Pies and enjoy!
Notes
Optional Toppings: Customize your pies with a variety of delicious toppings. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or granulated sugar can add a touch of elegance. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, add toasted coconut flakes for texture, or serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Kitchen Tips: To ensure your pies don’t stick and to make cleanup a breeze, always use parchment paper liners in your air fryer basket if you do not have nonstick cooking spray. These liners are a game-changer for delicate pastries.
NOTE: This recipe was developed and tested using a Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Please be aware that cooking times may vary by 1-2 minutes depending on the specific brand, size, and wattage of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your pies during the final minutes to achieve the perfect golden-brown finish.
Change things up! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t limit yourself to just cherry filling! Explore other delightful canned fruit fillings available at your local grocery stores. Popular alternatives like apple, raspberry, peach, strawberry, and blueberry can transform these hand pies into a new favorite with every batch.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 48g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 32g,
Saturated Fat: 15g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g,
Trans Fat: 0.01g,
Cholesterol: 98mg,
Sodium: 383mg,
Potassium: 221mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 996IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 79mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
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