Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe

Craving something buttery, fruity, and indulgent—without the hassle of turning on your oven? Say hello to Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants. These golden, flaky treats are everything you love about a fresh pastry—made right in your air fryer in under 10 minutes!

Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday breakfast, or just need a sweet moment with your coffee, these croissants are a game-changer. The creamy richness of sweetened cream cheese paired with the tart brightness of cherry pie filling is simply irresistible. And when it’s wrapped in a warm, crisp crescent roll that puffs up perfectly in the air fryer? Pure magic.

Air fryers work especially well with crescent dough, giving it that crispy exterior and pillowy inside you’d expect from a bakery. No preheating. No baking sheets. Just simple, reliable results every single time.

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes almost no effort—and that’s exactly what makes it such a keeper. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

What Are Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants?

These sweet little croissants are exactly what they sound like—soft, flaky crescent rolls stuffed with a luscious blend of cream cheese and cherries, cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer.

Think of them as a shortcut version of a cherry Danish or mini fruit turnovers. But instead of folding intricate pastry or fussing with yeast dough, you’re simply rolling up store-bought crescent dough around a rich, tangy filling.

The final bite hits all the right notes: buttery and golden on the outside, gooey and creamy in the middle, with pops of bright cherry flavor throughout. When warm, the filling melts just enough to feel indulgent—without being messy or overly sweet.

Unlike traditional oven-baked croissants, these cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, giving you bakery vibes with minimal effort. They’re the perfect mix of comfort food and crowd-pleaser, ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Why Use an Air Fryer for This Recipe?

Air fryers are a total game-changer when it comes to pastries—and these croissants are a perfect example of why.

First, they cook much faster than a conventional oven. You’ll get hot, golden croissants in just about 7–9 minutes—no need to wait for your oven to preheat.

Second, air frying gives that ideal combo of crispy outside and soft, tender inside. It circulates hot air evenly around the croissants, ensuring they puff up beautifully without burning.

Plus, they won’t dry out the delicate cream cheese or cherry filling inside. Everything stays moist and melty, while the edges brown to a perfect golden crisp.

And let’s not forget the convenience. No need to dirty a baking sheet or heat up your whole kitchen. Just pop them into your air fryer basket, set the timer, and enjoy the aroma of pastry shop goodness from your countertop.

Ingredients and Tools for Easy Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Pastries

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Main Ingredients

• Crescent Roll Dough: Store-bought refrigerated dough (like Pillsbury) works perfectly. If you prefer homemade, that’s great too—just roll it thin.

• Cherry Pie Filling: A can of classic cherry pie filling gives you that nostalgic flavor and sticky texture. Or make a quick compote from fresh cherries with sugar and lemon juice.

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, softened cream cheese for the richest texture. Let it sit at room temp for easy mixing.

Optional Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract for depth

• Almond extract for that classic bakery aroma

• Lemon zest to brighten the cherry flavor

Helpful Tools

• Air Fryer (any model works—just check basket size)

• Parchment Paper or Silicone Liner to prevent sticking

• Pastry Brush (for optional egg wash or butter)

• Small Mixing Bowl + Spoon to blend the filling

With these on hand, you’re just minutes away from warm, creamy, cherry-filled bliss.

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Making these croissants couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps for foolproof results every time:

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese with a splash of vanilla or almond extract (optional). Mix until smooth and spreadable.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough on a clean surface. Separate into triangles, keeping them intact.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spoon a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Top with 1–2 cherries (or a small spoonful of cherry pie filling). Don’t overfill—less is more here!

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Carefully roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point, tucking in the sides as needed. Gently pinch seams closed to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Optional Egg Wash

Brush each croissant with egg wash or melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Air Fry

Place in a single layer on parchment paper in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 7–9 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let croissants cool for a few minutes before biting in. The filling will be hot!

Tip: If you crowd the basket or skip sealing, they might burst. Give them room and seal well!

Pro Tips for Flaky, Golden, Gooey Results

• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Cook in batches if needed to allow airflow.

• Chill the rolled croissants for 10–15 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold shape and stay sealed.

• Use parchment or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Brush with egg wash or butter for that classic golden sheen.

• Let them cool slightly before eating so the filling sets up and doesn’t burn your mouth!

Delicious Variations of Air Fryer Crescent Roll Croissants with Cream Cheese

Once you’ve mastered the classic cherry version, it’s time to get creative! These croissants are incredibly versatile and easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor mood.

1. Different Fruit Fillings

• Blueberry or raspberry preserves are fantastic alternatives for a berry-forward twist.

  Advertisement

• Apple cinnamon filling adds cozy fall vibes—just sauté chopped apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender.

2. Almond Cherry Croissants

Add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese, then top the croissants with a sprinkle of sliced almonds before air frying. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic bakery touch.

3. Savory Twist

Not feeling sweet? Try a savory filling! Mix cream cheese with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy bite. Reduce the sugar and skip the glaze for a satisfying snack or brunch item.

4. Mini Croissant Bites

Hosting a party or brunch? Cut each triangle of dough in half before filling to create bite-sized treats. They’re great for kids or serving on a tray for guests.

These variations prove just how adaptable and fun these croissants can be—sweet or savory!

Serving Suggestions for Crescent Roll Cherry Cream Cheese Pastries

These warm, gooey croissants shine on their own, but pairing them with the right additions makes them truly special.

• Serve them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a café-style breakfast at home.

• For a bakery-inspired presentation, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top once cooled.

• Want to go full dessert mode? Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

They’re also a great addition to a weekend brunch board with fresh fruit, cheeses, and other pastries.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Stuffed Crescent Roll Croissants

Life gets busy, but these croissants can be made ahead!

Can You Prep Ahead?

Yes! Assemble the croissants (but don’t air fry them yet), then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze on a tray until solid. Transfer frozen unbaked croissants to a freezer bag for later.

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 325°F. This brings back the flakiness without drying them out.

Freezing After Baking

You can freeze baked croissants too! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Avoid These Mistakes When Making Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants in the Air Fryer

These croissants are simple, but a few missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overstuffing the croissants: It’s tempting to load them up, but too much filling will leak out or prevent the dough from sealing.

• Not sealing edges properly: Press the seams gently but firmly to avoid spills during cooking.

• Using too high a temperature: This can cause the tops to brown too quickly while the dough remains raw inside. Stick to 325–350°F and monitor closely.

• Using cold cream cheese: It’s hard to spread and can tear the dough. Always soften it first for smooth, even application.

Avoid these mistakes, and your croissants will turn out flaky, creamy, and picture-perfect every time!

FAQs About Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants

Can you make cherry cream cheese croissants with puff pastry?

Yes! Puff pastry is a delicious alternative—it creates a flakier, more buttery result. Just cut it into triangles, fill, and roll like crescent dough. Air fry at a slightly lower temp (around 320°F) for 6–7 minutes, watching closely to prevent over-browning.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Absolutely. Simmer pitted cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a few minutes to make a quick homemade compote. Let it cool before using to avoid a runny filling.

How long do you cook croissants in the air fryer?

Typically 6–8 minutes at 325–350°F depending on your air fryer model and croissant size. Always check them early to avoid burning, especially with sugary fillings.

Can you reheat these croissants in the microwave?

You can, but the texture might suffer—microwaves tend to make pastries soggy. For best results, reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven to restore that flaky texture.

Are air fryer croissants healthier than oven-baked?

They can be, since air fryers use less oil and don’t require greased pans. But let’s be honest—these croissants are an indulgent treat either way. And they’re worth every bite!

More Cream Cheese Recipes to Try

If you loved these Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants, here are a few more cream cheese favorites worth trying:

• Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – A moist, zesty loaf swirled with rich cream cheese for the perfect breakfast or snack.

• Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes – Sweet summer peaches and honey pair beautifully with a tangy cream cheese center.

• Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – Silky smooth and perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.

• Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe – Mini pastries bursting with raspberry and creamy filling—great for brunch!

• Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe – Fudgy, citrusy, and decadent with a swirl of cream cheese on top.

These creamy, dreamy recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Expert Tips to Elevate Your Croissants

Want to take your croissants to the next level?

• Use a piping bag for cleaner, more even filling distribution.

• Add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar before air frying for extra warmth and crunch.

• Top with slivered almonds, coarse sugar, or a drizzle of glaze to make them look and taste bakery-worthy.

• Serve with a side of cherry preserves or whipped cream for dipping, especially if you’re offering these at brunch or dessert tables.

These little touches make your air fryer croissants feel anything but basic—and your guests will think you picked them up from a pastry shop.