Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants – Easy Flaky Pastry with Creamy Fruit Filling
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants are the perfect quick treat—flaky, golden, and filled with a luscious blend of sweet cherries and creamy cheesecake filling. Made with store-bought crescent dough and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they’re ready in under 15 minutes and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Drizzle with vanilla glaze for an extra indulgent finish. Whether you're hosting guests or just craving something sweet, these croissants are a delicious shortcut to bakery-style bliss.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cherry pie filling (or homemade compote)
- Optional: lemon zest, powdered sugar, icing glaze, egg wash
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Add lemon zest if desired.
- Assemble Croissants Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Spoon 1 tsp cream cheese mixture and 1 tsp cherry filling onto the wide end. Roll gently and seal edges.
- Air Fry Preheat air fryer to 330°F (165°C) if needed. Line basket with parchment or spray lightly. Place croissants in a single layer with space between. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Glaze and Serve Cool slightly. Drizzle with icing or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overfill—leaks can burn
- Let dough warm slightly for easier sealing
- Use parchment or spray to prevent sticking
- Try fruit swaps (blueberry, apple), savory versions (herbs and bacon), or vegan adaptations
- Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated or frozen unglazed and reheated