Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls
I have a confession to make. I’m a huge fan of fancy desserts, but I’m not always a fan of the work that comes with them. Water baths for cheesecake? No, thank you. Making pastry from scratch? I’ll pass today.
That’s where these little bundles of joy come in. Imagine the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake filling, swirled with sweet cherry pie filling, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell. It’s like a portable piece of cheesecake you can eat with your hands.
The secret weapon here is the air fryer. It gives these egg rolls that perfect deep-fried crunch without the mess or the extra oil. You get all of the satisfaction with a fraction of the effort. This recipe is my go-to when I want something impressive that’s secretly simple to make.
What You’ll Need
Grabbing your ingredients is the first step. You’ll find most of these in any standard grocery store. The egg roll wrappers are usually hiding in the refrigerated produce section!
- Egg Roll Wrappers: You’ll need about 12 of them.
- Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce block, make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth filling.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup to sweeten the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for that classic cheesecake flavor.
- Cherry Pie Filling: About 1 cup. Feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Cooking Spray: A neutral oil spray like avocado or canola works best.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after they’re cooked. It makes them look extra special.
- Water: Just a small bowl of it for sealing the egg roll wrappers.
Tools Required for This Recipe
You don’t need a professional kitchen for this. A few basic tools will get the job done perfectly.
- Air Fryer: Any model will do.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the delicious cheesecake filling.
- Hand Mixer or Spatula: A hand mixer makes the filling extra smooth, but a spatula and some elbow grease work too.
- Small Bowl: For the water to seal your egg rolls.
- Tongs: For safely flipping and removing the hot egg rolls from the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls
This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a mixer, use a spatula to mash and stir until there are no lumps.
Step 2: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with a corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of the wrapper.
Step 3: Top the cheesecake filling with about a tablespoon of the cherry pie filling. Try to get more of the cherries than the gel, but a little gel is fine.
Step 4: To roll it up, fold the bottom corner (the one closest to you) up and over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, like you’re making a burrito. Roll it away from you into a tight log.
Step 5: Dip your finger in the small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the top corner to help it seal. Press it firmly to close the egg roll. Repeat this process for all the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures a crispy result.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. You may need to work in batches.
Step 8: Spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Carefully remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. The filling will be extremely hot! Once they’re cool enough to handle, dust them with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Pro Tips
I’ve made these dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. These tips will help you get them perfect on your first try.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack them full, but trust me, less is more. Overfilling is the number one cause of bursting and leaking in the air fryer. About 2 tablespoons of total filling is the sweet spot.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese is Key: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. If your cream cheese is cold, your filling will be lumpy. Let it sit on the counter for about 30-60 minutes before you start.
- Seal Them Tight: Use that little bit of water to create a strong seal. Make sure all the edges are pressed down firmly. A weak seal will let that delicious filling ooze out during cooking.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: For the crispiest possible egg rolls, give them space in the air fryer. Hot air needs to circulate around them. Cook in batches if you have to; it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make it your own.
| Ingredient | Substitution/Variation Idea |
|---|---|
| Cherry Pie Filling | Blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling. |
| Cream Cheese | Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option. |
| Flavor Add-Ins | Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. |
| Topping | Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Life gets busy, so planning ahead can be a lifesaver. Here’s how you can prep this recipe in advance.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to two days ahead of time. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for about an hour. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can air fry them directly from frozen; just add 2-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Leftovers and Storage: These are definitely best when fresh and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They will lose their crunch, but you can bring some of it back by reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Nutritional Info and Diet Swaps
Here’s a look at how you can adapt this recipe for different dietary needs. Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
| Dietary Need | Suggested Swap |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use certified gluten-free egg roll wrappers. |
| Lower Sugar | Use a sugar-free cherry pie filling and a sugar substitute like erythritol in the cream cheese. |
| Vegan | Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and ensure your egg roll wrappers are vegan. |
Approximate Nutrition (per egg roll): Calories: 150-180 kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to a few common questions that might pop up while you’re making these.
Q1. Can I bake these in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Ans: Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Q2. My egg rolls burst while cooking! What did I do wrong?
Ans: This is usually caused by one of two things: overfilling or not sealing the wrapper tightly enough. Make sure to use just a couple of tablespoons of filling and press the edges firmly with water to create a strong seal.
Q3. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Ans: Yes! This recipe is fantastic with blueberry, apple, strawberry, or even peach pie filling. You can also use a thick jam or preserves in a pinch.
Q4. Where can I find egg roll wrappers in the store?
Ans: You can typically find them in the refrigerated section of the produce department, often near the tofu and other plant-based products. They come in a square package.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it. That combination of warm, creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and a crispy shell is just unbeatable.
I really hope you give these Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls a try. They’re a fun twist on a classic dessert and a perfect project for a quiet afternoon or a fun treat for a party.
If you make them, I would love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out, or if you tried any fun variations. Enjoy!
