Introduction:
Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a delightful and innovative dessert that perfectly blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fun, crispy texture of an egg roll. This surprisingly easy recipe takes the beloved flavors of cherry cheesecake and transforms them into a portable, air-fried treat that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a unique dessert option.
Imagine biting into a golden brown, crispy egg roll wrapper that gives way to a warm, creamy, and sweet cherry cheesecake filling. The slight tang of cream cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweet cherry pie filling, and the air fryer creates a delightful crispiness without the need for deep frying. Each bite is a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Whether you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert for a gathering, a unique treat to impress your guests, or simply a creative way to enjoy cherry cheesecake, these Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are an excellent choice. They are quick to prepare, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of cheesecake in a crispy, handheld package!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are many reasons why this Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls recipe is destined to become a new favorite. Firstly, it’s a fun and unexpected dessert. The egg roll wrapper adds a playful twist to classic cheesecake, making it a memorable and conversation-starting treat. It’s a dessert that’s both familiar in flavor yet unique in presentation.
Secondly, this recipe is remarkably quick and easy to make, especially thanks to the air fryer. Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving a wonderfully crispy exterior. The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time and cleanup, making it a convenient dessert option for busy schedules.
Finally, these cheesecake egg rolls are incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily adjust the sweetness, add different spices, or experiment with other fruit pie fillings to create your own signature variations. It’s a flexible recipe that can be tailored to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a reliable and adaptable dessert for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these delicious and crispy Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls, you’ll need a selection of readily available ingredients that combine to create their signature creamy filling and crispy shell. The heart of the dessert is the cheesecake filling. Cream cheese is essential for that classic cheesecake tang and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the richest flavor and creamiest filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) provides sweetness and helps create a smooth cheesecake filling. Powdered sugar blends easily into the cream cheese and contributes to a delicate sweetness. Granulated sugar can also be used, but powdered sugar is preferred for smoother texture. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note to the cheesecake filling. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness and richness of the cheesecake filling. Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor. Just a small amount is needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cherry pie filling is the star flavor component, providing the signature cherry cheesecake taste. Canned cherry pie filling is convenient and readily available. Choose a good quality cherry pie filling with plenty of cherries. You can also use homemade cherry pie filling if preferred.
Egg roll wrappers form the crispy outer shell. Look for egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Spring roll wrappers are thinner and crispier, but egg roll wrappers provide a heartier shell. Make sure the wrappers are fresh and pliable, not dry or cracked.
Egg wash, made from one egg beaten with a little water, is used to seal the egg rolls and help them brown and crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Egg wash creates a golden brown color and helps seal the edges of the wrappers.
Optional additions include cinnamon or nutmeg for adding warmth and spice to the cheesecake filling. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the cherry and cheesecake flavors beautifully. Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or chocolate sauce are excellent serving suggestions to enhance the dessert experience. These toppings add extra indulgence and flavor dimensions.
HOW TO MAKE “Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls”:
Making homemade Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls is a fun and straightforward culinary process. The recipe centers around two primary cooking methods: mixing for the cheesecake filling and air frying for the egg rolls. Mixing the filling is simple and quick, while air frying provides a healthier and faster way to achieve crispy egg rolls compared to traditional deep frying.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with preparing the creamy cherry cheesecake filling by combining softened cream cheese, sugars, vanilla, lemon juice, and cherry pie filling. The filling is then spooned into egg roll wrappers, rolled into egg rolls, brushed with egg wash, and finally air-fried until golden brown and crispy.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls at home. The simplicity of the method belies the incredible flavor and satisfying texture of the finished dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these unique and delightful air-fried treats.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Cheesecake Filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a lump-free filling. Using a medium bowl provides ample space for mixing the filling.
Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) or a whisk, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Beat until well combined and no lumps of cream cheese or powdered sugar remain. A smooth cream cheese base is essential for a good cheesecake filling.
Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and adds warmth. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances sweetness. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing after adding liquid ingredients.
Gently fold in the cherry pie filling. Fold in cherry pie filling gently to avoid breaking down the cherries too much. Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling throughout the cream cheese mixture. Set the cherry cheesecake filling aside while you prepare the egg roll wrappers. Having the filling ready streamlines the assembly process.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, positioning it so it looks like a diamond (with a point facing towards you). Diamond orientation helps in proper rolling and sealing of the egg roll. Keep the remaining egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Dried out wrappers can crack and tear easily. Working with one wrapper at a time and keeping the rest covered is crucial.
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cherry cheesecake filling in the center of the egg roll wrapper. Avoid overfilling the wrappers as overfilling can make them difficult to seal and prone to bursting during air frying. 2-3 tablespoons is usually sufficient filling per wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. This is the first step in rolling and sealing the egg roll. Tuck the corner under the filling slightly to secure it.
Fold in the two side corners of the wrapper towards the center, overlapping slightly. Folding in sides helps to enclose the filling and create a sealed egg roll. Overlap sides slightly for a tighter seal.
Brush the top corner of the wrapper with egg wash. Egg wash acts as a glue to seal the final edge and helps with browning. Use a pastry brush or your finger to apply a thin layer of egg wash.
Roll the egg roll up tightly from the bottom corner towards the top corner, sealing the final edge with the egg wash. Roll tightly to create a firm, compact egg roll. Seal the final edge firmly with the egg wash to prevent opening during air frying. Press gently to ensure the seal is secure.
Repeat steps 2a-2g with the remaining egg roll wrappers and cherry cheesecake filling until all egg rolls are assembled. Ensure all egg rolls are tightly rolled and well-sealed. Arrange the assembled egg rolls in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you prepare to air fry them. Single layer arrangement prevents sticking and facilitates easy transfer to the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures it reaches the correct temperature for even cooking and crisping.
Lightly brush the assembled egg rolls all over with the remaining egg wash. Brushing egg rolls with egg wash enhances browning, crisping, and gives them a golden color. Ensure all sides are lightly coated.
Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy egg rolls. Work in batches if necessary to ensure a single layer arrangement.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Air frying time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. Flipping halfway ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. Check for doneness by looking for golden brown color and crispy wrapper texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once the Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Use tongs or a spatula to remove the hot egg rolls from the air fryer.
Let the air-fried cherry cheesecake egg rolls cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Cooling slightly makes them easier to handle and eat, and prevents burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Garnish the warm Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Powdered sugar dusting adds visual appeal and extra sweetness. Optional garnishes like a drizzle of chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also be added. Offer a variety of garnishes for guests to choose from.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they are at their crispiest. Serve as a dessert or a fun snack. Enjoy these unique and delicious air-fried treats!
USEFUL TIPS:
To prevent filling leakage, ensure the egg roll wrappers are tightly sealed, especially at the edges and corners. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent filling from oozing out during air frying. Use egg wash generously to seal edges. Avoid overfilling the wrappers.
For extra crispy egg rolls, lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking oil spray before air frying in addition to brushing with egg wash. Cooking oil spray enhances crisping and browning in the air fryer. Use a neutral oil spray like avocado or canola oil.
If you want a richer cheesecake flavor, use a higher ratio of cream cheese to sugar in the filling, or add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling. Adjusting cream cheese to sugar ratio and adding sour cream/yogurt can enhance cheesecake flavor.
For variations, experiment with different fruit pie fillings such as apple, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry pie filling. Different fruit fillings allow for flavor customization and variety. Other pie fillings will create different flavor profiles but same crispy cheesecake egg roll concept.
To make ahead, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them un-air-fried in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Store assembled egg rolls in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Air fry just before serving for best crispiness. Making ahead saves time on the day of serving.
For freezing assembled egg rolls, freeze them un-air-fried in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Freezing allows for longer-term storage of assembled egg rolls. Air frying from frozen requires slightly longer cooking time.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 25 minutes. The preparation time includes softening cream cheese, making filling, and assembling egg rolls. Efficient prep work will streamline the cooking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes air frying. The cooking time is for air frying egg rolls until golden brown and crispy. Air frying time may vary slightly depending on air fryer model and desired crispiness. Monitoring egg rolls for color and crispiness ensures optimal cooking.
Total Time: 35-40 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 35-40 minutes. This makes it a relatively quick and easy dessert or snack option. The short total time makes it convenient for quick treats or party desserts.
Yield: Approximately 12-16 egg rolls (depending on wrapper size and filling amount). This recipe yields approximately 12-16 egg rolls, suitable for serving a small gathering or family. Yield can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing ingredient quantities. Yield is sufficient for a party appetizer or family dessert.
Category: Dessert, Snack, Air Fryer Recipe. Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are versatile, categorized as a dessert, snack, and air fryer recipe. Their categorization highlights their dessert type, snack suitability, and cooking method. Category reflects their primary use and cooking method.
Method: Air Frying, Mixing. The primary cooking method is air frying the egg rolls, combined with mixing for the cheesecake filling. Air frying creates crispy egg rolls with less oil than deep frying. Mixing is simple and quick for the filling. These methods combine to create the final dessert.
Cuisine: American-Inspired, Fusion, Dessert. Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are American-inspired and a fusion dessert combining cheesecake elements with egg roll preparation techniques, reflecting modern dessert innovation. Fusion cuisine blends different culinary traditions in new ways. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s creative and contemporary dessert style.
Diet: Adaptable (can be made vegetarian, but not easily vegan or gluten-free). The base recipe is vegetarian. It is not easily adapted to be vegan or gluten-free without significant ingredient substitutions, especially for the wrappers. Diet category highlights its vegetarian status and limitations for other dietary adaptations.
NOTES:
One important note is to not overfill the egg roll wrappers. Overfilling is a common mistake and can cause the wrappers to burst during air frying, leaking the filling and making the egg rolls messy. Stick to the recommended 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper. Avoid overstuffing wrappers for best results.
Another note is to ensure the egg roll wrappers are fresh and pliable. Stale or dry egg roll wrappers are prone to cracking and tearing when rolled, making them difficult to work with and less likely to seal properly. Use fresh, pliable wrappers for easy rolling and sealing. Keep wrappers covered with damp paper towel while assembling to prevent drying out.
The air frying time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and its wattage. Air fryers can vary in cooking speed. Monitor the egg rolls closely during air frying and adjust time as needed to achieve golden brown and crispy results without burning. Check for color and crispness to determine doneness.
For serving suggestions, Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are delicious on their own but are enhanced with dipping sauces or toppings. Consider serving with: whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce, raspberry sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Offer a variety of toppings and dipping sauces for guests to customize their desserts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I bake these cheesecake egg rolls instead of air frying?
A: Yes, you can bake these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls if you don’t have an air fryer. To bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash (and cooking oil spray for extra crispiness, if desired). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Baking will take slightly longer than air frying and may not be quite as crispy, but is a viable alternative. Monitor baking time to prevent burning or undercooking.
Q: Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
A: You can use wonton wrappers as a smaller alternative to egg roll wrappers, but you will need to adjust the filling amount and rolling technique. Wonton wrappers are smaller and thinner than egg roll wrappers. Use about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of filling per wonton wrapper. Wonton wrappers will cook faster than egg roll wrappers, so reduce air frying time accordingly. Wonton wrappers will create smaller, bite-sized cheesecake “wontons” rather than egg rolls.
Q: Can I make these egg rolls vegan?
A: Making these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls vegan would require significant substitutions, particularly for the cream cheese filling. You would need to use a vegan cream cheese alternative and ensure the egg roll wrappers are vegan-friendly (some contain eggs). For a vegan egg wash, you can use plant-based milk or a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup. Vegan cream cheese alternatives will alter the flavor and texture, and vegan egg roll wrappers and egg wash substitutes may affect browning and crispiness. While vegan adaptation is possible, it will require careful ingredient selection and may not replicate the exact flavor and texture of the original recipe.
Q: How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from sticking together in the package?
A: Egg roll wrappers are prone to sticking together. To prevent this, carefully separate them one at a time as you need them, working gently to avoid tearing. If they are stuck, gently peel them apart, or try using a sharp knife or spatula to carefully separate them. Keeping them covered with a damp paper towel as you work also helps prevent them from drying out and sticking further. Handle egg roll wrappers with care as they are delicate. Gentle separation and keeping them moist are key to preventing sticking and tearing.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls remain delicious and safe to eat, proper storage is essential, although they are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Allow the air-fried egg rolls to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can create condensation and affect the crispness of the wrappers. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best results.
Once cooled, arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in an airtight container. Placing them in a single layer helps prevent them from becoming soggy due to stacking. If you need to stack them, place paper towels between layers to absorb any excess moisture. Airtight containers prevent air exposure and help to maintain crispness for a longer period (though crispness will diminish over time).
Store the airtight container of leftover egg rolls in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety, especially because of the cream cheese filling. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dairy-based desserts.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the crispness of the egg roll wrappers will diminish significantly over time, and the texture may become softer. For optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls is possible, but they will not regain their original crispiness. Reheating is best done in an air fryer or oven to attempt to crisp them up slightly. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy. Reheating helps to warm them up, but crispness will be compromised compared to freshly made.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these fun and crispy Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls, you will likely enjoy these other dessert egg roll variations and air fryer dessert recipes. Consider trying Apple Pie Egg Rolls for another dessert egg roll classic featuring a warm apple pie filling and cinnamon sugar coating. Apple pie egg rolls offer a different fruit filling and flavor profile but maintain the same fun and crispy egg roll format. They are a delicious alternative for apple pie lovers.
Another excellent option is Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Egg Rolls, for a truly indulgent dessert featuring edible cookie dough wrapped in crispy egg rolls. Air fryer chocolate chip cookie dough egg rolls offer a decadent and rich dessert option, combining edible cookie dough with the crispy egg roll shell. They are a great choice for cookie dough enthusiasts seeking a unique dessert.
For a savory air fryer egg roll option, explore Air Fryer Pizza Egg Rolls, featuring pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni in crispy egg rolls. Air fryer pizza egg rolls offer a savory contrast, showcasing a pizza-flavored filling in the crispy egg roll format, moving away from sweet desserts but keeping the air fryer egg roll technique. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and filling types, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls.
CONCLUSION
Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a testament to the creativity and fun that can be found in dessert innovation. This recipe offers a surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry cheesecake in a playful, crispy, and handheld format. Whether you’re looking for a unique party appetizer, a fun family dessert, or just a creative way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cheesecake egg rolls are guaranteed to impress.
The combination of a crispy egg roll wrapper, a creamy cherry cheesecake filling, and the ease of air frying creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and delightfully unexpected. Homemade Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are far more impressive and flavorful than they are difficult to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks. They are a treat that is as fun to make and share as they are to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of playful and delicious desserts.
So, gather your egg roll wrappers, prepare the creamy cherry cheesecake filling, and get ready to experience the delightful crunch and sweet creamy goodness of homemade Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations, adding your favorite fruits, spices, or toppings to create your own personalized version of these unique treats. Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the crispy and creamy deliciousness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls be a sweet success!
