Introduction
Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: egg rolls and cheesecake. These crispy, golden treats are filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling, creating a rich and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? They’re made in an air fryer, so you get that satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cherry cheesecake egg rolls are sure to be a hit.
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
To create these delicious Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Air Fryer: This is essential for cooking the egg rolls to a perfect golden brown without deep frying.
- Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining the cream cheese mixture.
- Whisk or Spoon: To mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pastry Brush: Handy for brushing the beaten egg onto the egg roll wrappers to seal them.
- Cooking Spray: Helps to achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer without added oil.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make these egg rolls so irresistible:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened: The base of the filling, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese, making it taste like a cheesecake filling.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture with a hint of warmth.
- 1 Can Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a sweet and tart fruit layer to the egg rolls, complementing the creamy filling.
- 8 Egg Roll Wrappers: These are essential for encasing the filling and achieving a crispy, golden exterior.
- 1 Egg, Beaten: Acts as a glue to seal the edges of the egg roll wrappers.
- Cooking Spray: Used to lightly coat the egg rolls before air frying, ensuring a crispy finish.
- Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar and cinnamon for a touch of sweetness and spice after cooking.
Ingredient Preparation
Preparing the Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spoon to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy base will contrast beautifully with the tart cherry filling.
Assembling the Egg Rolls
- Lay Out the Egg Roll Wrappers: On a clean surface, lay out one egg roll wrapper at a time. This gives you space to work and ensures each egg roll is assembled neatly.
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of the egg roll wrapper. Follow this with a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can make them difficult to seal.
Instructions
Rolling the Egg Rolls
- Fold and Roll: Start by folding in the sides of the egg roll wrapper over the filling. Then, roll the wrapper from the bottom up, tucking in the sides as you go to form a neat roll. Use the beaten egg to seal the edges of the wrapper. The egg acts as a glue, ensuring the egg rolls stay intact during cooking.
- Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining egg roll wrappers until all the filling has been used.
Cooking the Egg Rolls
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat. This step ensures that the egg rolls cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking spray on all sides. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer without needing a lot of oil.
- Air Fry: Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. This allows the hot air to circulate around each roll, cooking them evenly. Air fry the egg rolls for 6-8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serving the Dish
- Cool Slightly: Once the egg rolls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle and ensures you don’t burn your mouth on the hot filling.
- Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the egg rolls with powdered sugar and a dash of cinnamon before serving. These toppings add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the rich filling.
Tips and Variations
Additional Tips
- Sealing the Egg Rolls: Ensure the egg rolls are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. If needed, use extra beaten egg to secure any loose edges.
- Serving Suggestions: These egg rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
- Different Fillings: Try using other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or apple for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the egg rolls before serving.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls offer a delightful combination of crispy texture and creamy, sweet filling. The convenience of the air fryer makes them a quick and easy dessert option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy a sweet tooth, these egg rolls are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying crunch of this creative take on a classic dessert!