Ah, the sweet smell of baking! There’s something so comforting about it, isn’t there? I still remember my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour as she whipped up delightful pastries every Sunday. Living that lovely aroma fills me with nostalgia. Now, as I mix the ingredients for a 22-Minute Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish, I can almost hear her cheerful humming and feel that warm kitchen joy all over again.
This delightful pastry is perfect for any time of the day—be it a cozy breakfast, an indulgent snack, or a charming dessert. Best of all? It’s so easy and quick to make with the air fryer! You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a golden, flaky treat stuffed with creamy cheese and bursting with cherry goodness. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 22 minutes!
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and cherry preserves.
- Flaky and Creamy: The perfect combination of textures to enjoy.
- Customizable: Swap fillings and toppings to suit your taste!
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get little chefs involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (bring it to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/3 cup cherry preserves (or your favorite fruit jam)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional, but oh so lovely!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, my friend, roll up your sleeves! Let’s get these pastries in the air fryer. Here’s how you create this deliciousness step by step:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This will make sure your Danish is evenly baked and deliciously golden.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. You want it smooth and creamy, so take your time here. (Oh, and lick the spoon; it’s that good!)
- Unroll the Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Break it apart to create triangles.
- Add the Filling: Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Top it with a dollop of cherry preserves. You can go crazy here—who doesn’t love extra cherry, right?
- Shape the Danish: Roll the dough from the wide end to the point, tucking in the sides. Don’t stress about making them perfect; imperfections add to their charm!
- Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush (or your fingers, I won’t tell!), coat the tops of the Danish with the beaten egg. This creates that lovely golden color.
- Air Fry: Place the filled pastries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes or until beautifully golden brown.
- Cool & Dust: Once done, let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!). Dust with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch.
Pro Tips & Variations
Here’s the fun part! Let’s make this recipe your own.
- Fruit Fillings: Don’t have cherries? Try strawberries, blueberries, or even apple pie filling! Get creative and mix flavors.
- Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese filling adds a delightful warmth and depth.
- Nutty Crunch: For a bit of texture, add some chopped nuts or granola inside with the cherries. Toasted almonds are a fantastic choice!
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free substitute, and use vegan crescent rolls. You can still enjoy this treat without dairy!
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Cheese Danishes are spectacular on their own, but pair them with a warm mug of coffee or a refreshing cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also shine at brunch when served alongside fresh fruits, yogurt, or even a light salad. Picture it: a sunny breakfast table with these delicious pastries in the center and laughter filling the air! Pure bliss, right?

Storage Tips
Have leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to keep the magic alive:
- Refrigeration: Store any uneaten pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, individually wrap each Danish in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about a month! To reheat, just pop them in the air fryer at 320°F for about 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave. This keeps them nice and crispy!

FAQs
Can I make these Danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and air fry when you’re ready for a fresh treat! If you want to make them the night before, you could also roll them up and store them in the fridge before air frying the next morning.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these Danish in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown!
How do I know when they are done?
Look for that beautiful golden brown color! If they’re starting to puff up and turn golden, they’re just about perfect! You can also gently press on them; if they feel firm and not doughy, they’re ready to come out!
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to make these 22-Minute Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danishes as I am! There’s something so special about creating delicious memories through food. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—don’t hesitate to drop a comment below and share your baking adventures!
Print
Irresistibly Easy 22-Min Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover how to make a quick 22-min air fryer cherry cheese danish that’s irresistibly easy and delicious. Perfect for breakfast or snacks!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This 22-Minute Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any time of day. Enjoy the delightful mix of flaky pastry and creamy cherry filling with minimal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Air Fryer, Cherry Cheese Danish, Easy Pastry Recipe, Quick Dessert, Flaky Dough




Leave a Comment