If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’ve got to try these air fryer brie cranberry puffs. Seriously, these little bites are my go-to for holiday parties or even just a cozy night in. I stumbled onto this recipe last Christmas when I needed something quick but impressive, and wow—did it deliver! Crispy puff pastry, gooey brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce come together in minutes. Trust me, your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs
These air fryer brie cranberry puffs are a total game-changer, and here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the air fryer, you’ve got a fancy appetizer ready to go—no fuss, no stress.
- Perfect Texture: The puff pastry turns golden and crispy, while the brie melts into a creamy dream. It’s a match made in heaven!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet cranberry sauce and rich brie? Everyone’s going back for seconds (and thirds).
- Holiday-Friendly: These puffs are festive, elegant, and perfect for any gathering, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to appetizer!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible puffs:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed—this is key for easy folding!)
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces work best)
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (packed—go for the good stuff!)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for that perfect golden egg wash)
That’s it! Simple ingredients, but the result is pure magic. Just make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed—it’ll save you so much hassle when assembling these little beauties.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these puffs! Here’s your short-and-sweet checklist:
- Air fryer (of course!)
- Rolling pin (optional, but handy if your pastry needs a little flattening)
- Pastry brush (for that golden egg wash)
- Fork (to seal those edges tight—no leaks allowed!)
See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s make some magic happen!
How to Make Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs
Ready to make the easiest, most impressive appetizer ever? Here’s how it’s done:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)—trust me, this step makes all the difference for even cooking.
- Cut your puff pastry into 3×3 inch squares (no need to be exact—just eyeball it!). If the pastry feels too thick, give it a quick roll with a rolling pin.
- Place a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the center of each square. Don’t go overboard here—too much filling and you’ll have a melty mess!
- Fold the pastry over the filling like a little envelope, then press the edges with a fork to seal tight. No gaps allowed—we’re keeping all that cheesy goodness inside.
- Brush each puff with beaten egg—this gives them that gorgeous golden shine. Don’t skip it!
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Peek at the 8-minute mark—some air fryers run hotter than others.
- Let them cool for 2 minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but that melty brie is like lava right out of the fryer!
Pro Tips for Perfect Puffs
After making these dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Avoid overfilling—just a little brie and cranberry goes a long way (about 1 tsp cranberry sauce per puff).
- Egg wash evenly for uniform browning—missed spots won’t brown as nicely.
- If your air fryer tends to run hot, check at 7 minutes—dark air fryers can brown things faster.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll have flawless puffs every single time!
Variations for Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists:
- Swap the cranberry sauce for apricot jam, fig preserves, or even orange marmalade—all pair beautifully with brie!
- Add crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans tucked inside the pastry.
- Make it savory by using caramelized onions and thyme instead of cranberry sauce.
The possibilities are endless—get creative and make these puffs your own!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer brie cranberry puffs are best served warm—that’s when the brie is gloriously gooey! I love arranging them on a wooden board with grapes and nuts for a quick charcuterie vibe. Pair them with a crisp white wine or bubbly prosecco, or serve alongside a simple arugula salad for balance. Just don’t wait too long—they disappear fast!
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) These puffs keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes—they’ll crisp right up! Avoid the microwave unless you want soggy pastry (trust me, you don’t).
Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers from all my trial-and-error sessions!
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
Nope, that’s a one-way ticket to a broken pastry disaster! You absolutely must thaw it first. I just pop mine in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour. It needs to be pliable to fold without cracking.
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Totally! You can assemble them completely, then keep the uncooked puffs on a baking sheet in the fridge for a few hours. Just brush with egg wash right before they go in the air fryer.
Help! How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
The secret is all in the seal! Don’t overfill, and really press that fork hard along the edges to create a tight barrier. A good seal is your best defense against cheesy leaks.
My air fryer basket is small. Can I cook these in batches?
Yes, and you should! Crowding the basket is a no-no—they need space for the hot air to circulate and crisp up every side. A single layer is the way to go.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into, here’s the scoop on these air fryer brie cranberry puffs (per puff):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
- Carbs: 9g
- Protein: 3g
Remember—these are estimates! Actual numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients (like how generous you are with that brie!). But hey, when something tastes this good, who’s counting?
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these air fryer brie cranberry puffs! If you make them, let me know how they turn out—leave a comment or snap a photo to share. Trust me, you’re going to love these little bites as much as I do!
Print
10-Minute Air Fryer Brie Cranberry Puffs: Irresistible!
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer brie cranberry puffs make a perfect appetizer. Crispy pastry wraps creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce for a delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut puff pastry into small squares (about 3×3 inches).
- Place a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each puff with beaten egg.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: air fryer brie, cranberry puffs, easy appetizer