Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer cherry cheese danishes! I’ve made them at least a dozen times this month because they’re just that good – and ridiculously easy. That flaky puff pastry, that sweet-tart cherry filling, and that creamy vanilla-kissed cheese mixture? Absolute perfection. When my air fryer became my new best friend last year, I tested every pastry recipe I could find, but this one? This is the keeper. It’s faster than running to the bakery, uses just 6 simple ingredients, and makes your kitchen smell like a French patisserie. My kids start hovering the second they hear the air fryer beep – and I don’t blame them one bit!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

Trust me, this recipe will become your new breakfast obsession. Here’s why:

Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 22 minutes – faster than waiting in line at a coffee shop!
So simple: Just 6 basic ingredients you probably have right now (that puff pastry hiding in your freezer? It’s finally useful!)
Magically flaky: The air fryer gives that perfect golden crunch you thought only professional bakers could achieve
Sweet spot: The dreamy combo of tart cherries and creamy vanilla filling – not too sweet, not too rich, just right
Weekend vibes on Wednesday: Feels fancy but takes zero effort – your secret weapon for impressing unexpected guests

Seriously, I make these so often my air fryer practically begs me for more!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

Gather these simple ingredients – I bet most are already in your kitchen! The magic happens when these basic items come together:

1 sheet puff pastry – thawed but still chilly (trust me, it handles better when cold)
4 oz cream cheese – softened to room temp (leave it out for 30 minutes – no shortcuts here!)
2 tbsp sugar – regular granulated works perfectly
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff makes a difference
1/4 cup cherry pie filling – or your favorite jam in a pinch
1 egg – beaten with a fork for that gorgeous golden egg wash

Quick tip: If your kitchen’s warm, pop the pastry back in the fridge for 5 minutes after cutting – it’ll be so much easier to work with!

How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

Okay, let’s make some magic happen! I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep – and you’ll get the hang of it instantly too. Here’s my foolproof method:

Preheat that air fryer to 350°F – takes about 3 minutes usually. This gives you that perfect initial crisp we’re after!
While it heats, mix your cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. No lumps! I use a fork because who wants to dirty a mixer for this?
Unfold your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares. Pro tip: Pizza cutter makes this a 2-second job!
Spread about 1 tbsp cream cheese mixture in the center of each square – leave a good 1/2 inch border. Don’t overfill or you’ll have a melty mess!
Top with 1 tsp cherry filling per danish – I like to make a little well in the cheese so it stays put.
Fold two opposite corners over the filling to meet in the middle, like a little pastry envelope. Press gently to seal – they’ll puff up beautifully!
Brush with egg wash – this is your golden ticket to that bakery-worthy shine. Get the edges well!
Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. Peek at 8 minutes – all air fryers run a bit different!

You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed and deeply golden, and you can see the filling just starting to bubble. That smell? Pure heaven. Let them cool just 2 minutes before devouring – that cream cheese filling stays molten hot!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

After burning my fingers on one too many danishes (oops!), I’ve learned these tricks for absolute perfection:

Less is more with filling – overstuffed danishes leak everywhere. Stick to 1 tbsp cheese mixture max!
Egg wash like a pro – use a pastry brush to get every flaky edge for that gorgeous golden color
Let them breathe – space danishes at least 1 inch apart in the air fryer basket so heat circulates
The 2-minute rule – resisting the first bite is torture, but letting them cool slightly prevents molten cheese burns (speaking from experience!)
Check early – at 8 minutes, peek through the window. My air fryer finishes them in 10 minutes flat

Follow these, and you’ll get bakery-quality results every single time. Promise!

Variations for Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can mix it up! Here are my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative:

Berry bliss: Swap cherry filling for blueberry, raspberry, or even mixed berry – the jam aisle is your playground!
Citrus kick: Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, fresh flavor
Chocolate fix: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheese filling before adding fruit – melty pockets of joy!
Nutty crunch: Top with sliced almonds before air frying for texture (my husband’s personal favorite)
Seasonal switch: In fall, try apple pie filling with a dash of cinnamon in the cheese mix

Honestly? I’ve never met a variation I didn’t love. The basic recipe is just your starting point for delicious experiments! If you enjoy experimenting with pastries, you might also like these air fryer rocky road danish recipes.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish

Oh, the possibilities! I love serving these danishes still slightly warm – that’s when the pastry is at its flakiest and the cheese filling is pure bliss. For breakfast, pair them with strong coffee (the tart cherries cut through the bitterness perfectly). Feeling fancy? Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness. My kids go crazy when I dust them with powdered sugar for special occasions – just wait until they’ve cooled a bit so it doesn’t melt into sticky spots!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the scoop on keeping your danishes tasting fresh – if they even last that long! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (any longer and the pastry loses its magic). To revive that just-baked crispness, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. No air fryer? A quick toast in the oven works too – just watch them like a hawk! Pro tip: Never microwave unless you enjoy soggy pastry (learned that one the hard way).

Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish FAQs

I get asked about these danishes all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen:

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose that incredible flaky texture we love. Phyllo gets crisp but doesn’t puff up the same way. If you must substitute, brush each sheet with butter and use at least 5 layers – but trust me, puff pastry is worth tracking down! For more tips on using your appliance, check out this guide on easy air fryer biscuits.

Can I freeze unbaked danishes?
Absolutely! Assemble them completely (including egg wash), then freeze flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry straight from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Three tricks: 1) Preheat your air fryer well, 2) Don’t overcrowd the basket (airflow is key!), and 3) Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate so steam escapes. Works every time!

Can I make these ahead?
The assembled danishes hold well in the fridge for about 4 hours before baking – perfect for brunch prep! Just brush with egg wash right before air frying.

Why did my filling leak out?
Probably overfilled – stick to 1 tbsp cheese max! Also, make sure your pastry edges are well sealed before egg washing.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (because let’s be real – who measures cherry filling down to the last drop?). Per delicious danish, you’re looking at:

320 calories – totally worth every bite
20g fat – mostly from that glorious puff pastry and cream cheese
30g carbs – hello, flaky layers and sweet cherries!
5g protein – the cream cheese gives it a little boost

Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! Remember, portion sizes may vary based on how generously you stuff those pastries (no judgment here). If you are interested in the science behind how air fryers work to achieve crispiness, you can read more about how air fryers work.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all my secrets, it’s your turn to make these amazing air fryer cherry cheese danishes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Snap a pic and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden, flaky creations. Happy air frying!

22-Minute Air Fryer Cherry Cheese Danish: Irresistibly Easy

Author: Ella Parker
Total Time: 22 mins
Yield: 4 danishes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Make a quick and delicious cherry cheese danish in your air fryer. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cherry pie filling
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
Cut puff pastry into 4 squares.
Spread cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
Top with cherry pie filling.
Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling.
Brush with egg wash.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Category: Breakfast
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 danish
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: air fryer cherry cheese danish, easy danish recipe, breakfast pastry