Okay, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s chat about something utterly delicious and ridiculously easy: Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites!
Honestly, these little gems have become a holiday staple in my house, and they’re perfect for any get-together, really. I remember the first time I tried making something similar. It was years ago, before I even owned an air fryer (gasp!), and I attempted to bake them. Let’s just say the brie melted into a gooey mess that stuck to the pan, and the phyllo dough was either burnt or soggy. It was a disaster! But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Or, in my case, the mother of a lot of trial and error, until I finally landed on this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
The beauty of using an air fryer is that it gives you that perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust without the oily mess of deep-frying or the uneven heating of a traditional oven. Plus, it’s SO much faster! These little Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites cook up in minutes, making them ideal for those last-minute party preparations or when you just need a quick and impressive appetizer.
My family adores these. My son, Leo, who’s usually a picky eater, devours them! I think it’s the sweet-tart cranberry sauce paired with the creamy brie. My husband, Marco, loves the flaky crunch of the phyllo dough. And me? Well, I love how easy they are to make and how elegant they look! The first year I made them for our annual Christmas Eve party, I was worried they wouldn’t be fancy enough, but they were gone in minutes! Everyone was raving about them. From that moment I knew I was onto something. I even experimented with some variations, some which I’ll share later!
Life is busy, isn’t it? Between school runs, work, and trying to keep the house somewhat tidy, finding time to cook can feel like a monumental task. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious, and this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe ticks all those boxes. It’s a lifesaver during the holidays, and honestly, I make them year-round now! I perfected this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe over several Thanksgivings because I kept forgetting to put it in the oven! Thanks to my air fryer, I can serve these without batting an eye.
So, if you’re looking for an appetizer that’s sure to impress, takes minutes to make, and tastes absolutely divine, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started! I promise, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. And if you love brie like I do, you’ll definitely enjoy these fried brie bites!
What You’ll Need for This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites:
- 1 sheet of phyllo dough, thawed: I always use Athens brand because I find it’s the easiest to work with and the most consistently flaky. You can usually find it in the freezer section of your grocery store, near the puff pastry. When making Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, just make sure it’s completely thawed before you start, or it will be difficult to work with.
- 4 ounces of brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes: I prefer to use a good quality brie, but any brand will do. Just make sure it’s not too ripe or it will melt too quickly in the air fryer.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce: I usually use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience, but you can definitely use homemade if you prefer. I have a great recipe for cranberry sauce on my blog if you’re interested!
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: I use unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): This adds a touch of sweetness to the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, but it’s not essential.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional): These add a lovely aroma and visual appeal.
When making Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, you can find the phyllo dough and brie cheese at most major grocery stores. For the cranberry sauce, I often buy the Ocean Spray brand, as it’s readily available and has a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
Here’s a Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites trick I learned: keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while you’re working with it. This will prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! Also, buying ingredients in bulk can save money.
As for storing leftover ingredients for future Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites endeavors, keep the brie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Unused cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. And the phyllo dough? If you don’t use the whole package, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it back in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it completely before using it again. If you love brie you might want to try these apple cranberry mini brie bites from Blue Jean Chef!
Let’s Make This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Together
Okay, friend, let’s get our hands dirty and make some magic happen! This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is important! A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and that perfect crispy crust on your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Gently unroll the phyllo dough onto a clean, flat surface. Remember to keep the stack of phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. I learned the hard way with these delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites that dried-out phyllo dough is a nightmare to work with!
- Brush the top sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter.
- Carefully place another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the buttered sheet and brush with melted butter again. Repeat this process until you have about 6-8 layers of phyllo dough. This layering is key to getting that flaky, crispy texture we all crave in Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo dough into 2-inch squares. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect! These are rustic little bites of deliciousness.
- Press each square into a mini muffin tin. This helps them hold their shape while they cook. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can just arrange the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. But the muffin tin really helps with presentation for your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Place a cube of brie cheese into each phyllo cup.
- Top each cube of brie with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the cranberry sauce (optional). This adds a lovely touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberry and the richness of the brie in the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Carefully transfer the muffin tin (or baking sheet) to the preheated air fryer.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and the brie cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them! Air fryers can vary, so they might cook faster or slower in yours. Your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites should smell like warm butter and sweet cranberries.
- Remove the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your tongue on the molten brie! While the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are cooling, I usually tidy up the kitchen and maybe pour myself another cup of coffee.
And that’s it! You’ve just created a batch of these amazing Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. See? I told you it was easy! For more information you could try visiting Cranberry Brie Bites – Easy Holiday Appetizer – fed by sab. They look pretty amazing as well!
How I Love to Serve This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Okay, so you’ve made these delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, now what? How do you serve them to really wow your guests (or just yourself, no judgment here!)?
My family loves this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites when I serve them as part of a holiday appetizer spread. They’re perfect alongside a cheese board with assorted crackers, fruits, and nuts. The sweet and savory combination is always a hit. I also like to serve them with a small bowl of honey or a balsamic glaze for dipping. I think these are a great alternative to the usual Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites.
This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe is perfect for any occasion, really. I’ve made them for Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, even just a casual get-together with friends. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! I think the beautiful presentation and the incredible flavors make them feel extra special, even though they’re so easy to make.
For presentation, I like to arrange the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites on a pretty platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs. The green rosemary adds a pop of color and a lovely aroma. You can also sprinkle a little bit of chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
If you have extra Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites (which is rare in my house!), they’re delicious reheated in the air fryer for a minute or two. You can also crumble them over a salad for a fancy touch. They also can be incorporated into a sandwich spread! My husband, Marco, loves to sneak them cold from the fridge.
As for seasonal variations, I’ve experimented with adding different fruits and nuts to the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. In the fall, I like to add a small slice of apple or pear. In the spring, I’ve added a few blueberries or raspberries. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Friends always ask for this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe! I think they’re impressed by how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste. Everyone loves the combination of the creamy brie, the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and the crispy phyllo dough. They’re like little bites of heaven! Plus if you’re looking for another tasty bite, you can check out these candy corn pretzel bites.
Your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about making these delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes, so hopefully, I can help you avoid them!
Q: My phyllo dough is always dry and cracking. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ah, the bane of every phyllo dough user! The key is to keep it covered with a damp towel at all times while you’re working with it. Also, make sure it’s fully thawed. I’ve tried to rush the thawing process before, and it’s never a good idea.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough for these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: You can, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry is richer and denser than phyllo dough, so the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites will be a bit heavier. But if you’re in a pinch, go for it!
Q: My brie cheese is melting too much and oozing out of the phyllo cups. What can I do?
A: First, make sure your brie isn’t too ripe. A firmer brie will hold its shape better. Also, don’t overfill the phyllo cups with brie. Too much cheese will definitely melt out. If I’m struggling I put the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites in the freezer for a couple minutes before placing them in the air fryer.
Q: Can I make these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
A: Yes and no. You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. But I wouldn’t recommend making them too far in advance, as the phyllo dough can get soggy. I usually make them right before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: Absolutely! While brie is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild blue cheese. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt faster than others, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites in the oven?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and the brie cheese is melted. Just keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Q: My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are burning on the bottom but the cheese isn’t melted enough. What should I do?
A: This can happen if your air fryer runs hot. Try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and cooking them for a slightly longer time. You can also place a piece of parchment paper under the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites to prevent them from burning. You know what I do when my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites is burning? I add some foil at the bottom of the air fryer to help disperse heat.
My Final Thoughts on This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of ingenuity can create something truly delicious and memorable. It’s a recipe that I’ve shared with countless friends and family members, and it always brings a smile to their faces.
My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Pro Tips:
- Don’t overfill the phyllo cups. Less is more!
- Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel. This is crucial!
- Watch them closely in the air fryer. They cook quickly!
As for variations, I’ve tried adding different fruits and nuts, as I mentioned earlier. I’ve also experimented with different types of cheese. My son, Leo, loves the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top. My husband, Marco, prefers them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. And I love them with a small slice of apple or pear.
I encourage you to make this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! If you’re worried the phyllo dough is too hard, just add a couple minutes of water to the bottom of the air fryer!
I hope that this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites cooking experience will be a joyful and rewarding one for you. May your phyllo dough be flaky, your brie cheese be gooey, and your cranberry sauce be perfectly tart! I know your family and friends will absolutely love this appetizer.
So, go ahead, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed. These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect combination of elegance and ease, and they’re sure to become a staple in your own kitchen. I know they have for me. And like my fried brie bites, I know they will be crowd-pleasers.
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect easy appetizer! Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, with a sweet and tart cranberry topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 36 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the puff pastry into 1.5-inch squares. You should get about 36 squares.
- Place a brie cube in the center of each puff pastry square.
- Top each brie cube with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- If desired, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the cranberry sauce.
- Carefully transfer the cranberry brie bites to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and gooey.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cranberry sauce before assembling the bites. You can also bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.