If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cherry pie with the irresistible crispiness of fried dough, then you have to try this Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe. These little bundles of joy are incredibly easy to make, come together in just minutes, and deliver the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fluffy textures. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, this Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of the ingredients in this Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe is what makes it truly special. Each component plays an essential part in creating the perfect fritter: soft biscuit dough for a tender bite, cherry pie filling for that juicy sweetness, and a light vanilla glaze to bring everything together with a luscious finish.
- 16 ounces Butter Flavor Refrigerated Biscuits: These ready-made biscuits provide the fluffy base that fries up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 28 ounces cherry pie filling: Loaded with sweet and tart cherries, this filling adds the classic pie flavor inside each fritter.
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This is the key to making a silky smooth glaze that perfectly coats the fritters.
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk: Use milk to adjust the glaze consistency so it’s just right for drizzling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the glaze, elevating the overall flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
Start by splitting the refrigerated biscuits in half so that you have 16 thin rounds ready for filling. This gives you a nice, manageable base that’s perfect for holding that luscious cherry filling without becoming too bulky.
Step 2: Arrange Biscuit Halves on Parchment
Line your air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lay the biscuit halves flat on the parchment, spaced out enough to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling onto each biscuit round. Be sure not to overload them, so the filling doesn’t spill over while cooking. This step is where your fritters start to come alive with that delicious cherry flavor!
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Pop the filled biscuits into the air fryer in batches. Cook them at 390°F for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the biscuit edges become golden brown and slightly crisp. The air fryer works its magic here, giving you a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
Once your fritters have cooled just enough to handle, it’s time to whip up the glaze. Combine powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm fritters. The glaze should slightly soak in, adding a perfect sweet finish to these delightful cherry-filled treats.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the look and taste, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after glazing, or add a handful of fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. These small touches make each fritter look like a homemade masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve your Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience. For breakfast, pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few fritters on a decorative plate and drizzle with extra glaze in a zigzag pattern. You can even serve them in little parchment-lined baskets for casual gatherings or brunch parties—everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover fritters, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but maintains their delightful flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the fritters before glazing. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat before adding the glaze.
Reheating
Reheat the fritters in the air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Then, freshly drizzle the glaze for that just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be cooked down with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken before spooning onto the biscuits. This way, you get that fresh fruit flavor with a homemade touch.
Is it necessary to use refrigerated biscuits?
Refrigerated biscuits make this recipe quick and easy, but you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just make sure the dough is soft enough to cook through quickly but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Can I make these fritters without an air fryer?
You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, but the air fryer ensures a crispier texture with less oil.
How do I adjust the glaze consistency?
Add milk gradually to your powdered sugar and vanilla mixture until it’s pourable but not too runny. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon to achieve the perfect drizzle.
Can these fritters be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the refrigerated biscuits with your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough. The rest of the recipe stays the same and will still yield delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about the simplicity and sweetness of this Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe. From the ease of preparation to the mouthwatering combination of crisp biscuit and juicy cherry filling, these fritters are made to brighten your day and satisfy your cravings. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful cherry fritters—you’re going to love every single bite!
Print
Air Fryer Cherry Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 16 fritters
Description
Delight in these easy and delicious Air Fryer Cherry Fritters made with buttery refrigerated biscuits and sweet cherry pie filling, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these fritters are crispy on the outside and bursting with cherry flavor inside.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 16 ounces Butter Flavor Refrigerated Biscuits (1 can)
- 28 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the biscuits: Split the refrigerated biscuits in half to create 16 biscuit rounds, which will form the base of each fritter.
- Line the air fryer: Place parchment paper inside the basket or tray of the air fryer to prevent sticking, then arrange the biscuit halves evenly on top.
- Add cherry filling: Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling onto each biscuit round, being careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during cooking.
- Air fry the fritters: Cook the fritters in the air fryer at 390°F (approximately 200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes per batch, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the vanilla glaze: While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and the powdered sugar dissolves, forming a pourable glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm cherry fritters and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use parchment paper designed for air fryers to avoid any fire hazards or damage to the appliance.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired thickness—use less milk for a thicker glaze and more for a thinner drizzle.
- For a crispier texture, you can cook the fritters for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
