You know those last-minute “Oh no, guests are coming!” moments? My Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry) have saved me more times than I can count. Picture this: golden, flaky pastry hugging melty brie with a sweet-tart cranberry surprise inside—all ready before your friends finish their first glass of wine. I first made these for a chaotic holiday potluck (while also trying to wrangle my toddler), and now they’re my go-to whenever I need something impressive with minimal effort. The air fryer works magic here, turning simple ingredients into crispy little bites that disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry)
Trust me, these little bites are about to become your new party trick. Here’s why:
- 15-minute prep – No fuss, just slice, stuff, and air fry while your guests arrive
- That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives puff pastry an unbelievable golden crispness that ovens just can’t match
- Sweet-savory magic – Creamy brie and tart cranberry create that “can’t eat just one” flavor combo
- Almost no cleanup – One bowl, one air fryer basket, and you’re done (more time for wine!)
Seriously, I’ve watched these disappear at every gathering – even from “I don’t like fancy cheese” folks who end up sneaking thirds.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry)
Gather these simple ingredients – quality matters here, but don’t stress about perfection!
- 8 oz brie cheese – chilled (trust me, cold brie cubes won’t ooze everywhere when you’re working)
- 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed but still cool to the touch (if it gets too warm, it turns into a sticky mess)
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce – the kind with whole berries, not jelly (that texture is everything!)
- 1 egg – beaten with a splash of water for that golden glow
- 1 tbsp flour – just for dusting your work surface
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No cranberry sauce? No problem! Apricot or fig jam work beautifully too. For gluten-free folks, swap in your favorite GF puff pastry – just check baking times. Avoid super soft brie (it’ll escape the pastry), and whatever you do, don’t skip the egg wash – it’s the secret to that bakery-worthy shine!
How to Make Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry)
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! These come together so fast you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over appetizers. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this gives us that instant crisp we love (no sad, soggy bottoms here!)
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface – just until the fold lines smooth out, then cut into 12 squares (I use a pizza cutter for speed)
- Time to stuff! Place one chilled brie cube and 1/2 tsp cranberry sauce in the center of each square. Pro tip: dab the edges with water to help seal.
- Fold and crimp like you’re making tiny presents! Bring corners together, press firmly with a fork to seal (this keeps the melty goodness inside where it belongs)
- Egg wash magic – brush each bite lightly (this isn’t just for looks – it gives that perfect golden crunch)
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until they puff up like little golden pillows. Your kitchen will smell like a fancy bistro!
- Let them rest 3 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but molten cheese burns are no joke!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brie Bites
From my many (many) test batches: don’t overstuff or the brie will burst out! Space bites evenly in the basket – they need room to puff. And seriously, let them cool a smidge – that cranberry center turns into delicious lava straight from the air fryer!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry)
Oh, the possibilities! I love serving these warm bites on a bed of peppery arugula with a honey drizzle – the sweet-salty combo is unreal. For holiday parties, I arrange them on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs and a glass of bubbly Prosecco. Friends always think I spent hours when really, we’re talking 20 minutes from fridge to fancy!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Brie Bites
Let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these (my husband once hid the last three from me!). But if you’re lucky enough to have some: pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When that cheesy craving hits again, skip the microwave – just 3 minutes at 350°F in the air fryer brings back that first-day crispness. Pro tip: add a tiny smear of fresh cranberry sauce before reheating to revive that gooey center!
Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry) FAQs
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer? Absolutely! Just pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes until golden. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still be deliciously melty inside.
Can I freeze them? Yes! I always make an extra batch. Freeze the assembled (but uncooked) bites on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings hit, air fry straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes. No thawing needed!
Help! My brie leaked out! Been there! Make sure your brie is chilled when wrapping, don’t overfill, and really seal those edges with the fork. A little escape is normal (and tasty!), but proper sealing keeps most of the goodness inside.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients, but per glorious bite you’re looking at roughly: 120 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated), 9g carbs, and 4g protein. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!
Go on, give these Air Fryer Brie Bites (Cranberry) a whirl—I dare you not to fall in love with how easy yet impressive they are! Snap a pic of your golden, melty creations and tag me—I live for those “OMG made these!” kitchen victories. Whether it’s your first air fryer adventure or your hundredth, these little bites are about to become your secret weapon. Now who’s coming over so we can devour these?
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**15-Minute Air Fryer Brie Bites That Wow Every Guest**
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy air-fried brie bites with sweet cranberry filling make a perfect appetizer. Quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into small squares.
- Place a brie cube and 1/2 tsp cranberry sauce in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each bite with egg wash.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled brie for easier cutting.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Substitute with any jam if cranberry sauce is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American