Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer cranberry brie bites! They’re my secret weapon for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Seriously – crispy puff pastry hugging melty brie and tart cranberry sauce, all ready in just 20 minutes? Yes please! I first made these for a last-minute Friendsgiving, and now they’re requested at every gathering. The best part? That magical combo of textures – the crunch giving way to oozy cheese, with little bursts of fruity goodness. Even my vegetarian sister-in-law goes crazy for them (shh, don’t tell her how easy they are). Trust me, one batch disappears faster than you can say “holiday appetizer” – I once caught my uncle sneaking three straight from the air fryer basket!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
These bites are a total game-changer, and here’s why:
- Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute guests or when you’re short on time.
- Easy: Only 5 simple ingredients, and store-bought puff pastry makes it a breeze.
- Crowd-pleasing: That combo of crispy pastry, melty brie, and tangy cranberry? Everyone goes wild for it!
- Minimal cleanup: The air fryer does the work, so you’re not stuck with a messy kitchen.
Honestly, they’re so good, you’ll want to make them even when there’s no party to go to!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these little bites of heaven:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (I always keep a box in the freezer for emergencies!)
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (rind on or off – your call!)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (not jelly – you want those lovely whole berries)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden egg wash)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, but adds such a pretty herbal note)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to swap things! Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully here (I use my Thanksgiving leftovers). For vegan friends, try vegan puff pastry and a plant-based brie alternative. One warning – super soft brie can leak, so slightly firmer wedges work best. And if you’re out of thyme? Rosemary or a honey drizzle make fabulous alternatives!
How to Make Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Okay, let’s get these beauties cooking! Don’t worry – it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?). Just follow these steps:
- Preheat that air fryer! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) while you prep – this gives you that perfect crispy start.
- Roll and cut: Lay out your thawed puff pastry (pro tip: unfold it gently to avoid cracks) and cut into 12 squares – about 3×3 inches each.
- Fill ‘em up: Pop a brie cube in the center of each square, then top with about ½ tsp cranberry sauce. Resist overstuffing – we want sealed parcels, not volcanic cheese eruptions!
- Seal tight: Fold two opposite corners together, then pinch all edges firmly (I use a fork to crimp for extra security). A loose seal means leaky cheese – tragedy!
- Egg wash magic: Brush each bite lightly with beaten egg – this gives them that gorgeous golden glow.
- Air fry: Arrange bites in a single layer (they need breathing room!) and cook 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Watch closely after 7 minutes – air fryers vary!
- Finish: Sprinkle with thyme while still warm for that fancy restaurant look.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bites
After many (delicious) trial runs, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Size matters: Keep brie cubes small (½-inch max) – too big and they won’t melt evenly.
- Seal check: Press edges firmly – if you see cranberry peeking out, it’ll burst during cooking.
- Space them out: Overcrowding = steamed, not crispy pastry. Work in batches if needed.
- Know your air fryer: Mine runs hot – I start checking at 7 minutes. Yours might need the full 10! For more on how to use an air fryer, check out this guide.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Oh, these little guys deserve a proper stage! I love serving them on a wooden board with a drizzle of warm honey (trust me, it’s magical) and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They’re perfect with:
- Sparkling wine – the bubbles cut right through that rich brie
- Charcuterie boards – they nestle right in between the meats and olives
- Winter salads – try them with arugula and candied pecans
For extra pizzazz, garnish with orange zest or chopped pistachios. Honestly though? They disappear so fast, presentation barely matters!
Storing and Reheating
Okay, let’s talk leftovers (though honestly, I’ve never actually had any!). These bites keep surprisingly well in an airtight container for about 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll make the pastry soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes to revive that perfect crispiness. They won’t be quite as magical as fresh, but they’ll still beat any store-bought appetizer by a mile!
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Nutrition
Nutrition info is always tricky since brands vary, but here’s the gist per bite (based on my usual ingredients):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
- Carbs: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3g
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!
FAQ About Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
I get asked these questions ALL the time, so let’s tackle them head-on:
- Can I freeze them? Honestly? Don’t bother. The pastry gets soggy when thawed, and the brie texture turns weird. These are best fresh – but hey, that’s just more reason to eat them all at once!
- Camembert instead of brie? Absolutely! They’re like cousins – camembert’s earthier flavor works beautifully here. Just keep those cubes the same small size.
- Why did my pastry split? Nine times out of ten? Overstuffing! That cranberry sauce bubbles like lava when hot. Stick to ½ tsp max per bite, and seal those edges like you’re protecting treasure. For more on making cranberry sauce, check out this recipe.
Tag us if you make these – I want to see your golden, cheesy masterpieces!
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20-Minute Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Will Wow Guests
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and creamy air fryer cranberry brie bites make a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
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)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small squares.
- Place a cube of brie and a small spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Brush each bite with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American