I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!
It’s the time of year when easy appetizers become my best friend. Finding that perfect balance between festive, delicious, and truly simple is my holiday quest. Last year, I was so swamped with school events and work, I needed a sanity-saving appetizer, fast. I remembered seeing something about Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites and thought, “That has *MommiesMore* written all over it!”
They were a total hit! My family loved the combination of the warm, melty brie with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Even my pickiest eater was reaching for seconds! It was a dinnertime win. These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites have become a new tradition.
And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even during the cozy chaos of the holidays.
If you’re a busy mom looking for a simple, comforting, and festive appetizer, then you’re in the right place. Let’s whip up some Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites together and make this holiday season a little bit easier (and tastier!).
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need to make these delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. Don’t worry – the ingredient list is short and sweet!
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: This forms the base of our bites. For a comfort food shortcut, I buy the pre-made puff pastry sheets!
- 4 ounces of brie cheese, cut into small cubes: The star of the show! You can also use a wheel of brie and cut it into wedges.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce: Adds that festive sweetness and tartness. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. My family gets extra comfort when I add a little orange zest to my cranberry sauce!
- 1 tablespoon of milk or egg wash: This gives the puff pastry a beautiful golden color.
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts: For a little extra crunch and nutty flavor. Trust me, a little crunch adds so much to these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites!
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup for drizzling: Adds a touch of sweetness if desired.
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I always stock up on puff pastry during the holidays because it’s so versatile!
No worries if you don’t have pecans – I use chopped walnuts for extra comfort in my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. Feel free to experiment with other nuts too!
Trust me, this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, so it will become a perfect addition to your go-to appetizers.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get started? Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these irresistible Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for getting that perfect crispy crust.
- Lightly grease your air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. I aim for about 24 squares.
- Place the puff pastry squares into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. This helps the air circulate and ensures even cooking.
- Top each puff pastry square with a cube of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill them, or the brie might melt out during cooking. This is where I used to struggle with my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites – learn from my experience and resist the urge to add too much!
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with milk or egg wash. This helps them turn golden brown and adds a nice shine.
- If desired, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and gooey. Your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites should smell amazing by now!
- Carefully remove the Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired, and serve warm. Don’t worry if your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites looks a little messy – that’s part of their charm!
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. The most important thing is to watch them closely in the air fryer to prevent burning.
While your Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways. Here’s how my family loves to enjoy them:
- As an appetizer: Serve them warm as a festive appetizer at your next holiday gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
- With a salad: Add them to a bed of mixed greens for a light and flavorful lunch. A simple vinaigrette dressing complements the flavors perfectly. This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites reminds me of another family favorite, the Chicken Parmesan Soup.
- As a snack: Enjoy them as a comforting snack on a chilly afternoon. The warm, melty brie is so satisfying!
- With crackers or baguette slices: Serve them alongside crackers or baguette slices for dipping. This adds a nice textural contrast.
The kids devour this comforting Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites when I serve it with a side of apple slices. The sweetness of the apple pairs perfectly with the brie and cranberry.
This Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love to make a batch for potlucks. They’re always the first thing to disappear!
For a fun seasonal variation, try using different types of fruit preserves instead of cranberry sauce. Apricot or fig jam would also be delicious. Serve these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites with a glass of sparkling cider for a festive touch!
And if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer the next day. They’re still delicious!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about making these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:
Is this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites really filling enough for growing kids?
Yes, it can be! While it’s technically an appetizer, the puff pastry and brie provide some substance. I often serve it with a side of fruit or veggies to make it a more complete meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites?
I understand the struggle! Try offering them a small bite and emphasize the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. You can also try making a version without the cranberry sauce and just the brie. Or you can get the kids involved with making our Halloween Crinkle Cookies.
Can I meal prep these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites for busy weeks ahead?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While brie is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Camembert or goat cheese would also be delicious.
How do I prevent the brie from melting out of the puff pastry?
Don’t overfill the puff pastry squares with brie. Also, make sure to seal the edges of the pastry well.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
My family wants a heartier appetizer, what should I do?
Add a thin slice of prosciutto or ham under the brie before adding the cranberry sauce. It gives a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness.
Final Thoughts:
I hope you enjoy making these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites as much as my family does. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and comforting, and they’re so easy to make! These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites support our family’s comfort food goals because they’re quick, delicious, and always a hit!
My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites Comfort Hacks:
- Use pre-made puff pastry for a shortcut.
- Add a little orange zest to the cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Don’t overfill the puff pastry squares to prevent the brie from melting out.
Here are a few family-tested Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites variations:
- Apple Brie Bites: Use apple slices instead of cranberry sauce. My son loves this version!
- Spicy Brie Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a little heat. My husband prefers this one!
- Caramelized Onion Brie Bites: Top the brie with caramelized onions for a savory twist. These remind me of Chicken Alfredo Soup, another family favorite.
I encourage you to make these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites your own way. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination for your family. Find more Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites | Air Frying Foodie. Or get inspired with these Cranberry Brie Bites – Easy Holiday Appetizer – fed by sab. Apple Cranberry Mini Brie Bites | Blue Jean Chef – Meredith Laurence adds apples and is another option.
I hope this recipe brings your family as much joy and comfort as it has brought mine. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free!
Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers! I hope you feel confident making these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites – they’re sure to be a dinnertime win!
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering! Flaky puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, cooked to golden perfection in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a 2-inch cookie cutter or knife, cut out circles from the puff pastry.
- Press each circle into a mini muffin tin or lightly greased air fryer basket.
- Place a few cubes of brie cheese into each puff pastry cup.
- Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with melted butter.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve these brie bites warm for the best flavor and texture. They are delicious on their own or with a drizzle of honey.