Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls

Total Time: 45 minutes (plus 2+ hours chilling)
Active Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 8 egg rolls

Imagine the creamy, tangy bliss of a classic New York cheesecake, wrapped in a shatteringly crisp, golden shell, and ready in minutes. That’s the magic of Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls. This ingenious recipe transforms familiar flavors into a fun, handheld dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a unique party offering, a creative weeknight treat, or an impressive finale to a casual dinner, these egg rolls deliver restaurant-style decadence with the convenience of your air fryer. The hot, crispy wrapper contrasts magically with the cool, lush filling, while the cherry topping provides a sweet-tart ribbon in every bite. Let’s roll!

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg yolk (save the white for sealing)

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For Assembly:

• 8 egg roll wrappers (typically found in the produce refrigerated section)

• 1/2 cup canned cherry pie filling, roughly chopped (larger cherries halved)

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for sealing)

• Water in a small bowl

• Non-stick cooking spray or oil spray

For Serving (Optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Extra cherry pie filling, warmed

• Vanilla ice cream

• Chocolate or caramel sauce

Equipment

• Air fryer

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

• Medium mixing bowl

• Rubber spatula

• Small pastry brush or your finger

• Clean work surface

• Cooling rack

• Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional, but helpful)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling (10 minutes)

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat again on medium until fully incorporated and creamy, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the mixture and beat on low just until combined. Set aside. (Pro Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is truly soft—this is the key to a silky, lump-free filling.)

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls (15 minutes)

1. Setup: Lay one egg roll wrapper on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you (so it looks like a diamond). Keep the remaining wrappers under a slightly damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

2. Fill: Place about 1½ tablespoons of the cheesecake filling just below the center of the wrapper. Spread it slightly into a short horizontal log. Top with 1 tablespoon of the chopped cherry pie filling.

3. Fold: Fold the corner closest to you up and over the filling, tucking it tightly underneath. Gently pull back slightly to create a snug wrap. Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center.

4. Seal: Roll the bundle away from you toward the top corner. Before your final roll, use your pastry brush or finger to dab the remaining top corner with the beaten egg white. Complete the roll to seal—the egg white acts as glue. Press firmly to ensure a tight seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Important: As you work, place sealed egg rolls seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection (10-12 minutes)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, if your model recommends it.

2. Arrange egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, seam-side down, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly spray all sides with cooking spray. This is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy texture without deep frying.

3. Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, pausing at the halfway mark (5-6 minutes) to gently flip the egg rolls and spray the other side lightly with oil. They are done when the wrappers are deep golden brown, crisp, and blistered in spots.

4. Cool carefully transfer the hot egg rolls to a cooling rack for at least 5-10 minutes. This step is non-negotiable. The filling becomes molten lava hot and needs time to set and cool slightly for safe and enjoyable eating.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the egg rolls warm or at room temperature. Dust generously with powdered sugar. For the ultimate experience, plate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm cherry pie filling or chocolate sauce, and an extra egg roll on the side.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Using a rack in the air fryer basket or ensuring good air circulation by not overcrowding prevents steam from making the bottoms soggy.

• Filling Variations: Swap cherry for blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling. A dollop of Nutella with the cheesecake is divine. For a plain cheesecake version, add 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers to the filling.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls up to a day ahead. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Cook directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to the air fry time.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked, sealed egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the air fry time.

• No Air Fryer? You can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. Traditional deep-frying at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side also works.

Nutritional Information (Per 1 egg roll, without optional toppings)

• Calories: ~215 kcal

• Total Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 24g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

  • Sugars: 12g

• Protein: 5g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a database and will vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Values are for the egg roll itself; adding ice cream or sauces will significantly increase calorie and sugar content