These Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos are a delightful dessert twist on the classic savory taquito. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm, crisp pastry filled with gooey cherry pie filling and dusted in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dessert or serving guests at a party, these taquitos offer a fun and festive option that looks and tastes impressive. The contrast between the flaky, golden exterior and the rich, fruity filling makes every bite satisfying. They pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the fuss of deep frying, making this a guilt-free treat you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 small flour tortillas
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1 can cherry pie filling
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Optional: whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Directions:
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
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Lay out the tortillas and place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling in the center of each.
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Roll the tortillas tightly into taquito shapes, tucking in the ends if desired.
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Brush each taquito with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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Let cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 8 taquitos
Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos: A Crispy, Sweet Twist on Classic Dessert
Cherry pie is a timeless dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and home-baked comfort. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of cherry pie in a fun, bite-sized treat that takes only minutes to make? That’s where Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos come into play. This modern take on a classic dessert combines the sweet-tart essence of cherry pie filling with the crispy, golden shell of a taquito all achieved effortlessly in the air fryer.
These taquitos are a game-changer for anyone who loves desserts but doesn’t want the hassle of making a full pie from scratch. They are simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for a dinner party, a weeknight treat for your family, or a fun dish to bring to a potluck, these cherry pie taquitos check all the boxes.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes this recipe so popular and how you can use it to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Appeal of Dessert Taquitos
Dessert taquitos have become a trending item in recent years due to their versatility, simplicity, and visual appeal. Traditionally, taquitos are savory and filled with meats or vegetables, rolled tightly in a tortilla and fried or baked. The dessert version flips this concept on its head by incorporating sweet fillings such as fruits, chocolate, or cream cheese.
Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos stand out because they fuse that crispy, snackable format with a classic dessert flavor profile. They are essentially cherry hand pies with a crunch portable, easy to serve, and highly customizable.
The use of the air fryer is another factor that elevates this dessert. It delivers a crispy finish without the extra oil of deep frying. The air fryer also speeds up the cooking process, making these taquitos a go-to choice for last-minute dessert needs.
Why Cherry Pie?
Cherry pie is one of those desserts that has stood the test of time. The rich, ruby-red cherries in syrupy filling provide just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness of sugar and pastry. It’s a beloved dessert, particularly in American households, and often features in celebrations such as the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and family reunions.
The canned cherry pie filling used in these taquitos makes the preparation even easier, eliminating the need to pit fresh cherries or cook down a filling. And the result? A shortcut to all the flavor with minimal effort.
Cherries also pair beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides. You can serve the taquitos with vanilla ice cream, drizzle them with chocolate syrup, or dust them with powdered sugar for extra flair. The flavor is both comforting and indulgent a perfect dessert combination.
The Magic of the Air Fryer
One of the reasons this recipe works so well is due to the air fryer. This appliance has revolutionized home cooking by offering a faster, healthier way to “fry” food using hot air circulation rather than submerging ingredients in oil.
When it comes to dessert, the air fryer delivers an evenly crispy texture that’s hard to replicate in a standard oven. For the cherry pie taquitos, this means golden brown, crisp tortillas with a soft, gooey cherry center. The outer shell develops that perfect crunch in just minutes, locking in the flavor and warmth of the filling.
The air fryer also gives home cooks more control. You can adjust the temperature and cook time to suit your preferences, whether you like your taquitos lightly browned or ultra-crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos are delicious on their own, there are many ways to elevate them for different occasions:
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With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side turns this into a plated dessert worthy of a restaurant.
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With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the taquito.
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Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle: A quick drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup can add a touch of decadence.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly sifting powdered sugar over the taquitos gives them a professional bakery finish.
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Serving Platter: Arrange them on a platter with sliced strawberries, fresh mint, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a visually striking presentation.
These variations make the recipe adaptable for casual meals, potlucks, children’s parties, or even elegant dinner events.
Making It Your Own
One of the best parts of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can stick with the classic cherry filling or try other flavors for a twist. Here are a few fun variations:
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Apple Pie Taquitos: Use canned apple pie filling and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Blueberry Delight: Blueberry pie filling and a lemon glaze offer a summery twist.
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Peach Cobbler Style: Peach pie filling with a pinch of nutmeg makes a cozy, Southern-style dessert.
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Chocolate Hazelnut: For a totally different dessert, use Nutella or chocolate spread as the filling and dust with powdered sugar.
You can also switch out the flour tortillas for low-carb, gluten-free, or whole wheat options depending on dietary needs. This versatility makes the recipe suitable for a wide range of preferences and restrictions.
Kid-Friendly and Party-Ready
Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos are a hit with kids and adults alike. Their small size makes them ideal for little hands, and they’re a less messy alternative to a traditional slice of pie. You can even turn this into a fun activity by letting kids help fill and roll the taquitos before air frying.
At parties, these taquitos are a standout finger food. Serve them with mini cups of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, vanilla glaze, or fruit preserves. Not only do they look appealing, but they also deliver the big flavor everyone loves.
For brunch buffets or dessert tables, stack them in a spiral or line them up on a tiered serving tray. Add labels like “Cherry Bliss Rolls” or “Mini Pie Sticks” for a creative presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These taquitos are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they’re crisp and warm. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
If you plan on serving these for a gathering, you can even prep them ahead of time fill and roll the taquitos, store them in the fridge, and air fry right before serving.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos offer everything you want in a dessert: they’re fast, flavorful, fun, and easy to make. The balance of crispy exterior and warm cherry filling creates a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy this indulgent treat without turning on the oven or dealing with deep-frying mess.
With countless ways to customize and serve them, cherry pie taquitos can fit into virtually any menu or event. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a treat the kids will love, a dinner host searching for a show-stopping end to the meal, or simply someone who adores cherry pie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.