Hot Air Fryer Cherries: Safe Or Not?

Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pies and cobblers to crisps and even dehydrated snacks. And, as it turns out, an air fryer is a great way to cook or dehydrate them! Whether you're making a classic dessert like cherry pie or cobbler, or trying something new like air fryer cherry crisp, this kitchen appliance can help you achieve delicious results with minimal prep and clean-up time. So, if you're a cherry lover with an air fryer, it's definitely worth experimenting with this combination!

Air Fryer Cherry Crisp

Ingredients

• 3 cups (450g) cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp non-dairy butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 4 tbsp crispy granola

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 350F / 180C.
• Mix together the cherries, maple syrup, non-dairy butter, and almond extract (if using). Add this mixture to an air fryer-safe baking pan or dish.
• Place the cherry crisp into the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the cherries are cooked to your liking. Stir the cherry mixture at least once during cooking.
• Open the air fryer basket and add the granola on top of the cooked cherries.
• Cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
• Serve the cherry crisp warm, with non-dairy ice cream on the side.

Tips

• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the model, so it is recommended to start with less cooking time and then add more time as needed.
• Make sure the cherries do not burn to prevent bitterness.
• You can use cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries, maple syrup, butter, and almond extract.
• You can add a variety of flavour variations to this recipe, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon.

Air Fryer Cherry Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 4 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can be swapped for whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be denser)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cream or milk

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and grease four ramekins or another dish of your choice that fits in the air fryer.

Next, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the butter, flour, baking powder, and cream or milk, stirring until you have a relatively smooth batter (some lumps are fine).

Now, add the cherries to the bottom of the dish or divide them evenly between the ramekins. Top the layer of cherries with the cobbler batter (you don't need to spread it smoothly).

Place the filled dish or ramekins into the preheated air fryer basket and cook on the air fry setting for 15 minutes (or 20 if using a single larger pan), or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Let the cobbler cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly, then serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips:

• You can use any type of cherries you like. If you use a tart variety, you may want to double the sugar.
• You can also use pre-made canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh or frozen fruit.
• The almond extract can be swapped for vanilla extract if preferred.
• If you'd like to make a larger batch, feel free to double the recipe and use a bigger pan.
• If your batter gets too brown on top but isn't fully cooked yet, you can add a piece of foil to the top to prevent overbrowning.

Storage:

Store leftover cherry cobbler in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months. You can also assemble it up to a day in advance and cook it when you're ready to enjoy it.

To reheat, place a serving in an oven-safe bowl in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it on high for 45-60 seconds or enjoy it cold.

Air Fryer Cherry Pies

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen pie crusts, thawed
• 42 ounces cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
• 1 egg yolk
• Milk

Method:

• Leave the frozen pie crusts out for about 10 minutes so that the dough becomes pliable.
• Place one crust in the bottom of a pie dish and gently press it into place.
• Spoon the cherry pie filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
• In a small bowl, beat an egg yolk with a splash of milk.
• Brush the egg wash over the top crust of the pie. This will give the pie a golden colour as it bakes.
• Carefully place the pie dish into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the cherry pie at 310°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Once done, carefully remove the pie from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer a homemade pie crust, you can use an easy pie crust recipe instead of store-bought.
• You can use fresh cherries instead of canned filling. If using fresh cherries, pit and slice them, then mix with sugar, cornstarch, and a little lemon juice to create the filling. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
• If your crust is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning while the filling continues to cook.
• You can add a streusel topping or a lattice crust if you prefer.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Cherries

Ingredients

• 6 slices of standard cut bacon
• 1 jar of maraschino cherries
• 4 shorter wooden skewers
• Cooking oil spray

Method

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
• Drain the cherries and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Cut the bacon into pieces long enough to wrap around each cherry once.
• Push the skewer through a piece of bacon, then a cherry, and repeat until the skewer has 5-6 cherries on it.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
• Place the filled skewers into the basket so they do not touch.
• Set the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 8 minutes.
• Carefully turn the skewers over and air fry for about 3 more minutes, or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.

Tips

• It is important to soak the skewers to prevent them from burning.
• You can use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries.
• You can secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
• Be careful when removing the cooked cherries from the air fryer as they will be very hot.

Air Fryer Cherry Crumble Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Prepared or Homemade Pie Dough, enough for 4 mini pies
• 16 ounces Cherry Pie Filling
• 3/4 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
• 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted Cold Butter, must be cold
• Cooking spray

Method:

• Spray your pie pans with cooking spray.
• Using homemade or prepared pie dough, place the dough in and cover the bottom and sides of the pie pan.
• Air fry for 5 minutes at 300 degrees F, air fryer setting. Depending on your air fryer, you may need a set of pie weights so the dough does not fly away.
• In a small bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, and cold butter. Mix until the topping resembles crumbles.
• Add the cherry pie filling on top of the crust, and then sprinkle some of the crumble on top of the pie.
• Place back into the air fryer at 300 degrees F, air fryer setting for 4 to 6 minutes.
• Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Remember that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the model. It is recommended to start with less cook time, check the food for doneness, and then add more time as needed.
• The butter really needs to be cold. So, either freeze the butter or take it straight out of the refrigerator. Please do not leave it out while the pie crust is baking.
• You can freeze Air Fryer Cherry Crumble Pie. To make it, let the pies cool to room temperature and then cover them tightly with saran wrap. Place into the freezer. They will last about 1 to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions