10-Minute Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites (Easy Appetizer)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5–7 minutes | Serves: 15 bites

Ingredients

• 1 package (15 count) frozen mini phyllo pastry shells (found in the freezer aisle)
• 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 15 small cubes
• 3 Tbsp cranberry sauce (store-bought or leftover)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
2. Assemble: Place the frozen phyllo shells directly into the air fryer basket (no need to thaw). Place one cube of Brie cheese into each shell. Top the cheese with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
3. Air Fry: Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the phyllo shells are golden brown and the Brie cheese is completely melted and gooey.
4. Serve: Carefully remove the bites from the air fryer basket and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary before serving immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the definition of a holiday hack! It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish and delivers an incredibly impressive, gourmet appetizer. The air fryer ensures the phyllo shells get perfectly crispy every single time, contrasting beautifully with the warm, melted cheese.

What It Tastes Like

It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The Brie cheese is rich, earthy, and creamy. The cranberry sauce adds a necessary sweet and tart counterpoint. The phyllo shell provides a light, crisp, buttery texture that holds everything together.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these immediately while the cheese is still hot and gooey. A drizzle of honey after baking can be a nice addition.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but they will lose their crispness.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to restore crispiness.

Helpful Tips

• Cheese Rind: Removing the Brie rind allows the cheese to melt more smoothly.
• Cranberry Sauce: If your sauce is thick, warm it slightly before using to make it easier to spoon into the shells.
• Air Fryer Capacity: Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I bake these instead? Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet until golden.
• Can I use a different cheese? Feta or goat cheese can be substituted for Brie, but the creamy texture will be different.
• Can I use puff pastry? Yes, you can cut puff pastry into small squares, press them into a mini muffin tin, and fill them the same way.

Conclusion

Stop spending hours on appetizers! These Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are a guaranteed hit and a simple, elegant solution for all your holiday hosting needs. They look complex but are foolproof, thanks to the speed and efficiency of the air fryer.