These air fryer brie bites are one of those holiday recipes you’ll make once… and then find every excuse to make again. I whipped these up for a casual holiday get-together, and they disappeared faster than I could say “save me one!” Crispy, golden pastry, warm gooey brie, and just the right pop of cranberry — it’s a trifecta of textures and flavors.
The air fryer is the ultimate secret weapon here. Instead of waiting for the oven to preheat, you get hot, flaky bites in under 10 minutes. Perfect for when guests are five minutes out and you need something festive — fast.
Let’s talk flavor: You get buttery, crisp puff pastry on the outside, soft and melty brie in the center, and a sweet-tart kick from the cranberry sauce. It’s like a mini baked brie, but way easier to share and snack on.
The best part? You only need four ingredients plus an egg. These are beginner-friendly but feel fancy enough for any holiday spread. You’ve got this!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistibly cheesy brie bites:
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of store-bought puff pastry, thawed in the fridge. Pepperidge Farm is a classic, but use what you like. Make sure it’s cold but pliable — too warm and it gets sticky.
- Brie Cheese: A small 4 oz wedge is perfect. Cut it into bite-sized cubes that’ll fit snugly into the pastry squares. You can leave the rind on or trim it — totally your call.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use leftover homemade cranberry sauce or canned — both work! Whole berry adds texture, while jellied gives a smooth finish.
- Egg: Just one egg, beaten. This gives you that golden, glossy finish on the outside.
Optional Add-In: A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds a little crunch and a nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy brie and tart cranberry.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Puff Pastry
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into 12 even squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Add Brie and Cranberry
- Place one cube of brie in the center of each pastry square.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over each cube.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overfill or the bites may burst open while cooking.
- Seal the Bites
- Fold the corners of each square over the filling to form a little pouch.
- Pinch the edges to seal — you can twist the top slightly for a more rustic look.
- Brush with Egg Wash
- Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each bite.
- Pro Tip: This helps them get that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange the brie bites in a single layer in the basket — don’t overcrowd.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Pro Tip: Check at the 7-minute mark. Air fryer models vary!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the bites – Too much brie or cranberry and they’ll leak in the fryer.
- Skipping the egg wash – You’ll miss out on that irresistible golden crust.
- Crowding the basket – Give each bite space so the air can crisp all sides.
- Using overly warm puff pastry – It becomes sticky and hard to handle.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
Want to customize these? Here are some tasty twists:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry before sealing.
- Savory-Sweet: Add a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme for an herby touch.
- Jam Swap: No cranberry? Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot jelly.
- Dough Switch: Swap puff pastry for crescent roll dough if you prefer a softer, breadier bite.
These also make great mini appetizers for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas Eve — or even a winter wine night.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
These are best fresh, but you can prep ahead!
To Make Ahead: Assemble the brie bites and refrigerate (uncooked) on a parchment-lined tray for up to 1 day. Add the egg wash just before air frying.
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to revive that crisp texture.
To Freeze: Freeze assembled, unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen at 330°F for 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 12 squares.
- Place a cube of brie in the center of each square.
- Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
- Fold corners to enclose and seal edges.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold for easier handling.
- Add pecans for crunch.
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day.
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
These air fryer brie bites are a festive favorite that always get rave reviews. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something cozy and cheesy, they’re an easy win. Let me know if you try them — I’d love to hear how they turn out!
And if you’re looking for another quick party bite, check out my [air fryer stuffed mushrooms] — they’re just as crowd-pleasing and come together fast. Happy air frying!
