Crispy Air Fryer Cannoli

Get ready to enjoy a tasty Italian classic with a new twist! We’re excited to share our recipe for crispy air fryer cannoli. It’s a healthier choice compared to deep-fried ones. These homemade shells are made with flour and a bit of white sugar, then air fried until golden¹.

This makes them crunchy on the outside and creamy inside. It’s like a trip to Sicily with every bite.

Air frying the shells uses less oil and is better for your heart¹. Instead of Marsala wine, we show you how to use red wine, dry white wine, or red wine vinegar¹. The filling is made with ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s then piped into the shells and topped with mini chocolate chips¹.

Join us as we reveal how to make air fryer cannoli that will satisfy your Italian dessert cravings. You’ll impress your friends and family with this healthier twist on a classic.

Key Takeaways

• Air-fried cannoli shells are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions
• Homemade cannoli filling features classic ingredients like ricotta, sugar, and cinnamon
• Substituting Marsala wine with other options provides versatility in the recipe
• Air fryer cannoli offer a crunchy texture and creamy filling in an impressive Italian dessert
• Straining the ricotta cheese ensures a smooth and creamy filling consistency

Understanding the Magic of Air Fryer Cannoli

Try our version of air fryer Italian desserts and enjoy the taste of cannoli. Our air-fried cannoli keep the classic taste but with a healthier twist².

What Makes Air Fried Cannoli Special

The air fryer makes the shells crunchier but keeps the taste the same². You won’t find bubbles, but the shells are flaky and perfect for the creamy filling².

Benefits of Air Frying vs Traditional Deep Frying

Air frying is healthier than deep frying, using less oil and making less mess². It lets you enjoy authentic cannoli air fryer without the guilt².

Historical Background of Cannoli

Cannoli come from Sicily and are loved worldwide². They’ve changed over time but keep their delicious essence².

The air fryer Italian dessert needs many ingredients for the filling². Ricotta, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips make it creamy and delicious².

“The air fryer has changed how we enjoy desserts like cannoli. It makes a crispy shell and a creamy filling, perfect for making this Italian treat at home.”

The air fryer is great for many air fryer Italian desserts, like brownies and cookies³. It’s perfect for baking and frying desserts, making them crispy on the outside and soft inside³.

Whether you love cannoli or are new to them, our guide will help you make the best air fryer Italian dessert²³.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shells

Creating delicious air fryer cannoli starts with the right shell ingredients. We need a mix of all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and Marsala wine⁴⁵. This blend gives us that crispy, flaky texture we all love.

All-purpose flour is the base, and sugar adds flavor. Using room temperature butter is key for the right dough⁴. Marsala wine, or a similar substitute, brings that authentic Italian taste⁴.

The secret ingredient? Large, free-range eggs for both the dough and egg wash. This makes our air fryer cannoli extra rich and indulgent⁴.

With these ingredients, we’re ready to make air fryer cannoli shells that will wow your guests. And satisfy your cravings for this classic Italian treat⁴⁵.

The Secret to Creamy Cannoli Filling

Making the perfect cannoli filling is key to a great Italian dessert. It’s all about straining ricotta cheese right, picking the best sweeteners, and adding optional flavors. Follow these steps for a creamy, rich filling that everyone will love⁶.

How to Properly Strain Ricotta

High-quality ricotta cheese is the base of a creamy filling. Strain it overnight with cheesecloth and a weighted sieve. This removes excess moisture, making the filling thick and luscious⁷.

Choosing the Right Sweeteners

Powdered sugar is the best sweetener for cannoli filling. It dissolves well in the ricotta, making it smooth. Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor, taking you to Sicily with each bite⁶.

Optional Flavor Enhancements

Try new flavors to make your cannoli filling unique. Add mini chocolate chips for texture or ground cinnamon for a warm taste. You can also whip in heavy whipping cream for a lighter filling. The choices are endless, letting you make your own special cannoli⁶⁷.

“The secret to a perfect cannoli filling is in the attention to detail – from properly straining the ricotta to carefully selecting the right sweeteners. These small steps make all the difference in creating a truly exceptional, creamy delight.”

Now you know how to make a homemade cannoli filling that will impress. Enjoy the mix of crispy shells and creamy filling⁶⁷.

Equipment and Tools Needed

Making air fryer cannoli is easier with the right tools. We’ve listed the must-haves for a successful cannoli-making experience⁸.

• An air fryer, like the Instant Vortex 8-quart Dual Basket, is key for crispy shells⁸.
• Cannoli forms or tubes are essential for the iconic shape⁸.
• A rolling pin helps roll out the dough to the right thickness.
• A circular cookie cutter shapes the dough into perfect shells.
• Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer strains ricotta cheese for a smooth filling.
• A piping bag fills the shells neatly and evenly.
• Mixing bowls of different sizes are needed for dough, filling, and more.
• A food processor or blender makes the filling silky-smooth⁸.

With these tools, you’re ready to make delicious air fryer cannoli. They’ll impress everyone⁸. The right tools are key to success, so make sure you have them all before starting⁹.

Step-by-Step Shell Preparation

Making homemade cannoli shells is key to this Italian treat. We’ll show you how to make the dough, roll the shells, and use cannoli forms. Follow these steps for crisp, air-fried shells that are as good as deep-fried ones¹⁰.

Making the Perfect Dough

The dough is the heart of great cannoli shells. In a big bowl, mix dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt¹⁰. Cut in cold butter until it’s like coarse crumbs. Add an egg and Marsala wine to make a smooth dough¹⁰.

Shape the dough into a disk and chill it in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight¹⁰.

Rolling and Shaping Techniques

After chilling, it’s time to roll out the dough. Flour your surface and roll the dough thin, about 1/12 to 1/10 inch (2-2.5mm) thick¹⁰¹¹. Cut it into 4-inch (10cm) circles with a round cutter¹⁰.

Working with Cannoli Forms

To shape the dough into classic cannoli, wrap each circle around a form. Seal the edges with egg wash¹⁰. This keeps the shells in shape during air frying. Work in batches to keep the air fryer at the right temperature¹⁰.

Mastering these steps will help you make perfect air-fried cannoli. Next, we’ll cover air frying and classic fillings.

Air Fryer Cooking Method

Try making cannoli with an air fryer for a new twist. This method makes the shells crispy without deep-frying¹². It’s a healthier way to enjoy the classic taste of cannoli.

First, heat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C)¹³. Use a little oil in the basket to stop the shells from sticking¹². Put the dough circles in the basket, leaving space for even cooking.

Cook the shells for 4-5 minutes¹³ until they’re golden. The air fryer cooks them evenly without needing to flip them¹². Let them cool on a rack before removing them from the forms.

Don’t use aluminum foil in the basket, as it blocks air flow¹². Use the cooled forms to make more crispy cannoli shells¹².

With air frying, we can make air fryer dessert techniques that give us crispy cannoli shells. It’s a tasty change from the usual deep-fried version¹²¹².

Creating the Classic Filling

Making the perfect cannoli filling is the highlight of this Italian dessert. At its core is the creamy ricotta cheese. We start by carefully straining the ricotta to remove any excess moisture, making it smooth and luscious¹⁰.

Next, we mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to excite the taste buds¹³. We also add a bit of whipped cream for a lighter feel¹⁰.

To get a smooth filling, we blend it briefly in a blender or food processor¹¹. Then, we add mini chocolate chips for a fun crunch¹³.

After making the filling, we chill it in the fridge. This lets the flavors mix and the texture thicken¹⁰. Then, we fill the crispy cannoli shells for a treat like no other.

This traditional cannoli filling is a perfect mix of sweet and creamy. It’s a hit at any gathering or for a personal treat. This ricotta dessert filling is sure to impress everyone.

Assembly and Decoration Tips

Making the perfect cannoli is a fun journey that ends with the final touches. To get the iconic Italian dessert’s look and taste, we’ve got key tips for you¹⁴.

Filling Techniques

Fill the cooled cannoli shells just before serving to keep them crispy¹⁴. Use a piping bag with a big opening to fill the shells from both ends. This ensures the creamy ricotta is spread evenly.

Garnishing Options

Make your cannoli look great by dipping the ends in chocolate chips or chopped pistachios¹⁴. This adds flavor and texture. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a beautiful finish.

Presentation Ideas

Put your filled cannoli on a fancy platter with fresh berries or mint leaves¹⁴. This Italian dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning. It’s sure to be a hit at any event.

By using these tips, you’ll make a cannoli that honors its rich heritage and delicious flavors¹⁴¹⁵.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guidelines

Enjoying the perfect air-fried cannoli requires the right storage and make-ahead techniques. Homemade cannoli shells can stay fresh for weeks in an airtight container¹⁶. You can even freeze unfilled shells for up to a month¹⁶.

For crispy shells, use oils like sunflower or peanut oil. They stay stable at high temperatures and taste mild¹⁶. Fry the shells at 374ºF (190ºC) for the best texture¹⁶. Roll out the dough thinly, about 1/8 to 1/16 inch, for flakiness¹⁶.

Keep shells in an airtight container to stay crispy¹⁶. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking¹⁶. Broken shells can be turned into delicious cannoli chips¹⁶.

Prepare shells and filling ahead of time, then assemble just before serving. This keeps the shell crispy and the filling creamy¹⁶. Assembling too early can make the shells soggy¹⁶.

Follow these tips for storing and making ahead to enjoy air-fried cannoli anytime. Whether for a party or a personal treat, this Italian dessert is a delight to make and eat.

Conclusion

Our journey through easy air fryer cannoli has been both enlightening and delicious. We’ve learned about the rich history and cultural importance of this homemade Italian dessert. It started in Sicily and grew in the United States¹⁷.

The air fryer makes a healthier version of traditional deep-frying. This way, we can enjoy crispy shells and creamy fillings without too much oil. ¹⁷¹⁸,

We’ve discovered the key ingredients and techniques for perfect cannoli. We used the right flour, sugar, and Italian liquor for the shells. The ricotta and sweeteners for the filling were chosen with care. ¹⁷¹⁹, Now, you can make your own easy air fryer cannoli at home. You can customize the flavors and toppings to your liking.

As we end this culinary adventure, we invite you to become your own pastry chef. Try out different homemade Italian desserts. The air fryer opens up new possibilities for you to enjoy. So, get your air fryer ready, gather your ingredients, and let’s keep exploring together. Buon appetito!

Source Links

1. Air Fryer Cannoli with Chocolate Chip Cannoli Filling | Bonni Bakery
2. Air Fryer Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
3. 7 of the best sweets to make in your air fryer, according to chefs and bakers
4. Air Fryer Cannoli, Culinarily Adventurous
5. Home Cooking: How to Make Sicilian Cannoli with an Air Fryer
6. Air Fryer Cannolis | Sturbridge Bakery
7. Air Fryer Cannoli
8. Air Fryer Cannolis Recipe by Tasty
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10. Air Fryer Cannoli – Dani’s Cookings
11. Cannoli Recipe
12. Italian Cannoli: Air Fryer Recipe
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14. These Homemade Cannoli Are The Best Of Italy…I Mean It
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16. Homemade Cannoli Shells Recipe
17. how to make cannoli shells
18. Air Fryer Focaccia Bread – Craving Tasty
19. The Best Dorm-Friendly Cannoli Filling Recipe