Easy Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry: Baked or Air Fried Perfection
Cherry Turnovers with puff pastry are a delightful creation – flaky, golden, and utterly delicious pastries bursting with the vibrant flavor of cherry pie filling. This versatile recipe yields 4 individual puff pastry turnovers that can be perfectly baked in the oven or quickly prepared in your air fryer, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I embarked on a delightful adventure to a local farm, eager to pick tart cherries. Last year, an unexpected freeze tragically wiped out their entire crop, so I was especially thrilled to see the trees laden with fruit this season. No freeze meant cherries for days – and I certainly took advantage of it!
In fact, the cherry trees were so abundantly fruitful that I found myself accidentally picking a generous 7 pounds, significantly more than my usual 5-pound haul. A happy “whoops” moment, indeed!
My initial plan was to whip up my beloved mini cherry pies. However, Mother Nature had other plans, delivering a massive heat wave right as I returned home. The thought of turning on my oven with outside temperatures soaring over 90 degrees Fahrenheit was simply unbearable. There’s just no way I was going to heat up my kitchen even further.
Of course, there’s always the option of making sour cherry jam, a fantastic way to preserve the bounty. But my sweet tooth was calling, craving an immediate dessert fix. That’s when inspiration struck! I remembered a box of puff pastry tucked away in my freezer, a leftover from my last batch of puff pastry chocolate croissants. It was the perfect solution: Cherry Turnovers with puff pastry!
Even better, I realized I could make these flaky pastries using my air fryer, completely bypassing the oven and keeping my kitchen cool. Don’t worry, though! I’ve included comprehensive instructions for both oven baking and air frying, so you can choose the method that best suits your comfort level and the weather outside. Whether you prefer the traditional bake or the quick crisp of the air fryer, these turnovers are a winner.
Much like my other popular turnover recipes, including blueberry turnovers, apple turnovers, strawberry turnovers, and peach turnovers, these cherry versions are wonderfully flaky, boast a beautiful golden-brown crust, and are generously filled with luscious homemade cherry pie filling. The homemade filling truly makes all the difference, offering a fresh and authentic cherry flavor that canned versions often lack.
The key to their incredible texture lies in using store-bought (or even homemade, if you’re ambitious!) puff pastry instead of a traditional small pie crust. This ensures those coveted crunchy, airy layers in every single bite. The convenience is unmatched – simply unfold the pre-made dough, allow it to thaw slightly, and you’re ready to assemble these delightful treats. No fuss, no lengthy dough preparation!
To finish, a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the tartness of the cherries beautifully. It’s the perfect final touch before you dive into these irresistible pastries.
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