Indulging in the sweet, creamy joy of cannoli is like biting into a piece of heaven. Imagine crispy shells filled with a luscious pistachio ricotta filling that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame, and you can’t help but feel a sense of pride as you serve these heavenly treats.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different fillings for my cannoli?
- How do I know when my cannoli shells are done?
- Can I prepare these cannoli in advance?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli for my family. They couldn’t believe something so delicious could come from my kitchen instead of an Italian bakery. Now, it’s our go-to dessert for birthdays, holidays, or just because it’s Wednesday and we need a little celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli is incredibly easy to prepare while delivering unforgettable flavors
- The vibrant green pistachios create a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion
- You can customize the filling based on your family’s favorite flavors for extra versatility
- Plus, you’ll love how the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without all the oil!
Seeing my family’s eyes light up after their first bite was priceless. It’s moments like these that make cooking so rewarding.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pistachios: Opt for roasted and unsalted to enhance the flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling; drain excess liquid for best results.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: A necessary component to sweeten the ricotta beautifully; adjust according to taste.
- Cannoli Shells: You can buy pre-made shells or make them from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth to your filling; pure extract is always preferable.
- Chocolate Chips (optional): These add an extra layer of sweetness and texture; choose mini chips for better distribution.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine drained ricotta cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy; consider folding in finely chopped pistachios for added crunch.
Chill the Mixture: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm up the filling and meld the flavors beautifully.
Fill the Shells: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off, fill each cannoli shell generously with your chilled pistachio mixture. Be bold here; no one likes half-filled cannoli!
Airtight Seal: If using chocolate chips, dip both ends of each filled cannoli into them before placing them on a serving platter. It adds visual flair while ensuring every bite remains indulgent.
Air Fry Them Up!: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange filled cannoli in a single layer in the fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once done, remove them carefully from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before dusting with more confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!
Now that you’ve got everything down, get ready to impress friends and family with this delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert! Enjoy every bite of these crispy Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli while basking in compliments—you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli are not just delicious; they’re a game-changer for dessert lovers
- Using an air fryer gives them a delightful crunch while keeping the filling creamy and rich
- These treats are perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself after a long day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve crispy cannoli shells, air fry them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the filling by adding chocolate chips, different nuts, or even a splash of citrus zest for a unique twist on classic flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cannoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli, make sure your dough is rolled thinly for optimal crispness
- Avoid overfilling with cream as it can ooze out during frying
- Lastly, chill your filling before piping to keep it firm and easy to handle
Creating these Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert.
FAQ
Can I use different fillings for my cannoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to try ricotta mixed with fruits or chocolate ganache.
How do I know when my cannoli shells are done?
Look for a golden-brown color; they should be crunchy but not burnt.
Can I prepare these cannoli in advance?
Yes, you can make the shells ahead of time but fill them just before serving for best texture.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the heavenly combination of crispy cannoli shells and a creamy pistachio ricotta filling with this Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli recipe. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a Wednesday pick-me-up. With the air fryer, you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without all the oil, making them a healthier indulgence. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (adjust to taste)
- 12 pre-made cannoli shells
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the finely chopped pistachios for added texture.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped off to fill each cannoli shell generously with the chilled pistachio filling.
- If using chocolate chips, dip both ends of each filled cannoli into them for added visual appeal.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange filled cannoli in a single layer in the fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Dust with additional confectioners' sugar before serving for maximum enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
