Air Fryer Cannoli

Indulge in the irresistible delight of homemade cannoli with a modern twist – the air fryer.

Crispy, golden pastry shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta filling are a beloved Italian dessert, and making them in the air fryer adds a convenient and delightful touch. 

In this easy cannoli recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these delectable desserts that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Sicily without needing deep frying. Prepare to savor the perfect combination of crispy shells and luscious filling in every bite.

If you are looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Dessert Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CINNAMON STICKY BUNS, AIR FRYER CINNAMON CHURRO BITES, and AIR FRYER BEST CHERRY TURNOVERS.

Can You Make Cannoli Shells In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook homemade cannoli shells in an air fryer. Air frying is a convenient and faster alternative to traditional deep frying for making cannoli shells. It results in crispy and golden shells without the need in a fraction of the time.  

If you love a good cannoli, you will love this recipe, perfect to add to your favorite cannoli recipes. While most cannoli shells are deep fried, in hot oil, today’s version is a healthier version, made in the air fryer. No need for oil for frying here, but you will still gave the same crunchy texture.

Ingredients Needed Air Fryer Cannoli Shell Recipe

These ingredients create a delightful dessert with perfect cannoli shells and a creamy, sweet ricotta filling. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Cannoli Shells!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the cannoli shell dough.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Butter, cold, cut into small cubes: Adds richness and texture to the dough.
• Large egg yolk: Helps bind the dough together.
• Dry white wine: Provides moisture and aids in dough formation. You can substitute it with heavy cream—or marsala wine.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: 
• Heavy whipping cream: Perfect for the cream filling
• Cold water: Used for sealing the cannoli shells.
• Mini chocolate chips: Optional for filling and garnishing the cannoli.
• Chopped pistachios: Optional for garnishing the cannoli.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: Used to dust the finished cannoli for a sweet and attractive finish.

How To Make Air Fryer Cannoli Shells

Below is an overview, for these impressive air fryer desserts and full instructions, scroll to the end for the full recipe..

Step One: Prepare The Cannoli Dough

Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside. Add the cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter, or food processor to form coarse crumbs. You can also use a fork, two butter knives, or your hands for this. Stir in the egg yolk and wine until combined; dough crumbly.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and press/knead it into a dough ball. Wrap it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Take the dough and cut it into 4ths, take one-fourth, and place it on a lightly floured, clean work surface. Place the remaining dough back into the refrigerator.

Roll out the dough, with a rolling pin, until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out 4-inch circles; depending on how thin you rolled out the dough, you can get 4-5 circles.

Spray your cannoli form or cannoli tube, with cooking spray, wrap the dough around the form, and secure the edges where it meets with a small amount of water. Just dip your fingertip into the water. That’s enough. Press down gently to seal. Repeat with the remaining circles of dough you are working with.

Spray the inside of your air fryer basket. Spray the outside of the dough. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Using tongs, remove the shells and take the shells off the cannoli forms. Caution: they are extremely hot.

Repeat with the remaining shells. If you reuse the cannoli forms, let them cool, to room temperature, completely between batches. Let the shells cool completely. 

How To Make Cannoli Creamy Filling

Strain the whole ricotta with a fine mesh strainer. Combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon until combined. Set aside. Place the whipping cream in a large bowl, and with a hand mixer, mix until stiff peaks form about two minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture and place this into the refrigerator until you assemble your Cannoli.

Assemble Homemade Cannoli Shells

Once cooled, pipe the filling into the shells with a pastry bag, or piping bag.. Dip the ends into chocolate chips or pistachios. Dust with powdered sugar and serve. Place the assembled cannoli shells into the refrigerator before serving

Pro Tips For Making Cannoli Shells In Air Fryer

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially for the ricotta cheese filling. Fresh ricotta will yield a creamier and more flavorful filling.
• Drain Ricotta: Drain the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined bowl for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a thicker and creamier filling.
• Chill the Dough: Chill the cannoli dough before rolling and frying. This helps the dough relax and makes it easier to handle, resulting in lighter and crispier shells.
• Roll Thinly: Roll out the dough thinly for the cannoli shells. Thin shells will fry up to be crispier and lighter. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Fill Just Before Serving: Fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta filling just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. This ensures that the shells stay crispy and the filling stays fresh.

FAQ’s

Can I make cannoli shells in the air fryer? Yes, you can make cannoli shells in the air fryer. It’s a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.

What’s the advantage of using the air fryer for cannoli shells? The air fryer allows you to achieve crispy and golden cannoli shells with less oil than deep frying. It’s a quicker and cleaner method.

How do I prevent cannoli shells from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil before placing the cannoli shells to prevent sticking.

What temperature should I set the air fryer to for cannoli shells? Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for cooking cannoli shells.

How long do I air fry cannoli shells, and how do I know they’re done? Air fry the cannoli shells for about 6-8 minutes or until they become golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Can I make cannoli shells from scratch, or should I use store-bought shells? You can make cannoli shells from scratch using a dough recipe or use pre-made store-bought shells, depending on your preference and time constraints.

How do I store filled cannoli? Filled cannoli are best enjoyed shortly after filling to maintain their crispiness. If you need to store them, keep the shells and filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fill the cooled shells just before serving to keep them crisp.

Can I freeze cannoli shells? Yes, you can freeze cannoli shells for later use. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, and they should stay fresh for a few months.

What are some creative ways to garnish cannoli? You can garnish cannoli with powdered sugar, crushed pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or drizzles of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation.

What is the difference between cannoli and Sicilian cannoli? The main difference between cannoli and Sicilian cannoli lies in the filling and sometimes the shell. Traditional cannoli, which originated in Sicily, typically feature a creamy filling made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and sometimes additional flavorings such as citrus zest or chocolate chips.

How do you keep cannoli shells crispy? Fill the cannoli shells with the creamy ricotta filling just before serving. If you fill them too far in advance, the moisture from the filling can cause the shells to become soggy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY PINWHEELS
• AIR FRYER CHERRY CHEESECAKE TACOS
• EASY AIR FRYER FRUIT TART
• AIR FRYER ITALIAN BISCOTTI
• AIR FRYER STRAWBERRY SCONES

Equipment Used

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Cannoli Tubes Molds Stainless Steel Non-stick Cream Horn Danish Pastry Molds for Croissant Shell Cream Roll
• Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology, 3 Lbs, Black, HD9650/96

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