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. 

Air Fryer Cannoli
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In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these delectable air fryer cannoli 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 Cook Cannolis In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook 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. 

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cannoli

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

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cannoli

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.
  • Crushed 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

Below is an overview of how to make air-fryer cannoli. For these impressive air fryer desserts and full instructions, scroll to the end for the full recipe.

Air Fryer Cannoli

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 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.

Air Fryer Cannoli

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.

Air Fryer Cannoli

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 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.

Air Fryer Cannoli

Spray the cannoli forms, or cannoli tubes, 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 completely between batches. Let the shells cool completely. 

How To Make Traditional Cannoli Filling

Air Fryer Cannoli

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 Cannolis

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 cannolis into the refrigerator before serving

Air Fryer Cannoli

Recipe Variations

While the traditional Air Fryer Cannoli recipe is delicious on its own, there are several creative variations you can explore to add different flavors and textures to this classic Italian dessert. Here are some recipe variations:

  • Chocolate Chip Filling: Add mini chocolate chips to the ricotta filling for a delightful chocolatey twist. You can also dip the cannoli ends in melted chocolate and let them set for an extra chocolatey experience.
  • Fruit-Filled Cannoli: Mix diced fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or citrus zest into the ricotta filling for a fruity and refreshing variation.
  • Drizzle honey over the filled cannoli for added sweetness.
  • Nutty Cannoli: Roll the edges of the cannoli in finely chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts after filling for a crunchy exterior. Add a teaspoon of nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, to the ricotta filling for a nutty flavor.
  • Coffee Cannoli: Infuse the ricotta filling with coffee flavor by adding a tablespoon of espresso or instant coffee granules. Dust the finished cannoli with cocoa powder or coffee grounds for an elegant touch.
  • Fruit Preserve Cannoli: Fill the cannoli with sweet fruit preserves or jams like apricot, raspberry, or fig for a fruity and sweet filling. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Savory Cannoli: Create a savory twist by filling the cannoli shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese, herbs, and finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • Serve as appetizers or snacks for a unique savory option.
  • Pumpkin Spice Cannoli: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the ricotta filling for a seasonal variation. Top with crushed graham crackers for added texture and flavor.
  • Lemon Zest Cannoli: Add fresh lemon zest to the ricotta filling for a bright and citrusy flavor. Garnish with candied lemon peel for an extra touch of lemony sweetness.
  • Caramel Cannoli: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filled cannoli for a rich and decadent treat. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
  • Double-Chocolate Cannoli: Mix cocoa powder into the cannoli dough for chocolate shells. Fill with a chocolate ricotta filling and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Air Fryer Cannoli

FAQ’s

an 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 and crispy. 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.

Air Fryer Cannoli

What type of filling can I use for cannoli? The traditional filling is made with ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla. However, you can get creative with different fillings, such as chocolate chip, fruit-filled, or nutty fillings.

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 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 chocolate or caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used

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Air Fryer Cannoli

Air Fryer Cannoli

3.73 from 18 votes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 41 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings

Description

Who wouldn't love Cannoli? A crispy and delicious shell filled with a creamy, sweet filling. But they can be quite time consuming to make. That's where your air fryer comes in! You can make amazing cannoli right at home in your air fryer. And it only takes a few minutes! So give this recipe a try and enjoy some incredible air fryer cannoli today.

Ingredients 

Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch sea salt,
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cold, cut into small cubes
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

Filling:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Other:

  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt set aside. Add the cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter until it forms coarse crumbs. You can also use a fork, 2 butter knives, or your hands for this. Stir in the egg yolk and wine until combined. The dough will be crumbly.
  •  Place the dough on a lightly floured, clean work surface and press/knead it into a dough ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge while you make the filling.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until combined, set aside.
  • Place the whipping cream in a large bowl, and with a hand mixer, mix until stiff peaks form about 2 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture, place this is in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the cannolis.
  • If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it now to 400°F. 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 in the fridge.
  • Roll out the dough 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 cannoli forms with cooking spray, wrap the dough around the form, and secure the edge where it meets with a small amount of water. Just dip your fingertip in 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 the air fryer basket. Spray the outsides of the dough. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Using tongs, remove the shells and take the shells off of the cannoli forms. Caution, this is very hot!
  • Repeat with the remaining shells. If you have to reuse the cannoli forms, let them cool completely between batches. Let the shells cool completely. Once cool, pipe the filling into the shells. Dip the ends in the chocolate chips or pistachios. Dust with powdered sugar and serve. Store in an air-tight containerin the fridge. If you can, pipe the cannolis to serve instead of assembling them all and letting them sit. This will help keep the shells crisp.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • Cannoli Forms, or aluminum foil
  • Cooking Spray, nonstick spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 361IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg

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