Description
Toasty brioche, creamy cheesecake filling, and a swirl of strawberry jam all crisped up to golden perfection in the air fryer. These sweet sandwiches are the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy, coated in cinnamon sugar and ready in minutes. Make one batch, and they’ll vanish fast!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves
For Assembly:
• 8 slices of brioche or white sandwich bread
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional: ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
For Coating:
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling:
• In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Swirl in the strawberry jam gently for a marbled effect.
2️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches:
• Lay out the bread slices. Spread about 2 tbsp of the cheesecake mixture on 4 of them.
• Add diced strawberries if using, then top with the remaining bread slices.
3️⃣ Prep for Air Frying:
• Brush both sides of each sandwich lightly with melted butter.
• In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4️⃣ Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place sandwiches in the basket (work in batches if needed).
• Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5️⃣ Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
• While hot, gently press or sprinkle both sides of each sandwich with cinnamon sugar.
• Let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve warm.
Notes
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Bread Swap Options: Brioche is ideal for its buttery softness, but challah, white sandwich bread, or whole grain alternatives also work well. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
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Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the sandwiches ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. For longer storage, freeze un-fried sandwiches and air fry directly from frozen (add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time).
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Healthier Alternatives: Use low-fat cream cheese or whipped Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. Choose no-sugar-added strawberry preserves and skip the cinnamon sugar for a lower-calorie version.
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Flavor Variations: Switch the strawberry jam with raspberry preserves, Nutella, lemon curd, or even peanut butter for unique flavor twists. Add mini chocolate chips or fresh fruit for texture and taste.
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Air Fryer Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your model. Always check for golden crispness on both sides and a warm, melted center. Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with whipped cream, maple syrup, or Greek yogurt dip. Perfect for brunch boards, dessert platters, or sweet holiday breakfast ideas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 g
Keywords: Air Fryer Desserts, Sweet Sandwich Recipes, Cheesecake-Inspired Treats, Strawberry Recipes, Easy Comfort Desserts, Quick & Sweet Snacks, Brioche Creations, No-Oven Needed, Kid-Friendly Treats, Dessert Sandwich Ideas