Ever crave that rich, creamy cannoli pistachio filling but don’t have time (or let’s be honest energy) to deep-fry anything? I feel you. That’s exactly why this cheat air fryer pistachio cannelloni recipe is about to be your new favorite kitchen hack. With a golden, crispy shell and luscious pistachio cream center, this dreamy dessert tastes like it came straight from a Sicilian bakery without the flour-storm mess.
And the best part? It’s made in the air fryer (yes, really!) using tortilla wraps. These little beauties come together so quickly, they might just become your go-to for girls’ nights, baby showers, or when you just need something sweet that feels fancy but is totally doable between emails or kid pickups.
Why You’ll Love This Cheat Air Fryer Pistachio Cannelloni
- Easy, breezy, crispy perfection: No frying oil drama, no special tools. Just your trusty air fryer and a few pantry staples.
- Flavor-packed : That pistachio filling is velvety, nutty, and just sweet enough. Like a pistachio cloud in a crispy hug.
- Make-ahead friendly : Whip up the filling ahead of time, so assembling is a breeze when cravings strike.
- Fun to decorate: Pistachio-studded ends? Drizzles of glossy pistachio cream? Total Instagram moment.
How to Make Cheat Air Fryer Pistachio Cannelloni
Step 1: Whip Up the Cannoli Pistachio Filling
Start by mixing full-fat cream cheese, a generous dollop of pistachio cream, and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and dreamy. Then, pour in your heavy cream and beat it until thick and pipeable. (This is the kind of filling you might want to “taste test” a few times…for quality control, of course.)
Pop the filling in the fridge to chill it firms up nicely while you move on to the shells.
Step 2: Craft the Crispy Shells
Using large tortilla wraps as your shortcut, cut them into 4-inch circles (you’ll get about 3 per wrap). Then, roll foil into little logs and wrap your tortilla circles around them. A toothpick keeps everything snug.
Light spray of oil, pop ’em in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 7 minutes, and boom—golden, crispy shells without a drop of deep-frying oil in sight. You’ll want to do these in batches so they don’t overcrowd.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sweet Masterpieces
Chop your pistachios for garnish and give each cooled cannoli shell a swipe of pistachio cream before dipping in the chopped nuts. This gives it that classic look and a little crunch.
Pipe the chilled pistachio filling into each end of the cannoli shells. Use a piping bag or a good ol’ ziplock with the corner snipped no judgment here!
Finish with a drizzle of pistachio cream on top and serve immediately. (Try not to eat four in a row. I dare you.)
Estimated Nutrition & Prep Time
Nutrition Facts (Per Cannoli):
- Calories: ~210
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Cooking Tips for the Best Cannoli Pistachio Experience
- Don’t overfill the shells. It’s tempting, but too much filling can make them soggy fast. Fill just before serving for that perfect crunch-to-cream ratio.
- Watch your air fryer. Every model is a little different keep an eye on the first batch to make sure they don’t over-brown.
- Got leftover filling? It’s fabulous on pancakes, sandwiched between cookies, or sneakily eaten with a spoon while hiding in the pantry.
Serving & Storing
Serve these straight from assembly for that perfect bite crunchy shell, creamy filling, and that pistachio kiss on top.
Making ahead? Fill the cream and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your shells in an airtight container at room temp and assemble just before serving.
Leftovers? (Do those even exist with these?) Store filled cannoli in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shell will soften a bit but still be delish. If you’re freezing, freeze the unfilled shells and filling separately.
A Little Kitchen Tale…
So, I tested this recipe on a lazy Sunday, just tinkering with the idea of using tortillas instead of traditional cannoli shells. One bite in, my wife looked up from his laptop and said, “Wait, did you make these?” Score. If something can taste this indulgent and be that easy? You know it’s going in my dessert rotation.
FAQ: Your Cannoli Pistachio Questions Answered
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for the pistachio filling?
Absolutely! Mascarpone makes it even more rich and authentic just keep the texture in check so it pipes well.
What is pistachio cream, and where can I buy it?
Pistachio cream is like a nutty, green version of Nutella. You can find it online or at specialty grocers. Trader Joe’s or World Market often stock it!
Can I use premade cannoli shells instead?
Totally! If you’re skipping the air fryer part, store-bought shells work great just skip to the filling and decorating steps.
Do I need a piping bag?
Not at all. A ziplock bag with the tip snipped off works just fine. Fancy tools are optional here!
How do I make these gluten-free
Grab gluten-free tortillas and make sure your pistachio cream and powdered sugar are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap in dairy-free cream cheese and heavy whipping alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be a treat!
Is this the same as traditional cannoli pistachio cream?
It’s a “cheat” version, so it’s a shortcut. But flavor-wise? You’d never know. That pistachio filling tastes like it came from Nonna’s kitchen.
How do I keep the shells from collapsing in the air fryer?
Make sure they’re wrapped tightly around the foil and pierced well with a toothpick to secure. And don’t forget to preheat!
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something sweet after dinner, or just need a little pistachio love in your life, this cheat air fryer pistachio cannelloni hits the sweet spot quick, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy. With just a few pantry ingredients and a dash of creativity, you’ll turn your kitchen into a mini Italian café.
Your cannoli pistachio filling dreams just got a whole lot easier and tastier.
Need more air fryer inspiration? You might also like our roundup of Keto Air Fryer Recipes super simple, low-carb options perfect for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients and quantities can be found directly below in the recipe card. Buon appetito! 💚
Cheat Air Fryer Pistachio Cannelloni
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Beater
- Piping Bag or Ziplock
Ingredients
Pistachio Filling
- 240 g cream cheese full fat
- 200 ml double/heavy cream
- 3 tbsp icing/powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp pistachio cream
Cannoli Shells
- 7 large tortilla wraps
- 80 g pistachios shelled and chopped
- 5-6 tbsp pistachio cream for coating and drizzling
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, pistachio cream, and icing sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour in the double cream and beat with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cut three 4-inch circles from each tortilla wrap.
- Wrap each circle around a rolled foil log and secure with a toothpick.
- Spray both the tortillas and the air fryer basket with spray oil. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes.
- Air fry 4-5 shells at a time for about 7 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool and remove foil.
- Coat the shell ends with pistachio cream, then dip into chopped pistachios.
- Fill a piping bag or ziplock with the pistachio filling. Pipe into each end of the cannoli.
- Drizzle with pistachio cream and serve immediately.