Craving cannoli but don’t have the time, patience, or desire to deep fry? These Cheat Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli are a brilliant, shortcut version of the Italian classic—crisp, creamy, and irresistibly nutty, with a fraction of the effort.
By swapping out traditional pastry dough for flour tortillas and using your air fryer to crisp the shells, you get all the crunch without the mess. And the filling? A luscious blend of cream cheese, pistachio cream, and whipped cream, finished with chopped pistachios for texture and extra flavor.
Whether you’re making dessert for guests or just treating yourself, this easy recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Shells:
- 2–3 large flour tortilla wraps (makes about 8–10 shells)
- Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray
- Aluminum foil (for shaping)
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing)
For the Pistachio Cream Filling:
- 250g (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 100ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream (or double cream)
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 3 tbsp pistachio cream (pistachio spread)
For Assembly & Garnish:
- 3 tbsp extra pistachio cream (for spreading on shells and optional drizzle)
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and pistachio cream, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whip using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (it should hold soft peaks).
- Place in the fridge to chill while you make the shells.
2. Make the Cannoli Shells
- Use a round cutter (about 10cm or 4 inches) to cut circles from the flour tortillas. You should get 3–4 rounds per tortilla.
- Take pieces of foil and roll them into log shapes to form molds (roughly the thickness of a finger). Wrap each tortilla circle around a foil log and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Lightly spray both the tortilla wraps and air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (370°F) for 5 minutes.
- Place the wrapped tortillas in the air fryer basket (4–5 at a time, depending on your air fryer size).
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and cool completely before carefully removing the foil molds.
3. Assemble the Cannoli
- Spread a thin layer of pistachio cream around both ends of each shell.
- Roll the ends in chopped pistachios for that signature look and crunch.
- Transfer the chilled filling to a piping bag (or a zip-lock bag with the tip snipped).
- Pipe the filling into both sides of the shell until full.
- Optional: Drizzle a little extra pistachio cream over the top for flair.
4. Serve Immediately
- Cannoli are best enjoyed fresh, before the filling softens the shell.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired and serve with espresso
Pro Tips
- Do not overfill in advance. Fill the shells just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- Make ahead tip: The shells and filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored separately (shells in an airtight container, filling refrigerated).
- No pistachio cream? Substitute with Nutella, almond butter, or your favorite sweet spread for variety.
- Want it sweeter? Taste your filling and add more powdered sugar as needed.
- Going gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free tortillas.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional cannoli involve pastry dough, frying, and special molds. This version simplifies everything:
- Tortilla shells save time and require no dough prep.
- Air fryer means less oil, less mess, and quicker cook time.
- Pistachio cream brings a gourmet flair that elevates the dessert.
- Cream cheese filling is stable, smooth, and pipeable—no runny ricotta issues here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes! Mascarpone will give an even silkier texture but may be a bit looser. You can balance it by chilling well before piping.
How long do they last after assembling?
They’re best within 30–60 minutes. After that, the shells begin to soften.
Can I freeze the filling?
Freezing isn’t recommended—it may affect the texture. It’s best freshly made or kept chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Final Thoughts
These Cheat Air Fryer Pistachio Cannoli are proof that shortcuts can still deliver decadence. With crispy tortilla shells, creamy pistachio filling, and a crunchy nutty topping, this recipe ticks all the boxes: easy, quick, beautiful, and incredibly delicious.
Perfect for parties, date nights, or even weekday dessert cravings, they’ll impress every time without keeping you in the kitchen all day.