Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates Recipe
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If you love bite-sized appetizers that are bursting with contrasting flavors and textures, then you are going to adore these Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with creamy, molten brie cheese and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. The magic happens when the dates are air fried just long enough for the cheese to soften perfectly, creating an irresistible, gooey center that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs and sea salt, these stuffed dates are elegantly simple yet incredibly impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly easy for this recipe, but each item brings something special to the table. From the luscious creaminess of brie to the rich, chewy dates and crunchy walnuts, every component plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- 12 Natural Delights® Whole Medjool Dates: These large, naturally sweet dates give you that perfect caramel-like flavor and soft texture that pairs wonderfully with cheese.
- 4 oz brie cheese: Cut into 12 small slices (about 1 tsp each) to melt beautifully inside each date, adding a luscious creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunchy contrast and a hint of earthiness to balance the sweet and creamy elements.
- Honey: For drizzling, this amplifies sweetness while lending a golden gleam to each bite.
- Flakey sea salt: A sprinkle that enhances all the flavors by adding a subtle savory touch and a little crunch.
- Chopped sage (or thyme): Fresh herbs bring a lovely pop of color and a fragrant, slightly savory note that rounds out the dish.
- OPTIONAL: crushed red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a gentle kick, these add an exciting dimension without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by setting your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will get the dates warm enough to soften the brie perfectly without overcooking or scorching the outsides. The preheating step is essential to achieving that ideal gooey center quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dates
Carefully split each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit inside. This creates the perfect little pocket for stuffing. Handling the dates gently will keep their natural shape intact, making the final presentation look neat and inviting.
Step 3: Stuff the Dates
Take a small slice of brie cheese (about 1 teaspoon) and tuck it right inside each pitted date. Then, gently press a few chopped walnuts into the cheese, ensuring every stuffed date has that delightful crunchy surprise tucked inside. This layering of textures is what really takes the Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates to the next level.
Step 4: Air Fry the Stuffed Dates
Arrange the prepared dates in a single layer inside the air fryer basket so they cook evenly. Air fry them for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough time for the brie to melt and become deliciously gooey without the dates becoming too soft. Keep an eye on the process to avoid overcooking, as the Cheese softness is the star here.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the air fryer, transfer the dates to a serving plate and immediately drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness and shine. Finally, sprinkle flakey sea salt, chopped sage (or thyme), and if you like a hint of heat, crushed red pepper flakes. These garnishes add layers of flavor and make the dish look as fabulous as it tastes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates
Garnishes
Choosing the right garnishes elevates this appetizer delightfully. Chopped sage or thyme adds fresh, herbal brightness, while flaky sea salt enhances the sweet and creamy balance. A light drizzle of honey deepens the natural flavors, and crushed red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of warmth for those who enjoy a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
These Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a platter of fresh fruit for a light, elegant starter. They also complement a cheese board featuring cured meats, nuts, and crusty bread perfectly, making them ideal for cocktail parties or festive gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation memorable by arranging the stuffed dates on a rustic wooden board lined with fresh herbs. Serve with small forks or cocktail picks for ease, and add tiny bowls of extra honey or crushed red pepper flakes so guests can customize their bites. They also look stunning served atop endives or curled around slices of prosciutto for a fancier touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, but to enjoy that perfect ooey-gooey cheese, it’s best to reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
Freezing these stuffed dates is possible but not ideal due to the texture changes in creamy brie and juicy dates. If you choose to freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm the refrigerated Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates, use the air fryer again at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese softens. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dates overly mushy and unevenly heat the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can try camembert or a soft goat cheese. Just choose something that melts well to keep that luscious gooey center.
Are there alternatives to walnuts if someone has allergies?
Yes, you can swap walnuts for chopped almonds, pecans, or simply omit the nuts if needed. Each option offers a slightly different crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or dietary restrictions.
What size Medjool dates work best?
Look for large, plump Medjool dates, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long, for easier stuffing. Smaller dates may still work but could be trickier to fill and contain less cheese.
Can I prepare the dates ahead of time before air frying?
Yes! You can stuff the dates a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When ready, air fry them just before serving to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and fresh.
What should I serve these with at a party?
Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates are fantastic on their own as finger food, but they also shine alongside a charcuterie board, light salads, or crisp white wine. Their sweet and savory profile pairs beautifully with many party staples.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates, they will quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers. They are simple, fast, and bring such an exciting combination of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive occasion, these little gems are guaranteed to impress and delight your guests. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
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Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Air Fryer Brie Stuffed Dates, a perfect blend of sweet Medjool dates, creamy brie cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey. This easy-to-make appetizer combines rich flavors and textures, elevated with fresh sage and a hint of sea salt, ready in minutes using your air fryer.
Ingredients
Dates & Cheese
- 12 Natural Delights® Whole Medjool Dates
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 small slices (about 1 tsp each)
Nuts & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Honey, for drizzling
- Flakey sea salt, for garnish
- Chopped sage or thyme, for garnish
- OPTIONAL: crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat for the best cooking results.
- Prepare Dates: Carefully split each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit to create space for the stuffing.
- Stuff Dates: Insert a slice of brie cheese into each date, then gently press a few pieces of chopped walnuts into the cheese for added crunch and flavor.
- Air Fry: Place the stuffed dates in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the brie softens and becomes gooey, watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add Toppings: Remove the dates from the air fryer, then lightly drizzle honey over each. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt and chopped sage or thyme. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle kick.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed dates immediately while warm and gooey to enjoy the full flavor and texture combination.
Notes
- Use whole Medjool dates for natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Ensure the brie is at room temperature for easier stuffing and better melting.
- Adjust cook time slightly depending on your air fryer model to avoid overcooking.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for variation.
- For a vegan alternative, use plant-based cheese and a honey substitute like maple syrup.
- Serve as an appetizer or part of a cheese board for entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Air fryer stuffed dates, Brie cheese appetizer, Medjool dates recipe, easy air fryer appetizers, sweet and savory snacks
