In order to elucidate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO₂) enrichment on fruit development and quality of cherry tomato, a new strategy of CO₂ enrichment by composting crop residues and animal manures directly in the tunnel was used on the fruits of“Shentong”, a variety of cherry tomato collected at four typical developmental stages. Then the effects of CO₂ enrichment on fruit development, as well as visual, flavor and nutritional quality of cherry tomato fruits at typical developmental stages were investigated. The results showed that CO₂ enrichment promoted the development of vertical diameter and transverse diameter, and mass of cherry tomato fruits. As for flavor quality, the contents of soluble solids, soluble sugar, and titratable acidity, as well as the ratio of sugar to acid were significantly higher in the CO₂ enrichment group than the control group. Furthermore, the CO₂ enrichment significantly increased the contents of nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids, thus improving the nutritional quality of cherry tomato fruits. In summary, CO₂ enrichment promotes the growth, and improves the exterior, flavor and nutritional quality of cherry tomato fruits. Therefore, CO₂ enrichment is of great application prospect in cherry tomato production.