Air Fryer Hand Pies are the kind of treat that instantly transport you to a happy place—a golden, flaky crust enveloping a gooey, fruit-filled center, all ready in less than 20 minutes. This recipe is a game-changer for dessert lovers because it delivers homemade charm with just four simple ingredients, and every pie can be perfectly tailored to your favorite flavors. Bite-sized, portable, and irresistibly cute, these hand pies make for the sweetest little indulgence no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Air Fryer Hand Pies is how effortless they are to make, yet every ingredient brings something wonderful to the table. With just a handful of basics, you get maximum flavor, brilliant texture, and a pie that begs to be devoured warm and fresh.
- Refrigerated pie crust (14 oz. package): Store-bought crust makes this recipe a breeze, but feel free to use your favorite homemade version for an extra touch of love.
- Pie filling (about 2 cups/21 oz.): Whether you adore cherry, apple, peach, or any other fruit, get creative—a classic pie filling will infuse every bite with juicy flavor.
- Large egg: When beaten with a splash of water, this creates a golden, shiny finish you’ll absolutely crave.
- Water (1 teaspoon): Just a bit to mix with the egg, ensuring that picture-perfect sheen on top.
- Coarse sugar (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a sweet sparkle and crunch for that “bakery shop window” effect.
How to Make Air Fryer Hand Pies
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
First things first—preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that irresistibly crisp crust that makes Air Fryer Hand Pies so special. Starting with a hot air fryer ensures each pie puffs up and browns evenly every time.
Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Pie Rounds
While the air fryer heats up, roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3½ to 4-inch round biscuit cutter (or any similar-sized glass) to stamp out 6 or 7 rounds per crust. These perfectly sized circles will transform into adorable single-serve pies, ready for any filling that makes your heart happy.
Step 3: Add Filling
Dollop a generous tablespoon of your chosen pie filling into the center of half the rounds. If your filling features larger chunks of fruit—like apple or peach—just chop them up a bit to ensure tidy, easy-to-seal hand pies. You’re about to create something fruity, gooey, and totally crave-worthy.
Step 4: Seal the Edges
Dip your finger or a pastry brush in water and moisten the edge of the rounds topped with filling. Carefully place a plain round on top of each, then press the edges together. For that signature crimped look (and to lock in the filling), use a fork to seal all the way around—little details like this make Air Fryer Hand Pies shine, both in looks and flavor.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Whisk together your egg and teaspoon of water to make a simple egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of each pie—this is your ticket to a glossy, golden crust. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle on a dash of coarse sugar for added crunch and sparkle.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the pies in your air fryer basket, leaving just enough room between each for hot air to circulate. Air fry for 6 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches—totally worth the wait!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
When the pies are done, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. The filling will be molten hot, so give them a little time before digging in. Once they’re safe to eat, sink your teeth in and enjoy that flaky, fruity perfection.
How to Serve Air Fryer Hand Pies
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Dust your Air Fryer Hand Pies with powdered sugar, drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze, or add a dollop of whipped cream right before serving. You can even melt a bit of chocolate to zigzag over the top for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo, or serve alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and a tart, juicy contrast. They’re also just as wonderful with a frothy latte or steaming mug of hot chocolate for the coziest snack ever.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, make a batch in different shapes—try half-moons or even heart shapes for a special occasion. Stack them on a beautiful platter, or tuck them into parchment sleeves for a picnic or grab-and-go dessert bar. Air Fryer Hand Pies look as delightful as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have a few Air Fryer Hand Pies left over, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, simply pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for 3 to 4 days and stay wonderfully fresh.
Freezing
These hand pies are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when that pie craving hits.
Reheating
To bring your Air Fryer Hand Pies back to life, simply warm them in the air fryer at 320°F for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. The microwave will work in a pinch, but you won’t get that same irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pie filling for Air Fryer Hand Pies?
Absolutely! Any canned or homemade pie filling works beautifully—think apple, cherry, blueberry, peach, or even a thick jam. Feel free to experiment with flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have a round biscuit cutter?
No worries! A drinking glass with a wide rim makes an excellent substitute. Just press it firmly into the dough to cut out your pie rounds.
How do I prevent hand pies from leaking in the air fryer?
Make sure to tightly seal the edges with a fork, and don’t overfill each pie. Adding an egg wash on the edges before sealing can also help lock in every bit of that luscious filling.
Can I make these pies gluten-free?
Yes—you can use store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie dough to make these hand pies. Just handle the dough gently, as gluten-free crust tends to be a bit more delicate.
Can I make savory Air Fryer Hand Pies with this method?
Definitely! Swap the sweet filling for a savory one—think seasoned chicken, cheese, or veggies—and follow the same process. Air Fryer Hand Pies are perfect for both sweet and savory cravings.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen just how simple (and fun!) it is to whip up a batch of Air Fryer Hand Pies, I hope you feel inspired to make them soon. Whether you enjoy them warm for dessert or as a sweet surprise in the lunchbox, these little pies are sure to find a place in your regular rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintAir Fryer Hand Pies Recipe
These Air Fryer Hand Pies are a quick and easy dessert that can be customized with your favorite fillings. Made with minimal ingredients, these hand pies are ready in under 20 minutes and are perfect for a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 7 pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Refrigerated Pie Crust:
- 1 (14 oz.) package refrigerated pie crust or double pie crust recipe
Pie Filling:
- 21 ounces pie filling (about 2 cups if using homemade)
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water
Optional Topping:
- Coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the pie crusts: Roll out the pie crusts and cut out 6 to 7 rounds from each using a 3½ to 4-inch biscuit cutter.
- Add pie filling: Place a tablespoon of pie filling on half of the rounds, chop up big pieces if needed.
- Seal the pies: Moisten the edges of the filled pie crusts, place the remaining rounds on top, and seal with a fork.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and water, brush over the pies, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Cook the pies: Air fry the pies for 6 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of filling for these hand pies.
- For half-moon shaped pies, use a 5-inch round cutter and fold over the filling.
- Experiment with adding cinnamon or chocolate chips to the filling for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
