Air Fryer Pie Pockets

Air Fryer Hand Pies are a truly delightful invention – golden, wonderfully flaky, and perfectly portable. Imagine a warm, sweet treat with a crisp crust that comes together with incredible speed and minimal effort, right in your air fryer! These individual pies are not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to fill them with your favorite sweet ingredients for a customized dessert experience. They bake up beautifully, achieving that coveted golden-brown perfection without the need to preheat a large oven, making them an energy-efficient and convenient option for any time of day.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast pastry, a quick dessert after dinner, or a satisfying snack, these hand pies fit the bill perfectly. Their compact size makes them ideal for on-the-go enjoyment, and the ease of customization means you can experiment with endless filling possibilities. From classic apple to various berry combinations or even chocolate, the air fryer transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat. With minimal prep time and a rapid cooking cycle, Air Fryer Hand Pies are set to become a staple in your recipe collection, offering a simple yet profoundly delicious solution for your sweet cravings.

We’ve always been fans of classic Easy Fried Apple Pies, but the convenience and crispness achieved in the air fryer encouraged us to adapt this beloved recipe. The results were an absolute triumph, quickly becoming one of our most cherished air fryer recipes. The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air evenly, creating a crispy exterior reminiscent of deep-frying but with significantly less oil, making these hand pies a guilt-free indulgence.

Why You’ll Adore These Air Fryer Hand Pies

There are countless reasons why these Air Fryer Hand Pies will quickly become a household favorite. Their undeniable charm lies in a combination of simplicity, speed, and sensational taste that makes them stand out as a truly exceptional treat. Here’s why we’re so passionate about them:

• Effortless Preparation with Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create these incredible hand pies. Just a few basic pantry staples are all it takes to whip up a batch of sweet, flaky pastries. This makes them accessible for everyday baking and perfect for those moments when a sweet craving strikes without much planning. The beauty lies in their straightforward ingredient list, proving that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated.
• Lightning-Fast and Convenient: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. These air fryer hand pies are designed for speed and convenience, making them perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go breakfast or for last-minute dessert emergencies. The air fryer drastically cuts down on cooking time compared to a conventional oven, delivering perfectly baked pies in mere minutes, freeing up your valuable time.
• Unbeatable Texture Perfection: Experience the ultimate textural delight with every bite. The air fryer works wonders, creating a golden, undeniably flaky exterior that shatters beautifully, contrasting with a soft, warm, and gooey sweet filling inside. This perfect balance of crispness and tenderness is what makes these hand pies so incredibly satisfying and addictive. It’s a texture profile that mimics traditional fried pies but with a lighter feel.
• The Ultimate Portable Treat: Their individual size and self-contained nature make these hand pies inherently portable. They are an excellent choice for breakfast on the go, a charming addition to packed lunches, or a fun, easy-to-eat snack for picnics and road trips. No plates or forks required – just pure, delicious convenience in the palm of your hand.
• Incredibly Versatile for Endless Customization: While the apple filling is a classic, the possibilities for customization are truly limitless. You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite fruits, chocolate, creamy fillings, or other sweet ingredients. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy a different flavor experience every time you make them, catering to various tastes and seasonal ingredients. Let your creativity run wild!

These delightful hand pies are absolutely divine on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, serving them with a scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream creates a warm-cold contrast that is simply heavenly. For an extra layer of indulgence, a drizzle of Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce makes for a fantastic dipping option, adding richness and depth to the sweet fruit filling.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hand Pies

Crafting these delicious air fryer hand pies requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, proving that you don’t need a complex list to achieve extraordinary flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Refrigerated Store-bought Pie Crusts: This is the ultimate shortcut for convenience and speed. Using pre-made, refrigerated pie crusts dramatically cuts down on preparation time, making this recipe accessible even on the busiest days. These crusts provide a consistently flaky and tender base for your hand pies, ensuring perfect results every time without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Look for brands that come in a roll, making them easy to unroll and cut.
• Apple Pie Filling: The heart of our hand pies! Whether you opt for a high-quality store-bought filling or a luscious homemade version, apple pie filling works beautifully. Store-bought options offer incredible convenience and consistent flavor, while homemade filling allows for custom spice blends and fruit textures. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s not overly watery to prevent sogginess. A good quality filling provides that classic, comforting apple pie taste.
• Large Egg: An essential component for the egg wash. A single large egg, when whisked with a touch of water, creates a golden, glossy finish on your hand pies as they cook in the air fryer. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also contributes to a slightly crisper crust and helps seal the edges.
• Powdered Sugar: The foundation for our simple yet delectable glaze. Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) dissolves easily to create a smooth, sweet topping. It’s important to sift the powdered sugar if it appears lumpy to ensure a silky-smooth glaze that drizzles perfectly over your cooled pies, adding a final touch of sweetness and shine.
• Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze. While whole milk is often preferred for its richer taste and slightly thicker consistency, any type of milk you have on hand – whether it’s 2%, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative – will work effectively for creating the glaze. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Pies

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making Air Fryer Hand Pies is their incredible adaptability. While apple pie filling is a timeless classic, these pies serve as a perfect canvas for a myriad of sweet fillings and toppings. Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with different flavors to suit your preferences or what’s in season. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next batch:

• Delightful Pie Filling Alternatives: The world of fruit fillings is vast and delicious! Beyond apple, consider these delectable options:
  • Homemade Cherry Pie Filling: Offers a vibrant color and a delightful sweet-tart flavor that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The juiciness of cherries pairs wonderfully with the flaky crust.
  • Strawberry Pie Filling: Sweet and fragrant, strawberry filling brings a taste of summer. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries, lightly sweetened and thickened.
  • Blueberry Filling: Bursting with flavor, blueberries create a rich, deep purple filling that is both comforting and delicious. A hint of lemon zest can really make the blueberries sing.
  • Peach Filling: Soft, sweet, and incredibly aromatic, peach filling is perfect for a summery treat. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
  • Mixed Berry: Combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a complex, juicy, and beautiful filling that offers a medley of flavors.
  • Chocolate or Nutella: For a decadent twist, fill your hand pies with a spoonful of chocolate chips, a rich chocolate ganache, or a creamy hazelnut spread like Nutella. These options are particularly popular with kids and chocolate lovers.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: A sweetened cream cheese mixture can provide a rich, tangy counterpoint to the flaky crust, especially delicious with a fruit compote swirled in.
• Creative Topping Ideas: The glaze is wonderful, but there are many other ways to finish your hand pies:
  • Classic Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a simpler, elegant finish, forgo the glaze and simply sprinkle a generous amount of powdered sugar over the cooled pies. It provides a subtle sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar Crunch: Before air frying, brush the pies with egg wash and then sprinkle them generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This creates a delightful crunchy, spiced topping that caramelizes slightly during cooking.
  • Turbinado Sugar: For a coarser, sparkly crunch, sprinkle turbinado sugar (raw sugar) on top of the egg-washed pies before cooking.
  • Lemon Glaze: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to your powdered sugar and milk glaze for a bright, tangy kick that beautifully complements fruit fillings.
  • Nut Topping: After glazing, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a white glaze, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled hand pies for a rich, indulgent finish.

Step By Step Instructions for Air Fryer Hand Pies

Making these golden, flaky Air Fryer Hand Pies is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your pies turn out perfectly every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash. In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with one tablespoon of water until well combined. This mixture will be used to brush the tops of your hand pies, giving them a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts. First, allow your refrigerated pie crusts to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, which makes them easier to work with and prevents cracking. Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll them out slightly thinner if desired. Next, use a 4-inch circular cookie cutter or a small round bowl as a guide to cut out as many small circles as possible from each pie crust. Re-roll any scraps to cut out additional circles until all dough is used.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Filling. Take half of your pie dough circles and arrange them on your workstation. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the apple pie filling onto the center of each circle. It’s crucial to leave about a ½-inch edge around the outside of the filling. This space is essential for sealing the pies effectively and preventing the filling from oozing out during cooking. Do not overfill, as this can lead to messy pies.

Step 4: Fold, Seal, and Vent the Pies. Carefully place the remaining pie dough circles on top of the circles with filling, creating a pocket. Gently fold each filled pie crust circle in half to form a neat half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press the edges firmly together, or for a decorative and secure seal, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork. This ensures the filling remains inside. Finally, use a small, sharp knife to cut a small ‘X’ or a few slits into the top center of each prepared pie. These vents are vital for allowing steam to escape during air frying, preventing the crust from becoming soggy and ensuring even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying. Before placing the pies, lightly rub the air fryer basket with olive oil or use a spray olive oil to prevent the hand pies from sticking. Avoid non-stick aerosol sprays, as they can cause residue build-up over time. Arrange the prepared hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Brush the top of each hand pie generously with the egg wash mixture prepared in Step 1. This will give them a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Air Fry the Hand Pies. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Carefully place the basket with the pies into the air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the pies are beautifully golden brown and the crust appears flaky and cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking process. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze and Cool the Pies. While the pies are air frying and then cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Once the hand pies are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool is crucial, as it allows the filling to set and prevents the glaze from melting or sliding off.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve. Once the hand pies have cooled to room temperature, use a pastry brush or a spoon to generously brush or drizzle the prepared glaze over the top of each pie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes. Then, your delicious Air Fryer Hand Pies are ready to be served and enjoyed! They are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored as directed in the FAQ section.

Expert Tips for Air Frying Hand Pies

Achieving perfectly golden and flaky Air Fryer Hand Pies is easy when you follow a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you maximize the efficiency of your air fryer and ensure your hand pies turn out beautifully every time, avoiding common pitfalls and enhancing your baking experience.

• Steer Clear of Aerosol Non-Stick Sprays: It’s crucial to avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays (like Pam) directly in your air fryer basket. Over time, these sprays can leave a sticky, difficult-to-remove residue that can degrade the non-stick coating of your basket and affect its performance. Instead, opt for brushing the basket lightly with a high-heat cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, or use a pump-style oil mister for even application. This ensures your pies won’t stick without damaging your appliance.
• Cook in Smaller Batches for Best Results: To guarantee even cooking and optimal browning, it’s vital not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook the hand pies in multiple batches. Placing them in a single layer with enough space around each allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring every pie gets perfectly crispy and cooked through. Overcrowding can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked pies.
• Mindful Filling: Avoid Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to pack your hand pies with as much delicious filling as possible, resist the urge to overfill them. A moderate amount of filling (about 1 tablespoon per pie) is ideal. Overfilling can cause the pie crusts to burst during cooking, leading to messy leaks and a less attractive finished product. Always ensure a ½-inch border around the filling for a proper seal.
• Ensure a Secure Seal on Edges: The key to preventing your sweet filling from oozing out during air frying is to seal the edges of your hand pies thoroughly. After folding the crusts, press the edges firmly together with your fingers. For an extra secure and visually appealing crimp, use the tines of a fork to create a decorative seal all around the pie. This step is critical for containing the filling and maintaining the pie’s shape.
• Monitor Cooking: Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers can vary significantly in their heating elements and fan power. What takes 10 minutes in one model might take 8 or 12 in another. Therefore, it’s always a good practice to start checking your hand pies a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. This proactive approach helps prevent over-browning or burning, allowing you to achieve that perfect golden hue. Adjust cooking time for subsequent batches if necessary.
• Allow for Proper Cooling Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to glazing. After removing the hot hand pies from the air fryer, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool for at least 15-20 minutes, or even completely. This cooling period is essential for the fruit filling to set and firm up. Glazing hot pies will cause the glaze to melt, run off, and create a sticky mess rather than a smooth, even coating. A cooled pie allows the glaze to adhere beautifully and set properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Hand Pies

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Air Fryer Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time and that you can enjoy them to their fullest.

More Delectable Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that excels at creating crispy, perfectly cooked desserts with minimal fuss. If you enjoyed these hand pies, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic air fryer sweet treats:

• Air Fryer Peach Cobbler: A warm, comforting dessert with juicy peaches and a tender, golden topping.
• 39 Best Air Fryer Cookies: A comprehensive collection of cookie recipes perfectly adapted for your air fryer.
• Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: Enjoy lighter, less greasy donuts that are still delightfully soft and fluffy.
• Air Fryer Churros: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these churros are a quick and easy indulgence.
• Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread: A moist and flavorful banana bread that bakes beautifully in the air fryer.
• Air Fryer Bananas: A simple, healthy, and caramelized dessert perfect on its own or with ice cream.

Your family and friends are bound to be impressed once you bring these easy and delicious Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies to the table. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking can create something truly special. We encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with your favorite fillings, and savor every golden, flaky bite. Please come back and leave a star recipe rating and comment to share your experience!

Air Fryer Hand Pies

Air Fryer Hand Pies are incredibly easy to make with only a few ingredients. The flaky crust and delicious sweet filling combine to create an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

35 mins

Servings
6

Cuisine
American

Course
Dessert

Calories
433

Author
Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Refrigerated Pie Crusts (2 crusts – 14.1 ounces)
• 1 cup Apple Pie Filling (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Milk

Instructions

1. Beat the egg with the water in a small bowl and set aside for the egg wash.
2. Allow the refrigerated pie crusts to come to room temperature for easier handling.
3. Roll out the pie crusts slightly if desired. Use a 4-inch circular cookie cutter or a round bowl to cut out small circles from the pie crusts.
4. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling onto the center of half of the circles, ensuring a ½-inch edge around the outside.
5. Fold over each of the filled pie crusts to form a half-circle shape. Seal the edges together firmly with your fingers or by crimping with a fork.
6. Use a small knife to cut a small ‘X’ or a few slits into the top center of each prepared pie to allow steam to escape.
7. Lightly rub the air fryer basket with olive oil or use a spray olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol non-stick sprays.
8. Working in batches if necessary, place the pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash mixture.
9. Air fry the pies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Carefully remove the cooked pies from the basket to a wire rack to cool completely. Continue this process until all pies are cooked.
11. While the pies are cooling, stir together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until a smooth glaze forms.
12. Once the pies have cooled completely, brush the glaze evenly on top of each pie.
13. Serve and enjoy these tasty Air Fryer Hand Pies!

Recipe Notes

To protect your air fryer basket’s non-stick coating and prevent residue build-up, please do not use aerosol non-stick cooking sprays. Instead, we highly recommend using a spray olive oil or lightly rubbing olive oil into the basket of your air fryer.

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
433kcal
,

Carbohydrates
63g
,

Protein
5g
,

Fat
18g
,

Saturated Fat
6g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
,

Monounsaturated Fat
8g
,

Trans Fat
0.003g
,

Cholesterol
28mg
,

Sodium
302mg
,

Potassium
100mg
,

Fiber
2g
,

Sugar
25g
,

Vitamin A
58IU
,

Vitamin C
1mg
,

Calcium
25mg
,

Iron
2mg