If you are looking for a delightful treat that’s quick to whip up and perfectly portable, look no further than these Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe. With a golden, flaky crust hugging your choice of luscious pie filling, these mini pies offer that cozy homemade charm without the fuss of a full-sized pie. The air fryer ensures a beautifully crisp finish in just minutes, making these sweet little bites an irresistible solution for last-minute desserts, party snacks, or just a charming indulgence any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe depends on just a few simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in getting that ideal texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you get started.
- Pillsbury pie crusts: This pre-made crust takes the guesswork out of dough preparation and guarantees flaky, buttery layers with minimal effort.
- Pie filling of choice (cherry, lemon, key lime, etc.): Pick your favorite fruit filling to bring a burst of sweetness and personality to each hand pie.
- Olive oil spray (EVOO): A light coating ensures a crisp, golden finish when air-fried without weighing down the crust.
- Powdered sugar: Used to create a sweet glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch and extra flavor.
- Milk: Just a small amount helps achieve the perfect consistency for the glaze to drizzle or brush easily over the pies.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Circles
Start by rolling out your Pillsbury pie crust onto a clean surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter or simply a large coffee cup to cut out neat circles. These will become the base for your mini pies, so try to keep them uniform to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Add Your Filling
Place about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling right in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling might leak during cooking, but do add enough for a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Gently fold each circle in half, creating a half-moon shape. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly, sealing the pies tightly and giving them that classic hand pie look. This step helps lock in the filling and prevents it from escaping while cooking.
Step 4: Lightly Coat with Olive Oil Spray
Spray both sides of each hand pie lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This simple step ensures the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a satisfyingly crisp texture once air-fried.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the sealed hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow hot air circulation. Cook at 350°F for 6 minutes, then flip carefully to the other side and cook for an additional 6 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust looks golden and flaky.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the pies cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and about 1 teaspoon of milk. Adjust the milk as necessary until the glaze reaches a thick but drizzlable consistency. This glaze will add a lovely sweetness and glossy finish to your hand pies.
Step 7: Glaze Your Mini Hand Pies
Once the mini pies have cooled just enough to handle, drizzle or brush the glaze gently over the tops. This finishing touch adds charm and a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the flaky crust and fruity filling.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies even more inviting, sprinkle a bit of extra powdered sugar or finely chopped fresh mint leaves on top. You can also add a few edible flowers to bring a burst of color and a festive vibe perfect for parties or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These mini hand pies shine on their own but can be wonderfully complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries on the side to elevate the flavors and make your dessert spread even more delightful and irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter to make them pop visually. If you’re entertaining, stack them pyramid-style or offer individual boxes for guests to take home their own quick & flaky dessert bites. Presentation is key for creating memorable dessert moments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mini hand pies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but keep in mind this might slightly soften the crisp crust.
Freezing
You can freeze these hand pies before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive the crispness, reheat the pies in your air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works beautifully if you want that extra personal touch. Just ensure your dough is rolled out evenly and chilled before cutting and filling to get the best flaky results.
What types of pie fillings work best?
Fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, apple, lemon curd, and key lime are excellent choices. Just avoid very watery fillings as they can make the crust soggy and cause leaks during cooking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes at the cooking temperature can help the hand pies cook more evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
Can I make these mini hand pies savory instead of sweet?
Definitely! Swap out the sweet filling for savory options like cheese and spinach or seasoned ground beef to make delicious appetizers. Adjust cooking times accordingly and skip the glaze for a perfect savory bite.
Are these hand pies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses Pillsbury pie crust, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free pie crust if you want to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying these tasty treats.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about homemade treats that come together quickly, taste fantastic, and impress anyone who tries them. This Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe. Whether you’re a dessert novice or a seasoned baker, these mini pies are sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Give them a go, customize with your favorite fillings, and enjoy every flaky, sweet bite!
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Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies are quick and easy to make, featuring flaky Pillsbury pie crust filled with your choice of sweet fruit filling. Perfect as bite-sized desserts, they cook to golden perfection in just 12 minutes, and are finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package Pillsbury pie crusts
Filling
- Pie filling of choice (cherry, lemon, key lime, etc.), 1 to 1½ tablespoons per pie
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray (extra virgin olive oil), as needed for spraying
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Approximately 1 teaspoon milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crust on a clean surface and use a 4-inch round cutter or a large coffee cup to cut out circles.
- Add Filling: Place 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal the Pies: Fold each circle over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.
- Oil the Pies: Lightly spray both sides of each hand pie with extra virgin olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during cooking.
- Air Fry: Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 6 minutes, then flip each pie and cook for an additional 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a thick glazing consistency, adjusting the milk as needed.
- Glaze the Pies: Once the hand pies have cooled slightly, drizzle or brush the powdered sugar glaze over the top for added sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- Use any store-bought pie filling flavor you prefer, such as cherry, blueberry, lemon, or key lime.
- Ensure the pies are sealed properly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding and promote even cooking.
- The glaze can be omitted or replaced with a dusting of powdered sugar if preferred.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for best texture retention.
