If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s simple to whip up yet guarantees that perfect balance of crisp, buttery crust and sweet, gooey filling, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe. These adorable little pies pack so much flavor and texture into each bite, making them an irresistible dessert any day of the week. Whether you’re serving guests or satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, these hand pies deliver that homemade charm with an effortless air fryer twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep it wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a critical role in delivering that delightful flaky texture and luscious filling. You probably already have most of them on hand, which makes this recipe even better for quick dessert cravings.
- Pillsbury pie crusts: Ready-made pie crusts ensure flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Pie filling of choice (cherry, lemon, key lime, etc.): Pick your favorite for that burst of vibrant sweetness or tang in every mini pie.
- Olive oil spray (EVOO): A light spray helps the crust bake golden and crisp in the air fryer without excess grease.
- Powdered sugar: Used to create a sweet glaze that adds a lovely touch of sweetness and shine.
- Milk (~1 teaspoon): Just enough to thin the powdered sugar into a smooth, spreadable glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Circles
Start by unrolling your Pillsbury pie crust and cutting out circles about 4 inches wide. A large coffee cup works perfectly as a makeshift cutter if you don’t have a round cookie cutter. This size keeps each hand pie perfectly bite-sized and easy to handle.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Place about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling right in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill; you want enough to get a burst of flavor without risking a messy leak when you seal the edges.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape, then seal the edges by gently pressing with a fork. This not only keeps the filling inside but also gives a pretty ridged edge that crisps nicely.
Step 4: Spray with Olive Oil
Give both sides of each mini hand pie a light coating of extra virgin olive oil spray. This step is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust in the air fryer, which is what makes this recipe truly special.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Place the pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Flip them over for even browning, then continue cooking for another 6 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the pies bake, mix the powdered sugar with milk until you get a thick but spreadable glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if needed — just enough to drizzle smoothly.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Once the mini pies are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, drizzle or brush the glaze over the top. This adds just the right touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to your flaky dessert bites.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top for a snow-kissed look or add a few fresh berries beside your mini pies to brighten the plate visually and add a natural touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
These mini hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing warm, flaky textures with cool creaminess for an irresistible indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pies on a rustic wooden platter or arrange them neatly on a cake stand to make an eye-catching dessert centerpiece. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your presentation effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve their flaky texture, avoid refrigeration whenever possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked mini hand pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be air fried straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover hand pies in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to revive their crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully here if you want an extra personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly to about 1/8 inch thick for the best flaky texture.
What types of fillings work best for these mini hand pies?
Almost any pie filling works well, from classic cherry and apple to something tangy like lemon or key lime. Just avoid overly watery fillings to prevent soggy crusts and leaks.
Is the air fryer necessary or can I bake these in a regular oven?
The air fryer is fantastic for quick, evenly cooked hand pies with crisp crusts, but you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 to 20 minutes if needed.
Can I make these hand pies vegan?
Yes! Use vegan pie crust and plant-based milk for the glaze, and ensure your filling contains no animal products. Olive oil spray and powdered sugar are typically vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling each pie. Using just the right amount of filling ensures a tidy, delicious result.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these quick little delights on your dessert menu. They’re perfect for any occasion, satisfying fresh cravings, and impressing friends with minimal effort. So grab your pie crust and favorite filling, and get ready to enjoy a warm, flaky bite of joy in no time.
Print
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
Delight in these quick and flaky Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies, perfect bite-sized desserts ready in just 12 minutes. Using pre-made pie crusts and your favorite pie filling, these charming treats are air-fried to golden perfection and finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an irresistible sweet bite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package Pillsbury pie crusts
Filling
- Pie filling of choice (cherry, lemon, key lime, etc.) – about 1 to 1½ tablespoons per pie
Finishing
- Olive oil spray (extra virgin olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ~1 teaspoon milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Cut Pie Crust Circles: Roll out the pie crust dough and use a 4-inch round cutter or a large coffee cup to cut out circles evenly.
- Add Filling: Place 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling in the center of each dough circle, ensuring not to overfill.
- Seal the Pies: Fold each circle in half over the filling and securely crimp the edges with a fork to seal and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray both sides of each hand pie with olive oil spray to help create a golden, crispy crust.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the pies in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip them gently and cook for an additional 6 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While pies cool slightly, combine powdered sugar with approximately 1 teaspoon of milk, stirring until a thick glaze forms.
- Glaze the Pies: Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm hand pies for a sweet finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overfill the pies to prevent filling leakage during air frying.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket if your model tends to stick, but avoid blocking air circulation.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle.
- These mini hand pies can be customized with any favorite pie filling, including fruit jams, preserves, or custards.
- Allow pies to cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting the icing.
