There is something truly magical about warm, flaky pastries filled with sweet, tangy cherry filling, especially when they come together quickly and effortlessly. The Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone who loves handheld desserts without the fuss of a traditional oven. Crisp on the outside and bursting with luscious cherry goodness on the inside, these hand pies are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing guests with a homemade delight that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these charming little cherry hand pies, you’ll want to gather simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the tender pie crusts that provide that satisfying flakiness, to the luscious cherry filling that offers the perfect burst of sweetness, every component works together beautifully.
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling: The heart and soul of these pies, offering vibrant color and juicy, sweet cherries with just the right hint of tartness.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts: Convenient, ready-made dough that brings flaky layers and buttery flavor in every bite.
- Water for sealing crusts: A simple helper to ensure your pies stay sealed and the filling stays inside while cooking.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, this adds a silky sweetness to finish off the pies perfectly.
- 1-3 tbsp whole milk: Adjusted to create the perfect glaze consistency that glides effortlessly over the warm pies.
- 1 & 1/2 tbsp corn syrup: Adds the glossy shine and smooth texture to the glaze that makes your hand pies look irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, bring the refrigerated pie crusts to room temperature so they’re easy to work with. Then, unroll each crust onto parchment paper and use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out as many rounds as possible. This creates the perfect base and top for each hand pie.
Step 2: Re-roll the Excess Dough
Gather the scraps of dough, press them into a ball, and roll it out evenly to the same thickness as the original dough. Cut out more rounds until you have a total of 12 circles. This ensures no dough goes to waste and you end up with enough for all your pies.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Place a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling right in the center of six of the dough rounds. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. The cherries inside will create a sweet surprise once baked.
Step 4: Create Vent Holes
On the remaining six dough circles, cut small vent holes in the center. These vents are crucial because they allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing your pies from bursting and helping the crusts to stay intact.
Step 5: Seal the Hand Pies
Lightly brush the edge of the cherry-filled rounds with water. Then, carefully place a vented dough circle on top, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp the edges by folding them slightly upward to create a tight seal that keeps the filling from leaking during frying.
Step 6: Prepare the Air Fryer
If your air fryer allows, preheat it to 350°F. Then, arrange the hand pies in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd—four will fit comfortably. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick baking spray to help achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Step 7: Cook Until Golden
Air fry the pies for about 10 minutes or until they puff up with flaky, golden crusts. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t brown too much. The result will be perfectly cooked hand pies that are crispy on the outside and oh so juicy inside.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the pies cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and corn syrup until you achieve a smooth, glossy glaze. This sweet finish enhances both appearance and flavor.
Step 9: Glaze the Warm Pies
Using a brush, coat the warm hand pies with the glaze generously. Allow the glaze to set as the pies cool further, giving them that inviting shine that makes them impossible to resist.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These hand pies are lovely on their own, but a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds can add a stunning touch. Fresh mint leaves also bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness to each serving.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream next to your warm hand pie elevates the dessert to restaurant-worthy status. For a simple breakfast twist, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pies on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates to highlight their handmade charm. For special occasions, tie each pie with a thin ribbon or place them in small parchment bags for a delightful, gift-worthy presentation. They also work wonderfully on dessert buffets or picnic spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cherry hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them but be aware the crust may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked hand pies by sealing them well and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the air fryer to ensure they’re perfectly heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the hand pies back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method crisps up the crust wonderfully without drying out the filling, bringing back that just-baked magic every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the texture and sweetness of canned pie filling. It’s a bit more work but can be rewarding with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Is it necessary to make vent holes in the top crust?
Yes, the vent holes let steam escape, preventing the pies from bursting or the crust from separating at the seams while cooking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your hand pies neat.
Can I make these hand pies vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! The basic recipe is vegetarian. For a vegan version, look for vegan pie crusts and substitute the milk in the glaze for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What if my air fryer basket is small?
No problem! You can cook the hand pies in batches so they have enough space to crisp properly. Avoid stacking or crowding, as proper air circulation is key to getting that perfect flaky crust.
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Definitely! This Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies Recipe works wonderfully with other fillings like blueberry, apple cinnamon, or even peach. Just be sure to use a thick filling to avoid soggy crusts and leaks during frying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful, quick dessert that delivers big on flavor and texture without complicated steps, the Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies Recipe is your new best friend. Once you try these, I promise you’ll want to make them again and again, sharing that warm, homemade goodness with everyone you know. So go ahead, give this recipe a spin and treat yourself to cherry hand pies that are just as fun to make as they are to eat!
