Welcome to your new favorite quick-and-easy handheld treat! These Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience, offering a burst of fruity flavor in a perfectly portioned package. Ideal for a last-minute craving, a weeknight indulgence, or a fun gathering, these individual pies come together with incredible speed, thanks to the magic of your air fryer.
Delicious & Easy Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies: Your New Favorite Dessert!
If you’re anything like me, your air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries or chicken wings – it’s a versatile kitchen marvel that can revolutionize your dessert game! Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite air fryer creations: incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Blueberry Hand Pies. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, requiring just a few common ingredients and very little time, making it an ideal choice for an after-dinner treat or when you need something sweet in a hurry.
Each flaky, golden-brown hand pie is generously filled with luscious blueberry goodness and then brushed with a silky, sweet powdered sugar glaze, ensuring every bite is packed with irresistible flavor. Forget long baking times and complex preparations; these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies deliver all the comfort and joy of traditional pie, but in a fraction of the time. Get ready to discover your next go-to dessert!
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Desserts (Especially Hand Pies!)
The air fryer has transformed kitchens around the world, known for its ability to create crispy textures with less oil. But its capabilities extend far beyond savory dishes. When it comes to desserts, particularly individual portions like hand pies, the air fryer truly shines. Its compact size and powerful convection heating mean faster preheating and significantly reduced cooking times compared to a conventional oven. This efficiency results in beautifully golden, flaky crusts that are evenly cooked without hot spots, delivering a consistently perfect finish every time. Plus, cooking smaller batches means you can enjoy fresh, warm pies more often without heating up your entire kitchen.
For hand pies specifically, the air fryer provides that delightful crispy exterior and tender, juicy filling that makes them so satisfying. It’s the ultimate tool for achieving that coveted ‘fried’ texture without the mess or added calories of deep-frying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, the air fryer simplifies the process, making gourmet-tasting desserts accessible to everyone. So, if you haven’t yet ventured into air fryer desserts, these Blueberry Hand Pies are the perfect, irresistible introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Hand Pies
Absolutely! While refrigerated pie crusts offer incredible convenience, making your own homemade pie crust from scratch can elevate the flavor and texture of your hand pies to a truly artisanal level. If you have a trusted family recipe or simply enjoy the process of baking from scratch, feel free to use it. Just remember that you’ll need enough dough for two crusts – one for the base and one for the top of each hand pie. A standard double pie crust recipe should yield enough for approximately 10-12 hand pies, depending on the size of your cutter.
Yes, homemade pie filling is a fantastic way to customize your hand pies and ensure the freshest, most vibrant flavors. Whipping up a batch of blueberry pie filling is surprisingly easy and often uses simple ingredients like fresh or frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a thickener. If you have a beloved homemade blueberry pie filling recipe, it will work wonderfully here. Alternatively, you can find many excellent recipes online or even adapt a classic pie filling recipe to your taste, making sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape within the hand pie. Using fresh, seasonal blueberries will give you the best results!
The powdered sugar glaze adds a lovely touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen, but it’s certainly not your only option! For a simpler finish, you can sprinkle the warm hand pies with coarse sugar before or after air frying for a delightful sparkle and slight crunch. Another popular method is to brush the tops with water, milk, or an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water or milk) before cooking. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture. You could also dust them with a light coating of plain powdered sugar after cooling for a classic, elegant look.
This is one of the best aspects of this recipe – its incredible versatility! You can easily swap out the blueberry filling for almost any other fruit pie filling you desire. Some popular and delicious alternatives include apple, cherry, peach, or even lemon for a zesty twist. You could also experiment with seasonal fruits like raspberry or mixed berry. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny, as this can make the pies difficult to seal and prone to leakage during cooking. If using a very juicy fruit, you might want to pre-cook it slightly or add a bit more cornstarch to thicken it.
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the efficiency of the air fryer, these delicious hand pies can certainly be baked in a conventional oven. To do so, simply preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the prepared hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake them for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and flaky. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The result will be just as delightful, though the air fryer might offer a slightly crispier finish and faster cooking time.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat and enjoy them as if they were freshly made, you have a few options: a quick zap in the microwave will warm them through, but for the best texture, I recommend popping them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) or in a toaster oven until warmed and re-crisped. This will bring back that wonderful flaky crust!
Essential Ingredients for Your Blueberry Hand Pies
Creating these delightful air fryer blueberry hand pies requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. Simplicity is key to this quick recipe, ensuring you can whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes!
Ingredients Needed:
- Blueberry pie filling (one 21-ounce can recommended for convenience)
- Refrigerated pie crust (one double-crust package)
- Water (for sealing the crusts)
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- Whole milk (for the glaze)
- Light corn syrup (for the glaze, optional but adds a nice sheen)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies
Follow these simple instructions to create perfect, flaky blueberry hand pies in your air fryer. The process is quick, easy, and yields delicious results every time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Pie Crusts. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a specific preheat function, simply run it at the specified temperature for about 3-5 minutes. For best results, allow your refrigerated pie crusts to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before unrolling. This makes them more pliable and prevents cracking. Unroll one pie crust at a time onto a clean surface that’s either lightly floured or lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cut Out Pie Circles. Using a 4-inch round cutter (a biscuit cutter works perfectly), cut out circular pieces from your pie crust. For an extra touch of charm, consider using a fluted biscuit cutter to create decorative edges. Repeat this process with the second pie crust. From one double-crust package, you should be able to get a total of 10-12 pie crust circles. You can re-roll the scraps gently once to get a few more circles if needed.
Step 3: Add the Blueberry Filling. Take half of the pie crust circles you’ve cut out, and place a generous tablespoon of blueberry pie filling directly in the center of each one. Be mindful not to overfill, leaving a clear border around the edge of the crust, which will be essential for proper sealing. This border ensures your delicious filling stays securely inside the pie during cooking.
Step 4: Create Vents in the Top Crusts. With the remaining half of your pie crust circles (these will be the tops of your hand pies), use a small sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits in the center of each. These slits are crucial as they act as vents, allowing steam to escape during the cooking process. This prevents the pies from bursting and helps achieve a beautifully flaky crust while ensuring the filling cooks evenly.
Step 5: Prepare for Sealing. Lightly brush the edges of the pie crust circles that contain the blueberry filling with a small amount of water. This creates a tacky surface, acting as a natural adhesive to help the top crust adhere securely to the bottom. This step is vital for ensuring your hand pies remain perfectly sealed throughout the air frying process, preventing any delicious filling from escaping.
Step 6: Assemble the Hand Pies. Carefully place one of the vented pie crust circles directly over a pie crust base with blueberry filling. Gently stretch the top crust if necessary to ensure it aligns perfectly with the edges of the bottom crust, creating a neat, even pie. Take your time with this step to ensure a good fit.
Step 7: Seal the Edges. Once the top crust is in place, firmly press around the entire circumference of the pie edges with your fingers or a fork to seal the two crusts together. For an extra secure seal and a decorative finish, you can then gently curl or crimp the edges inwards. This not only adds a beautiful touch but also further prevents any leakage of the filling during cooking.
Step 8: Air Fry in Batches. Place 2-4 hand pies into the basket of your preheated air fryer, ensuring there is adequate space between each pie for even air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Lightly spray the tops of the hand pies with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a little oil. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 9: Cook to Golden Perfection. Air fry the hand pies for approximately 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. The pies are ready when their crusts are beautifully flaky and a rich golden brown. If your air fryer doesn’t preheat, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Repeat with remaining batches.
Step 10: Prepare the Sweet Glaze. While your hand pies are air frying, you can prepare the delightful powdered sugar glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and light corn syrup (if using) until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding a tiny bit more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one, aiming for a pourable but not watery consistency.
Step 11: Glaze While Warm. As soon as the hand pies are finished cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. While they are still warm (this helps the glaze set beautifully), generously brush the tops of each hand pie with the prepared powdered sugar glaze. The warmth of the pies will allow the glaze to melt slightly and create a lovely, even coating.
Step 12: Allow the Glaze to Set. Let the glazed hand pies cool on the wire rack for a bit, allowing the glaze to set completely until it is dry to the touch. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your glaze and room temperature. Once set, your delicious Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful recipes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or adding a touch of homemade goodness to your table:
- Classic Blueberry Pie
- Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling
- Seasonal Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Fluffy Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits
- Sweet Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Traditional Fried Apple Pies
- Decadent Blueberry Yum Yum
- Soft Blueberry Cookies
- Creamy Blueberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies
A quick and easy handheld treat, these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are a fun and delicious single serving dessert that comes together in no time!
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
- 1 double crust package refrigerated pie crust
- Water (for sealing crusts)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ⅛ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer lacks a pre-heat function, that’s fine – simply cook for an additional minute or so.
- Allow pie crusts to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes before preparation. Unroll one crust at a time onto a parchment-lined or lightly floured surface.
- Use a 4-inch biscuit or round cutter to cut out circles of pie crust. A fluted cutter can add a decorative edge. Repeat with the second crust to get a total of 12 circles.
- Place a generous tablespoon of blueberry pie filling in the center of half of the pie crust circles.
- Cut small slits into the center of the remaining pie crust pieces to create vents.
- Brush water around the edges of the crusts containing the filling to aid in sealing.
- Carefully place a vented pie crust piece over the top of each filling-laden crust, gently stretching to align the edges.
- Press firmly around the edges to seal the crusts, then crimp or curl the edges to ensure they stay sealed during cooking.
- Place 4 hand pies (or as many as fit with sufficient space) into the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the hand pies are flaky and golden brown.
- While the pies are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and light corn syrup until a smooth glaze forms.
- Once cooked, transfer the warm hand pies to a cooling rack and brush them generously with the glaze.
- Allow the glaze to set until the hand pies are dry to the touch before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use any pie filling you prefer for these hand pies.
- These can also be baked in a conventional oven. See the FAQ section above for instructions.
- You have the option to make your own homemade pie crust and pie filling if desired.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 526kcal |
Carbohydrates: 94g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 15g |
Sodium: 248mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 59g
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided is an estimate. It is not intended as medical advice and may vary depending on specific brands and preparations used. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are critical for you, we recommend using an independent nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.
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