If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make, Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine golden, flaky pastry filled with tangy-sweet cherry pie filling and luscious vanilla cream cheese, all wrapped into adorable portable pies that cook up crisp in just minutes. With the help of your trusty air fryer, these treats are perfect for any occasion and make dessert feel extra special—without hours of baking or a sink full of dirty dishes. Hand pies truly don’t get any better than this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and convenience, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential for your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies:
- Refrigerated pie crusts (1 package, 2 sheets): These make assembly a breeze and bake up flaky every time—no rolling or fussing with homemade dough necessary.
- Cherry pie filling (1/2 cup): The sweet and tart cherries bring that classic hand pie flavor and gorgeous color.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Softened cream cheese gives a creamy, tangy richness to the filling that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Just a touch sweetens the cream cheese without making it overwhelming.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding a warm undertone to the creamy filling.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): An egg wash ensures the pies bake up glossy and golden.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg, this helps the crust brown beautifully in the air fryer.
- Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling: A sprinkle of coarse sugar over the pies adds sparkle and a subtle crunch.
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment for air fryer: Use this to keep the hand pies from sticking—clean-up is a snap.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is silky smooth with no lumps. This sweet-tangy cream cheese layer is the secret to a decadent, almost cheesecake-like surprise in every bite of your hand pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean surface. Use a large cookie cutter, glass, or sharp knife to cut out 6–8 circles or rectangles. If you want a rustic look, uneven shapes add a little charm! Set half of these pieces aside; they’ll be the tops of your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
On half of your pie crust shapes, spread about a teaspoon of your cream cheese mixture in the center, but avoid getting too close to the edge. Follow with a generous teaspoon of cherry pie filling right on top. Pair each filled crust with a reserved plain crust, then gently press the edges to close. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty sealed border—this helps keep all that goodness inside as they bake.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together your egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush the tops of each hand pie lightly with this mixture for a brilliant, shiny finish. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar over the top to create a sweet, slightly crunchy crust.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper so the pies won’t stick. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until perfectly golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Allow them to cool for just a few minutes before digging in—though be warned, it’s hard to resist!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, dust your hand pies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A scattering of fresh cherries or a sprig of mint instantly makes your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies feel ready for the dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert. For something lighter, try them with a fresh fruit salad or a crisp, refreshing glass of iced tea to offset their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
The beauty of Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies is how delightfully portable they are! Serve them in parchment sleeves at a picnic, pack them up for school or office snacks, or stack them on a vintage cake stand for a brunch buffet. They’re just as charming at a backyard gathering as they are as a lunchtime treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust will stay flaky, and the filling remains creamy and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked or baked hand pies! To freeze unbaked pies, assemble and seal them, then lay them single-layer on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the air fryer time. Baked pies can be wrapped and frozen, too; just thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked flavor, reheat hand pies in your air fryer at 325°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through. They’ll stay crisp and gooey inside—no need for a soggy microwave result!
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling in my Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies?
Absolutely! While the classic cherry filling gives a nostalgic flavor, you can swap in blueberry, peach, apple, or any fruit pie filling you love. Try mixing fillings for a new twist every time.
Can I make these hand pies with homemade pie dough?
Yes, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pie crust will work beautifully. Just roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness and proceed as directed—just keep an eye on the air fryer, as homemade dough can brown a bit faster.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the hand pies cook evenly and ensures the crust gets beautifully crisp. Just 2–3 minutes of preheating at 350°F sets you up for pastry success.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill your pies, and be sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork. Brushing a little water along the edge before sealing can also help hold everything together as they cook.
Are these Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies vegetarian?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian, making them a great sweet treat option for anyone avoiding meat products—just be sure your pie crust and filling are labeled vegetarian-friendly.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are equal parts nostalgic, easy, and irresistibly delicious—a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you’ll whip up a batch and share them with friends and family; nothing beats that first bite into a warm, crispy, joy-filled hand pie. Enjoy baking, and happy snacking!
Print
Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with a creamy cream cheese filling, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust and air-fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment for air fryer
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Unroll the pie crusts and cut out 6–8 circles or rectangles. Place half of the crust pieces on a clean surface.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spread cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling onto crust pieces. Top with remaining crust pieces and seal edges with a fork.
- Egg Wash: Whisk together egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush over hand pies and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place hand pies in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use different pie fillings like blueberry or peach.
- For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over cooled pies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
