If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s ready in a flash, you absolutely must try the Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe. These little delights combine a perfectly flaky crust with sweet, luscious filling, all made effortlessly in the air fryer. Whether you prefer classic cherry, tangy lemon, or refreshing key lime, these mini hand pies deliver a warm, comforting bite of happiness that feels homemade but comes together faster than you can imagine. Grab your pie crust and air fryer, because these dessert bites are about to become your new favorite quick-fix indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and luckily, it’s refreshingly simple. Each component plays a crucial role in creating those coveted flaky layers and balanced sweetness that make these mini hand pies irresistible.
- 1 package Pillsbury pie crusts: Using pre-made pie crusts saves time while ensuring a consistently flaky and tender crust every time.
- Pie filling of choice (cherry, lemon, key lime, etc.): Choose your favorite filling to customize the flavor, bringing vibrant color and juicy sweetness to each bite.
- Olive oil spray (EVOO): A light spray keeps the crust crisp and perfectly golden without weighing it down with grease.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar: Essential for making a delicate glaze that adds a lovely sheen and a hint of extra sweetness.
- ~1 teaspoon milk (adjust for consistency): Mixed into the powdered sugar, milk creates a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling or brushing.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust Circles
Start by rolling out your pie crust dough if needed, then cut out 4-inch circles—using a large coffee cup as a guide works perfectly. This size is ideal for creating bite-sized, hand-held desserts that are easy to enjoy without any mess.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Place 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling right in the center of each dough circle. Be generous but careful not to overfill, so the pies seal nicely and nothing leaks out during cooking.
Step 3: Seal the Pies
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then firmly crimp the edges with a fork. This step not only locks in the filling but also adds those charming ridges that give your pies a homemade look and extra crunch.
Step 4: Lightly Oil the Pies
Give both sides of your mini pies a quick spray with extra virgin olive oil. This helps them brown beautifully in the air fryer, developing a crispy, golden finish that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then place the mini hand pies inside. Cook for 6 minutes, flip them gently, and cook for another 6 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky. This method gives you consistent baking without the hassle of heating a full oven.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the pies cool slightly, mix powdered sugar with milk until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Adjust the milk bit by bit to get the perfect drizzling consistency that will add a sweet finishing touch.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle or brush the glaze over your warm mini hand pies. The sweet coating adds a lovely shine and just the right amount of sweetness to each tantalizing bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these dessert bites even more, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts for texture contrast. Fresh berries or a mint leaf on top can add a pop of color that makes these mini pies look like they belong in a fancy bakery display.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy coolness complements the warm, flaky crust beautifully. A cup of coffee or hot tea also makes a perfect afternoon companion to your mini hand pies.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a charming farmhouse vibe or arrange them neatly on a patterned plate to impress guests. You can also stack them in a cute dessert stand for festive occasions. Playing with presentation makes munching on the Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe all the more fun and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mini hand pies (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their crust crisp and the filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the mini hand pies before air frying by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pies back into the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until warmed through and the crust revives its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that tender flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of pre-made?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust can add that extra personal touch and flavor. Just be sure it’s well-chilled and easy to roll for cutting out the mini circles.
What kind of fillings work best for these mini hand pies?
Fruit preserves like cherry, blueberry, or apple are classics, but tart fillings like lemon or key lime add a refreshing twist. Avoid overly wet fillings to prevent soggy crusts.
Is the olive oil spray necessary?
Spraying with olive oil helps the crust brown evenly and become crisp without adding heaviness. If you don’t have spray, you can brush lightly with melted butter instead.
Can I make these pies vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pie crust and choose plant-based milk for the glaze. Make sure your filling is free from animal products to keep everything vegan-friendly.
How many mini hand pies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 12 mini hand pies, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies: Quick & Flaky Dessert Bites Recipe are such a joy to make and eat. They combine the best of flaky crusts and sweet fillings, all in a convenient, speedy format perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — once you do, I bet these mini pies will become your new favorite dessert to whip up again and again.
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
These Air Fryer Mini Hand Pies are quick, flaky dessert bites perfect for any occasion. Using store-bought pie crust and your favorite pie filling, these tasty treats are ready in just 22 minutes with minimal effort. Air frying them makes for a golden, crispy crust without the need for deep frying or oven baking. Finish with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a delightful sweet touch.
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
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray (extra virgin olive oil)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ~1 teaspoon milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Cut Pie Crust Circles: Roll out the pie crust dough on a flat surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter or a large coffee cup, cut out circles from the dough.
- Add Filling: Place 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your chosen pie filling in the center of each pie crust circle, making sure not to overfill to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Seal Edges: Fold the pie crust circles in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray both sides of each hand pie with extra virgin olive oil spray to help achieve a golden, crisp crust.
- Air Fry the Pies: Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6 minutes. Carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 6 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the pies cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar with approximately 1 teaspoon of milk to create a thick but spreadable glaze. Adjust milk quantity as needed for consistency.
- Glaze the Pies: Drizzle or brush the glaze evenly over the slightly cooled mini hand pies. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use any pie filling you like such as cherry, lemon, key lime, apple, or blueberry.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent leaking during air frying.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- The glaze can be flavored with a few drops of vanilla extract or lemon juice for added taste.
- These pies are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
