Are you craving a sweet and flaky dessert that’s quick to prepare and even quicker to cook? Look no further than Cherry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer! These delightful pastries are filled with luscious cherry filling and encased in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a special treat, these hand pies are not only delicious but also a breeze to make. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of creating these delightful treats using your air fryer, ensuring you achieve that perfect flaky crust every time.

Ingredients List

To make your Cherry Hand Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (sweet or tart, based on preference)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (usually contains 2 crusts)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Sprinkle of sugar (for topping)

Optional:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

These ingredients come together to create a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, wrapped in a flaky crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Cook the Filling: Stir gently and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cherries are softened and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a rolling pin to smooth them out slightly if needed.
2. Cut the Dough: Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter) from the pie crust. You should get about 8-10 circles, depending on the size.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Fill the Pies: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle.
2. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
3. Prepare for Air Frying: In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg and milk. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash, and sprinkle a little sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry the Hand Pies

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the Hand Pies: Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook: Air fry the hand pies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Once cooked, remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per hand pie (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

These hand pies are a delightful indulgence, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Cherry Hand Pies a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Pie Crust: Use whole wheat pie crusts for added fiber.
• Natural Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Filling: Use less sugar in the cherry filling, especially if using sweet cherries.

These modifications will help you enjoy these treats while keeping them a bit lighter.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Cherry Hand Pies, consider these serving suggestions:

• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm hand pies perfectly.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the pies for an extra indulgent touch.
• Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the sweetness.

These ideas will make your hand pies even more enjoyable and visually appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making your Cherry Hand Pies, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overfilling: Avoid adding too much filling, as this can cause the pies to burst open while cooking.
• Not Sealing Properly: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage during cooking.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives the pies a beautiful golden color and crispy texture.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure a successful and delicious outcome.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store your Cherry Hand Pies:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked hand pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

These tips will help maintain the hand pies’ freshness and flavor, allowing you to enjoy them later.

Conclusion

Cherry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will surely impress your family and friends. With their flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, these hand pies are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments section or subscribe for more delightful recipes and updates!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches for a different flavor.

How do I know when the hand pies are done?

The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the filling; it should be bubbly.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the hand pies.