Name: Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487113H49M2S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough if you prefer); 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 tablespoons sugar (or your preferred sweetener); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are not only incredibly tasty, but they’re also quicker and lighter than the traditional fried version. The air fryer provides a crispy, flaky texture with much less oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The blueberry filling is naturally sweet, and the flaky pastry creates the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. These hand pies are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert—and the best part is, they come together in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough if you prefer)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the filling:
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the blueberries break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the crust.
Roll out the pie crust:
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts. Using a round cookie cutter or the top of a glass (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 6-8 circles, depending on the size.
Fill the hand pies:
Place 1-2 teaspoons of the blueberry filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it could cause the pies to leak during cooking.
Seal the pies:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the hand pies tightly. You can also press the edges with your fingers for a more rustic look.
Prepare the egg wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish after cooking.
Air fry the hand pies:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and serve:
Once cooked, remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch, if desired.
Serve:
Enjoy these warm, crispy blueberry hand pies on their own, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 hand pies
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Fruit Filling: Swap the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile. You can also mix several fruits for a berry blend.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the hand pies before air frying for an extra flavor boost.
Lemon Glaze: For added sweetness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the pies once they’ve cooled.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based pie crust and substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a vegan egg wash (made with flaxseed meal and water).

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can freeze the hand pies either before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, place the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, air fry from frozen at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the hand pies back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry, shortcrust, or gluten-free pie dough for a different texture or to meet dietary needs. Each will offer a slightly different flavor and texture.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work just fine! You may need to cook the filling for an extra minute or two to allow the extra liquid to evaporate.

3. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for later use.

4. How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking?

Make sure the edges of the dough are sealed tightly with a fork or your fingers, and don’t overfill the pies. If using frozen blueberries, you may want to thaw them and drain any excess juice to prevent excess liquid in the filling.

5. Can I make these hand pies without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake them in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

6. How can I make the crust flakier?

For a flakier texture, use a butter-based pie crust or incorporate a little extra cold water into the dough when making your own.

7. Can I add a glaze to the hand pies?

Yes! You can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the hand pies once they’re cool. You can also add lemon zest to the glaze for extra flavor.

8. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit you like, such as apples, peaches, or a mix of berries. Just adjust the cooking time for firmer fruits like apples.

9. Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free pie crust to make these hand pies gluten-free. Make sure to also check the filling ingredients for any potential gluten-containing items, like certain types of pie crusts.

10. Can I make these hand pies larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the hand pies. For larger pies, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, and for smaller pies, you can reduce the time by a couple of minutes.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are a healthier, quicker alternative to traditional fried pastries, offering a crispy, golden crust with a juicy blueberry filling. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a sweet treat, snack, or dessert. With their irresistible flavor and convenient air fryer method, these hand pies will quickly become a family favorite!