Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
If there’s one dessert that always disappears at gatherings and delights both kids and adults, it’s Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies. Imagine biting through a golden, sugary crust to reveal a luscious, jammy blueberry filling brightened with lemon and a hint of vanilla. These hand pies pack all the nostalgia of classic fruit pies but in a fun, eat-with-your-hands package — and, thanks to the air fryer, they bake up crisp and golden in minutes. Whether you need a picnic treat, a sweet addition to brunch, or a last-minute dessert, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Hand Pies:
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for topping
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Blueberry Filling
Start by combining blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 4 to 5 minutes as the mixture transforms — the berries burst, the liquid thickens, and your kitchen fills with the sweetest aroma. Once thick and glossy, remove from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is an important step because warm filling can make your crust soggy and hard to seal.
Step 2: Prep the Pie Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pie dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 4- to 5-inch round cookie cutter or even a glass, cut out as many circles as possible (usually about 6 pairs for 6 pies). If you have scraps, gather and reroll them gently to get a couple more circles. This gives every last bit of dough a delicious new purpose.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies
Spoon about a tablespoon of your cooled blueberry filling onto the center of half the dough circles. Top each with a second circle of dough. Gently press the edges together, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal all around. This not only keeps your filling tucked in but also gives the hand pies that signature classic look.
Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Sugar
Brush the tops of each assembled pie with beaten egg, making sure to coat them lightly for beautiful browning. Sprinkle a generous pinch of coarse sugar on top of each one — this step adds a sweet, shimmery touch and just the right amount of crunch after air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for a couple of minutes. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed so they don’t crowd or stick. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pies are beautifully puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before handling, as the filling will be piping hot! If you’re feeling extra, dust with powdered sugar once they’re just warm.
How to Serve Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you really need to give these pies a charming, bakery-level finish. You can also drizzle them with a quick lemon glaze or serve with a scattering of fresh blueberries and a little extra lemon zest for a colorful, company-worthy platter.
Side Dishes
Pair these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert bliss. For brunch, they’re fantastic with a mug of coffee or a tangy yogurt parfait. If you want something savory alongside, try crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, tuck hand pies into cute parchment bags or stack them in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin. Arrange them on a pretty plate piled high with berries for color, or set up a DIY pie bar with different jams and toppings for dipping. You could even wrap them individually as take-home treats for guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, keep them in the fridge if you still have any left! The crust will stay crisp for the first day, then slightly soften, but the flavor only gets better.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange completely cooled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, or reheat straight from frozen for a warm treat anytime.
Reheating
For best results, pop the pies back in the air fryer at 325°F for 2 to 3 minutes to revive their crispy crust and heat the filling through. You can also use a toaster oven if you prefer, but avoid microwaving, as the crust will turn soft instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies with other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in raspberries, blackberries, diced peaches, or a mix of berries for your filling — just use the same basic recipe as a guide, adjusting for sweetness. Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies work deliciously with all sorts of seasonal fruit blends.
Can I use jam instead of homemade blueberry filling?
Yes, using a good store-bought blueberry jam makes these pies even quicker. Just be sure to choose a thick, chunky variety if possible, and don’t overfill, as jam can be runnier when it heats up.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
The biggest trick is making sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling the pies. Also, take care to seal and crimp the edges well with a fork. If you tend to overstuff (like me!), remember that a tablespoon of filling per pie is just right.
Do I need to line the air fryer basket?
It’s not required, but you can use a piece of parchment paper with holes poked in it if you’re worried about sticking or cleanup. Just be careful to let the air circulate, since that’s what gives Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies their cheerful, golden crust.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare everything up to the point of assembling the filled, sealed pies and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before air frying. You can also bake them off ahead of time and reheat just before serving — they’re great both ways.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s quick, utterly delightful, and guaranteed to spark smiles, give these Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies a try. They’re simple enough for a cozy weeknight but pretty enough to share, and they never last long at my house. So pull out your air fryer and whip up a batch — your only regret will be not making more!
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Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are a delightful treat with a flaky crust and sweet, juicy blueberry filling. They are quick and easy to make in the air fryer, perfect for a tasty dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Hand Pies:
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for topping
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Cook until thickened. Let cool.
- Assemble Pies: Roll out pie dough, cut into circles. Spoon blueberry filling onto half the circles. Top with remaining circles, seal edges with a fork.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is cooled before using.
- Store-bought jam can be substituted for homemade filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
