There’s something so magical about the simplicity of a hand pie, especially when it’s filled with fresh, juicy blueberries. As someone who loves both baking and experimenting with kitchen gadgets, using an air fryer for this recipe takes these treats to the next level. You get that perfect golden crust without the hassle of deep frying, all while keeping the pie light and crispy. With a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make these delightful Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies in no time at all.
These hand pies are the perfect snack, dessert, or even a fun breakfast option. Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry with that burst of sweet blueberry filling. The air fryer cooks the pies evenly, giving them that irresistible crispiness, all while being a much healthier alternative to traditional frying. Ready to make your own batch? Let’s dive into what you need and how to make this delicious treat!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Blueberries: Blueberries are the star of this recipe, providing the natural sweetness and vibrant color that make these hand pies so irresistible. Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well, but if you’re using frozen ones, make sure to thaw them before using.
Pie Crust: A pre-made pie crust makes this recipe super easy and quick, but you can also make your own if you prefer. The pie crust should be thin and flaky to create that perfect crispiness once it’s cooked in the air fryer.
Sugar: A touch of sugar is all you need to enhance the sweetness of the blueberries without overpowering the natural flavor. You’ll use sugar both in the filling and to sprinkle on top for a sweet, golden finish.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry filling and gives it that perfect jammy consistency. It ensures that the filling doesn’t run out during cooking.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bit of tangy brightness to the blueberries, balancing out the sweetness and bringing out the flavor of the fruit.
Cinnamon (Optional): If you like a warm spice note, cinnamon is a fantastic addition to the blueberry filling. It complements the fruit beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
Egg Wash: An egg wash is essential to give the pies that beautiful golden-brown color and an extra crispy texture once they’re air-fried. Simply beat an egg and brush it over the top of the hand pies before cooking.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 package of pre-made pie crust (or homemade, rolled out to about ¼-inch thickness)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and the blueberries start to break down, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the pie crust.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust onto a flat surface and use a round cutter or a cup to cut out circles (about 4 to 5 inches in diameter). Place a tablespoon of the cooled blueberry filling in the center of each pie crust circle, leaving some space around the edges for sealing.
Step 3: Seal the Pies
Fold the pie crust over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing down the edges with a fork to seal. You can crimp the edges for a more decorative look, but make sure the pies are well-sealed so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, crispy finish. Sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top for a sweet touch.
Step 5: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pies are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm for the best experience, and enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use fresh fruit: Fresh blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. If you’re using frozen blueberries, be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to switch up the filling by adding other berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even a bit of almond extract for a unique twist.
- Preheat the air fryer: Make sure to preheat your air fryer to ensure the pies cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fry the hand pies in batches if necessary. Giving them space allows hot air to circulate around each pie for that perfect golden texture.
- Serving suggestion: These hand pies are great on their own, but they’re even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will work just as well, and it allows you to customize the flavor and thickness to your liking.
How do I store leftover hand pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. If frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can easily substitute the blueberries with other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or apples. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for firmer fruits like apples.