If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious, this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These charming little pockets boast a tender, flaky crust wrapped around a creamy filling paired with bright, juicy cherries. Perfectly golden and crisp thanks to the air fryer, they offer the ideal balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy brunch, a casual dessert, or a snack that feels extra special, these hand pies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in the final result, from the smoothness and sweetness of the cream cheese filling to the beautiful, golden crust you’ll love biting into.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: These make prep quick and effortless, giving you that flaky, tender base every hand pie needs.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, lending a rich, tangy creaminess that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and helps keep the cream cheese filling silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall sweetness, making every bite just a bit more special.
- Cherry pie filling: Packed with juicy cherries and syrupy sweetness, adding vibrant color and a burst of fruity flavor.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushed on top to give the pies that perfect golden sheen and irresistible crunch.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the hand pies will cook evenly and develop that crisp, golden exterior we all crave. Preheating is key for that perfect bake time and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps. This luscious filling is what makes these hand pies stand out with a lovely balance of sweetness and tang.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts and use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter. These circles will become the base for the hand pies, so aim for even sizes to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 4: Fill the Pies
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each circle, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Don’t overfill or the pies might be tricky to seal, but be generous enough to enjoy both flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Seal the Hand Pies
Fold each pie crust circle over into a half-moon shape, gently pressing the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, sealing in the filling and creating a classic hand pie look. This step keeps everything intact during cooking and adds a pretty decorative touch.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This simple step makes a world of difference, giving your pies a stunning golden brown color and a slight crispness that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Step 7: Air Fry
Arrange the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each for air circulation. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and crisped to perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies and let them cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed warm when the creamy filling is still soft and the cherry juices are mouthwateringly fresh.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the top of your hand pies for a pretty finish. You can also drizzle some melted white chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
These hand pies shine as a standalone indulgence but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside a cup of fresh coffee or tea to start your day off right.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the hand pies on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a festive look. You can also serve them in cute paper bags or boxes for an easy-to-carry party snack. Either way, presentation adds a fun dimension that will wow anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp enough while maintaining that creamy filling’s flavor and texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these hand pies later, freeze them before cooking. Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and can be cooked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen cooked hand pies in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh their crisp crust. Avoid the microwave to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh cherries, just cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a syrupy filling similar to the pie filling. This way, your hand pies will still be juicy and delicious.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is ideal for a rich, smooth filling, but you can use reduced-fat versions if you want a lighter dessert. Just be sure it’s softened to blend evenly with the sugar and vanilla.
Can these hand pies be baked in a traditional oven?
Yes, they can! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary.
Is it possible to make these hand pies vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based pie crust. Also, replace the egg wash with a little plant-based milk or maple syrup to help with browning.
Can I prepare these hand pies ahead of time and then cook them fresh later?
Definitely! Assemble the hand pies and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before air frying. This can save you time on the day you want to serve them fresh and hot.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They bring together classic flavors with the convenience of the air fryer, making an effortlessly impressive treat. Grab your ingredients, get ready to fill and fold, and enjoy the warm, cozy comfort found in each flaky, cherry-filled bite.
Print
Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful handheld dessert featuring a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling combined with luscious cherry pie filling, all encased in flaky pie crust. Perfectly golden and crisp from the air fryer, these easy-to-make hand pies offer a quick and delicious treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface and cut them into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a round glass.
- Fill the Circles: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each dough circle, then add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Fold the dough circles in half to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges firmly to seal the pies and prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the tops of each hand pie to give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each pie to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry the hand pies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy them warm and delicious.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overfill the pies to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Space the pies evenly in the air fryer basket for the best crispness.
- These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness before serving.
