Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture flaky, golden hand pies packed with luscious cream cheese and sweet cherry filling, cooked perfectly in your air fryer for a quick and mess-free treat. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy afternoon snack or impressing guests with a charming dessert, these hand pies deliver a burst of flavor wrapped in a buttery crust that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients keep things wonderfully simple yet bring together the perfect balance of rich creaminess and fruity sweetness. Each component works in harmony to create a flaky, flavorful hand pie that’s both decadent and fresh.

• Refrigerated pie crusts: The ready-to-use crust is your flaky shell, making prep fast and effortless.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds a smooth, creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling gently without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the filling’s flavor.
• Cherry pie filling: The star fruit component, bursting with juicy sweetness in every bite.
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates that irresistible golden sheen and helps seal the hand pies perfectly.

How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your hand pies cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust in the right amount of time.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will melt inside the pies, offering a dreamy, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the cherries.

Step 3: Cut the Pie Crust Circles

Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut them into 4-inch circles. This size is perfect for individual hand pies—portable and just right for a satisfying bite.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crusts

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each circle, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling. The combination of creamy and fruity fillings will make every bite a delightful surprise.

Step 5: Seal the Hand Pies

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This not only keeps the fillings inside but also adds a charming decorative edge.

Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash

Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This small step is the secret to that beautiful golden-brown finish that makes these treats look as good as they taste.

Step 7: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one. This spacing ensures the pies cook evenly and develop crispiness all around.

Step 8: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the hand pies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. The air fryer works its magic here, giving you flaky, tender pies without the need to heat up your whole kitchen.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the hand pies and let them cool slightly. This resting time lets the fillings set just enough so you can enjoy a perfect bite without any filling oozing out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds an elegant touch that makes these hand pies feel extra special. Fresh mint leaves also brighten the presentation and add a hint of refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing. A cup of hot coffee or tea complements the richness perfectly, making them ideal for dessert or an indulgent snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before air frying for a subtle crunch. You can also experiment by adding a few fresh berries inside the pies along with the cherry filling for added texture and flavor bursts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert the next day without losing their flaky charm.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked hand pies by assembling them and placing parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then cook in the air fryer as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pies in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method revives their crispiness far better than a microwave, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Just cook down fresh pitted cherries with sugar until syrupy before filling your pies to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes, you can. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. The air fryer just speeds up cooking and gives a slightly crispier finish.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

While cream cheese adds that creamy, tangy flavor, you could try mascarpone or ricotta for a milder taste but keep in mind this will alter the texture and flavor profile.

Do I need to prick the crusts before filling?

No need to prick them since the hand pies are sealed and cooked quickly in the air fryer. That keeps them tender and flaky without drying out.

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based pie crust, and an egg substitute like almond milk or aquafaba for the wash. The results are deliciously close!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about making these Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe. They’re quick to prepare, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you give this recipe a try, you’ll find it slipping into your dessert rotation over and over because honestly, who could resist flaky, creamy, fruity bites in under a half hour?

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