Description
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful handheld dessert perfect for any occasion. Flaky pie crusts encase a luscious blend of sweetened cream cheese and tangy cherry pie filling, all air fried to a golden crisp in just minutes. Easy to prepare and beautifully golden, these hand pies offer a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfect baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
- Cut Pie Crusts: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts if needed and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles for the hand pies.
- Fill Pie Circles: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each circle, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Seal Hand Pies: Fold each dough circle over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal the filling inside and prevent leaks during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the sealed hand pies with the beaten egg. This step helps the crust develop a beautiful golden brown color when air fried.
- Air Fry: Arrange the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each for air circulation. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to get a smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent bursting while cooking.
- Use a 4-inch cutter for evenly sized hand pies for consistent cooking.
- Allow pies to cool briefly after air frying as the filling will be very hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.