If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with a flaky, golden crust, this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These hand pies deliver a luscious cherry filling paired with a smooth cream cheese mixture, all wrapped in a light, crispy shell made effortlessly in the air fryer. The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes, making them an irresistible dessert or snack that feels both special and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the vibrant pop of cherry pie filling, every component shines through in these hand pies.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: These provide the flaky, buttery base that’s easy to work with and bakes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, silky texture that balances the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese with warm, fragrant notes that make every bite more indulgent.
- Cherry pie filling: The star fruit component, bursting with sweet and slightly tart cherries for that iconic hand pie taste.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden finish that makes these hand pies as pretty as they are delicious.
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 start cooking evenly and achieve that sought-after crisp exterior right away.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth, silky, and without lumps – this creamy filling will balance beautifully with the fruity cherry.
Step 3: Cut the Pie Crust
Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface if needed to smooth it out. Use a 4-inch round cutter or a cup to cut circles out of the dough. These will become the perfect size for hand pies, offering a great filling-to-crust ratio.
Step 4: Add the Fillings
Place one spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Then, top that with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. The combination is a luscious pairing that will surprise anyone with its balance of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Seal the Hand Pies
Fold the dough over each filling mound to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pie and adding a charming decorative touch.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This step is crucial because it gives the pies a golden, shiny crust once they air fry, making them look as inviting as they taste.
Step 7: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Arrange the prepared hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden brown and crisp, transforming these little pockets into a delightful treat.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies and let them cool slightly. This resting time helps the filling set a bit so it won’t spill out immediately when you take a bite. Then, get ready to enjoy pure bliss!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your hand pies, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate works wonders. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole cherries on the side also add a beautiful pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These cherry cream cheese hand pies are perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially when served warm. Pairing them with a cup of hot tea or coffee creates an inviting afternoon treat that feels cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cherry pie filling for dipping. Or, stack them in a pyramid shape on a pretty plate to create an irresistible dessert display that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these hand pies before cooking by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the hand pies back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will warm the filling and crisp up the crust as if they were freshly made, ensuring every bite is just as tasty as the first.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook down fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken them before filling your hand pies. This homemade touch adds a fresh, natural flavor.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
While not mandatory, egg wash gives a beautiful golden sheen and helps the crust develop a lovely texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with milk or skip it altogether, but the appearance won’t be quite the same.
Can I make these hand pies vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pie crust, plant-based cream cheese, and a flax egg or plant milk for the wash. Make sure the cherry filling is free from animal products too.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these hand pies in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, keeping a close eye so they don’t overbake.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Be sure to seal the edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling each pie. Chilling the hand pies briefly before air frying can also help the crust hold together better during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe as much as I do. These hand pies are a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something wonderfully comforting and decadent. Whether you sneak one during a quiet moment or share them at a gathering, they’re sure to brighten your day with every flaky, fruity bite.
Print
Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. Featuring a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling paired with luscious cherry pie filling, all encased in flaky pie crust, these hand pies are air-fried to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
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 it’s ready for cooking the hand pies evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shape Pie Crusts: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter, cut the dough into 4-inch circles for individual pies.
- Add Fillings: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each dough circle, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Seal Hand Pies: Fold the dough circles in half to create half-moon shapes. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pies and prevent the filling from leaking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color during cooking.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between them for air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the hand pies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their creamy cherry goodness safely.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Use a fork to seal edges well to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Let pies cool for a few minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth from hot filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
