If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly blends creamy, sweet, and flaky, then Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are about to become your new favorite obsession. Picture it: tender pastry hugging a luscious layer of tangy cream cheese and juicy cherry pie filling, all made effortlessly golden in the air fryer. These cheerful handheld delights couldn’t be simpler or more satisfying, and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether you’re planning a picnic, gearing up for potluck season, or just need a little pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, this recipe brings bakery-worthy joy right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies is probably already in your fridge or pantry, and each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that magical combination of crisp edges, gooey center, and meltingly sweet flavor. Let’s break down what makes each element shine.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets): The ultimate shortcut for tender, flaky layers—perfect for encasing our dreamy filling.
- Cherry pie filling: Bursting with fruity, tangy flavor, this brings a pop of color and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy layer that makes each bite taste plush and luxurious.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese, blending seamlessly into the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both aroma and depth, giving a bakery-style finish to the filling.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top, this gives the hand pies their irresistible golden sheen.
- Water: Loosens the egg for a silky egg wash that coats evenly and helps that golden color develop.
- Optional Glaze (powdered sugar, milk, almond or vanilla extract): Sweet, glossy, and aromatic—a drizzle takes your hand pies over the top.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Step 1: Prep Your Filling
Start by getting the creamy base ready. In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This dreamy mixture is the not-so-secret element that promises every bite will be luscious.
Step 2: Shape Your Pie Crusts
Roll out each refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or even a glass to cut out 4–5 inch circles or, if you like straight edges, rectangles. Each crust should yield about 6–8 pieces, depending on the size of your cutter.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
On half of your dough cutouts, dollop a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Try to keep the filling away from the edges—this makes sealing a breeze. Lay the remaining dough rounds on top, then gently press the edges with a fork all the way around. Not only does this help lock in the goodness, but those crimped edges look so inviting!
Step 4: Egg Wash and Air Fry
Whisk the egg with the water to create your egg wash. Brush it lightly over the tops of the assembled pies—this helps them turn a beautiful golden color as they cook. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you might need to work in batches). Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, peeking at the 8-minute mark to catch that perfect shade of golden brown.
Step 5: Glaze and Cool
Once your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are done and have cooled for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and your choice of almond or vanilla extract for a glossy, sweet glaze. Drizzle generously over each hand pie and watch the glaze set into picture-perfect stripes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, finish your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies with a dusting of powdered sugar, extra glaze, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds. A fresh cherry on the plate or a little sprig of mint can brighten things up for parties or brunches.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. If you’re serving these as a brunch pastry, enjoy them alongside strong coffee or a sparkling berry lemonade. A handful of fresh fruit on the side never hurts, either!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for the cutest picnic treat ever. For parties, arrange them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces—vanilla glaze, chocolate, or even lemon curd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with a few extra Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies (though I doubt they’ll last long!), simply tuck them into an airtight container once fully cooled. They’ll stay fresh and tasty at room temperature for up to 2 days, or chill them in the fridge for up to 3 days. A quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in the air fryer brings them right back to life.
Freezing
These hand pies are wonderfully freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month, making them ideal for unexpected guests or easy treats on busy days. Just thaw and reheat as needed!
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked texture, pop leftover or thawed hand pies in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll crisp up on the outside while staying soft and gooey in the center. Alternatively, a few seconds in the microwave will warm the filling, though the crust will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherries are classic, feel free to swap in apple, blueberry, peach, or mixed berry pie filling—the Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies will still be just as dreamy.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them (covered) for several hours before air frying. This little chill time can actually help the crusts stay extra flaky!
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Be sure not to overfill the pies and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Adding the egg wash just before air frying helps them crisp up and prevents leaks, too.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Definitely! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. The air fryer just makes it extra quick and convenient.
Why is my crust not browning evenly in the air fryer?
Spacing is key: make sure the pies don’t touch in the basket so the hot air can circulate. Brushing an even layer of egg wash will help them brown up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fun, flaky, and fabulously delicious, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies. Whether you make them for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re bound to spark smiles and requests for seconds. Go on—give them a try, and let these little pies bring some big joy to your kitchen!
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Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, all wrapped in a flaky crust and air-fried to perfection. They make for a perfect dessert or snack any time of the day.
Ingredients
For the hand pies:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets)
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the pie crusts: Roll out the pie crusts and cut into 4–5 inch circles or rectangles.
- Assemble the hand pies: Spoon cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling onto half the dough pieces, then top with the remaining dough pieces and press to seal.
- Brush with egg wash: Whisk the egg with water and brush over the hand pies.
- Air fry: Place hand pies in the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract for the optional glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over cooled hand pies before serving.
Notes
- You can use any pie filling—apple, blueberry, or peach.
- For extra crispness, chill assembled pies for 10 minutes before air frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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