Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies
If you’re looking for an easy dessert that’s both adorable and delicious, these Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies are the perfect recipe. Made with refrigerated pie crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a simple egg wash, these flaky handheld pies come together in just minutes.
For Valentine’s Day, I love cutting them into heart shapes for a festive treat that’s perfect for parties, classroom celebrations, or a fun family dessert. But the best part about this recipe is that it’s completely customizable. Simply swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, peach, strawberry, or your favorite flavor, and you’ll have a delicious dessert for any occasion.
The air fryer gives the pie crust a beautiful golden color while keeping the inside warm and perfectly gooey. Since they bake in just a few minutes, they’re also a wonderful recipe for kids to help make.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply craving an easy homemade dessert, these Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day
- Kid-friendly recipe
- Crispy, flaky crust
- Easy to customize with different pie fillings
- No deep frying required
- Great for parties and holidays
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg
Equipment
Ingredient Notes
Refrigerated Pie Crust
Store-bought pie crust makes this recipe incredibly quick while still creating a flaky, buttery crust.
Cherry Pie Filling
Cherry filling creates the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert, but any canned pie filling works well.
Egg
Brushing the pies with egg wash helps create a beautiful golden brown finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Lightly flour your work surface.
Roll out the refrigerated pie crust until smooth.
Step 2: Cut the Hearts
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut hearts from the pie crust.
Separate the hearts into two equal piles.
Step 3: Fill
Lay half of the hearts flat.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each heart.
Avoid overfilling to prevent the filling from leaking while cooking.
Step 4: Seal
Place another pie crust heart over each filled heart.
Use a fork to firmly press around the edges, sealing the filling inside.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl.
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash.
Step 6: Air Fry
Arrange the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Since every air fryer cooks a little differently, begin checking them around the 5-minute mark.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Hand Pies
- Don’t overfill the pies.
- Press the edges firmly with a fork.
- Leave space between pies in the air fryer basket.
- Watch the first batch carefully to determine the perfect cook time.
- Let them cool a few minutes because the filling will be very hot.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Try using:
- Blueberry pie filling
- Apple pie filling
- Peach pie filling
- Strawberry pie filling
- Raspberry pie filling
- Lemon pie filling
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Pumpkin pie filling (fall)
Optional Finishing Touches
These hand pies are delicious as-is, but they’re even prettier with a few finishing touches.
Try adding:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla glaze
- Sparkling sugar before baking
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Pink or red sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
Storage
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to crisp the crust before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I freeze hand pies?
Absolutely. Freeze either before or after baking. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully.
Why did my filling leak out?
Too much filling or edges that weren’t fully sealed are the most common causes.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Kids love cutting out the hearts, filling the pies, and sealing the edges with a fork.
These Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies are proof that simple desserts can still be incredibly impressive. With their flaky golden crust, sweet cherry filling, and adorable heart shape, they’re the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, bridal showers, or any time you’re craving an easy homemade dessert.
Since they’re made with just a few pantry staples and cook in minutes, they’re a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Try different pie fillings throughout the year to create a new seasonal favorite every time.
Be sure to check out some of our other dessert recipes too.
Heart Shaped Hand Pies
Ingredients
- Ready made pie crust
- Pie Filling
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- First, preheat your air fryer to 375F degreesNext, roll out the pie crust on a clean surface with a little bit of flour and a rolling pinTake a heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut out hearts from the pie crustSeparate the pie crusts into 2 pilesLay one pile of heart shaped pie crusts flatSpoon a teaspoon of the pie filling in the center of the heartPlace a second heart on top of the pie filled heartPress the edges together with a forkCrack the egg into a bowl and mix wellLightly brush each heart hand pie with the egg washPlace in the air fryer basket in a single layer and back for 5-8 minutes at 375FThese quick very fast and each air fryer is different. Stay close and watch the first batch until you know how long it takes for them to turn golden brownRemove them from the air fryer and enjoy!Be sure to check out some of our other dessert recipes too.
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