Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies

These delightful Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a dessert to impress your guests, these hand pies are easy to make and absolutely delicious. The flaky, buttery crust envelops a gooey blueberry filling that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer gives them that crispy texture without the added oil of traditional frying. Let’s dive into the details of creating these tasty treats!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets these Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies apart is their simplicity and versatility. The air fryer allows for a quick and healthier way to achieve that golden-brown crust and perfectly baked filling. The sweetness of the blueberries is balanced with a hint of lemon zest, making every bite a burst of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dessert that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to whip up.

Shopping List

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup very cold butter, cubed
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup sugar (for the filling)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water (for the filling)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Cook’s Kit

• Air fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy, golden crust.
• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Rolling pin: To roll out your dough to the perfect thickness.
• Pastry cutter or sharp knife: For cutting out your hand pie shapes.
• Cooking brush: For applying the egg wash for a beautiful finish.

Build Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir to mix well. Add the ½ cup of very cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Add Ice Water

Slowly add in 3-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together but is not sticky. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once combined, shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of fresh blueberries, ¼ cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest (if using). Cook while gently stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool while you roll out the dough.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a ¼-inch thick sheet. Using a pastry cutter or a sharp knife, cut out circles or rectangles, depending on your preference, about 4 to 5 inches wide.

Step 5: Fill the Hand Pies

Place a tablespoon of the blueberry filling in the center of each dough cutout. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst during cooking.

Step 6: Seal the Pies

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or bring the edges together for a rectangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for added security and decoration.

Step 7: Prepare for Air Frying

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 8: Air Fry the Hand Pies

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

What to Use Instead

• All-purpose flour: You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Butter: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan alternative.
• Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a healthier option.
• Fresh blueberries: Frozen blueberries can be used; just make sure to thaw and drain them first.

What I Learned Testing

• Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust, so don’t skip that step!
• Don’t overfill the hand pies to prevent bursting during cooking.
• Experimenting with different fruits can lead to delicious variations—try raspberries or peaches!
• The air fryer gives a wonderful texture that is hard to achieve with traditional baking.

Shelf Life & Storage

These Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked hand pies. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Common Qs About Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in your filling.

How can I make these pies more decadent?

For an indulgent twist, consider adding a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and milk on top of the cooled pies, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer is recommended for the best results, as it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture right from the start.

More from the Kitchen

• Sally’s Baking Addiction
• Pinch of Yum
• Minimalist Baker

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the tips and steps to create these scrumptious Blueberry Air Fryer Hand Pies, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start baking! With their delightful flavor and golden crust, these hand pies are bound to be a hit. Perfect for sharing, or even just for indulging yourself, enjoy the sweet taste of homemade goodness in every bite. Happy cooking!