You know those moments when you’re craving something sweet, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where these air fryer peach hand pies swoop in to save the day! I stumbled upon this recipe one summer when my peach tree decided to bless me with more fruit than I knew what to do with. After a few messy experiments (let’s just say my first attempt involved peach filling explosions in the air fryer basket), I finally nailed it. These little golden pockets of joy are crispy on the outside, bursting with juicy peaches inside, and take barely 35 minutes start to finish. Trust me – once you try them, you’ll be making these on repeat all season long.
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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
Let me tell you why these little pies are about to become your new obsession. First off, they’re so easy – we’re talking store-bought pie crust and just a handful of ingredients. No fancy skills required! The air fryer works its magic to give you that perfectly crispy, golden crust without the mess of deep frying. And the filling? Oh my. The peaches get just sweet enough with that hint of vanilla and lemon to keep things bright. Plus, the glaze drizzle at the end? That’s the chef’s kiss moment. Here’s what makes them special:
- Weeknight-friendly: Ready in 35 minutes flat
- No oven needed: Great for summer when you don’t want to heat up the house
- Portable perfection: These handheld treats are picnic and lunchbox ready
- Customizable: Swap in different fruits or spices to make them your own
Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat without burning your tongue. (Been there!)
Ingredients for Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these little pockets of peach perfection. I swear by these exact measurements – trust me, I learned the hard way that eyeballing the cornstarch leads to filling eruptions! Grab:
- 2 refrigerated unbaked pie crusts – let them sit out until they’re pliable (about 15 minutes)
- 2 large peaches, diced into 1/4-inch pieces (about 2 cups) – skins on for texture!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – this sweetens the peaches just right
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – fresh squeezed gives the brightest flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided – we’ll use some in the filling, some in the glaze
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch – this thickens the peach juices perfectly
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for that dreamy drizzle
- 1/4 cup milk – any kind works, but whole milk makes the glaze extra creamy
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that come together magically in the air fryer. Now let’s get these babies assembled!
How to Make Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
Okay, let’s get these sweet little pockets of joy made! I’ll walk you through each step – it’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it. Just follow along, and you’ll have golden, flaky hand pies before you know it.
Preparing the Peach Filling
First up – the star of the show! In a medium bowl, toss together your diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Let this sit for about 10 minutes – this “macerating” step draws out those delicious juices. Now, here’s the important part: drain the peaches, but save 1 tablespoon of that syrupy liquid. Mix this with the cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the peaches. This thickens everything up so you don’t end up with a runny mess in your air fryer. (Learned that lesson the hard way!)
Assembling the Hand Pies
Time to get crafty! Roll out your pie crust and use a 5-inch round cutter (or a small plate as a guide) to cut out circles. You’ll get about 8 from two crusts – just reroll the scraps. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a border. Brush the edges with water – this is crucial for sealing! Fold over, press the edges with a fork to crimp, and make 3 little slits on top. These vents let steam escape so your pies don’t explode. (Again… voice of experience here!)
Air Frying and Glazing
Almost there! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F – this helps get that perfect golden crust. Lightly spray the pies with cooking spray (this gives that beautiful color), and cook in batches for 13-15 minutes. Don’t overcrowd – they need space to crisp up! While they cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, remaining vanilla, and milk until you get a drizzly consistency. Pour this over the warm pies and try not to eat them all at once. (No promises though!)
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
After making these hand pies more times than I can count (and yes, learning from plenty of mistakes!), here are my golden rules for peach pie perfection:
- Don’t crowd them! Give each pie some breathing room in the air fryer basket – I do 3-4 at a time max. Overcrowding = soggy bottoms instead of crispy magic.
- Watch the clock: Air fryer models vary wildly. Start checking at 12 minutes – you want deep golden brown, not burnt. My Ninja takes exactly 14 minutes.
- Frozen peaches work in a pinch! Just thaw and drain really well first. The texture’s slightly softer, but still delicious.
- Seal those edges! Press hard with the fork tines – any gaps mean filling leaks (and smoky air fryer disasters).
- Glaze while warm so it soaks in slightly but still sets with that gorgeous crackly finish.
Trust me, follow these tips and you’ll be the air fryer pie hero of your household!
For more fruit-filled pastries, try our cozy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, or serve alongside these Mini Cannoli Cups for a dessert platter.
Variations for Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can switch it up! When peach season ends, try berries instead – just chop strawberries or use whole blueberries (maybe add an extra pinch of cornstarch). Feeling cozy? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling makes these taste like holiday magic. My neighbor swears by adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the peaches (adults only, obviously!). And for a fun twist, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before air frying for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies
Oh, the best part – eating them! Serve these hand pies warm if you can (the filling turns into this gooey, heavenly goodness). A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes them over the top – the hot-cold combo is unreal. Leftovers? Just let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for 2 days at room temp, though let’s be honest… they never last that long in my house! If you must reheat, 30 seconds in the air fryer brings back that perfect crispness.
Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies Nutritional Info
Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating hand pies for their health benefits! But if you’re curious, here’s the scoop on what’s in each golden pocket. These estimates are for one hand pie with glaze (because let’s be honest, who skips the glaze?). Keep in mind that using different brands or tweaking ingredients will change the numbers slightly:
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 2g
Not too bad for such a decadent-tasting treat! The peaches bring some fiber and vitamin C to the party too. But honestly? Just enjoy every delicious bite – life’s too short to stress over dessert nutrition facts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake pies in an air fryer?
Absolutely! That’s the magic of this recipe. Air fryers give you that perfect golden-brown crust without the mess of deep frying. Just make sure not to overcrowd the basket – those pies need space to crisp up properly.
How do you fry pies in the air fryer?
It’s easier than you think! After assembling, spray them lightly with cooking oil and cook at 350°F for 13-15 minutes. The hot air circulation works just like a convection oven, giving you evenly cooked, flaky results every time.
Can you put frozen pies in the air fryer?
You sure can! If using frozen store-bought hand pies, add a couple extra minutes to the cook time. For this recipe though, I recommend fresh – frozen peaches work, but you’ll want to thaw and drain them first to avoid soggy crust.
Can you put pies in foil in an air fryer?
I wouldn’t recommend it – the foil blocks that crucial air circulation. If you’re worried about sticking, use parchment paper with holes punched in it, or better yet, just spray your basket lightly with oil. The pies release beautifully when they’re properly cooked!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof air fryer peach hand pies that never fail to impress! I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Did you add any fun twists? Any kitchen disasters (we’ve all been there)? Tag me if you share photos – nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden, flaky creations!
PrintAir Fryer Peach Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for delicious air fryer peach hand pies with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
For the Pies:
- 2 refrigerated unbaked pie crusts
- 2 large peaches, diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ teaspoons cornstarch
- Water, for sealing edges
- Non-stick cooking spray
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep the Filling:
- Let the pie crusts sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Drain the juice, reserving 1 tablespoon. Discard the rest.
- Stir the reserved juice with cornstarch until smooth. Mix this back into the peaches.
Shape the Hand Pies:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Roll out the pie crusts and use a 5-inch plate to cut circles. Re-roll the scraps as needed to make 8 rounds.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of peach filling in the center of each round.
- Lightly brush water around the edges. Fold over to make a half-circle.
- Seal edges by pressing with a fork. Cut three small slits in the top of each hand pie.
Air Fry:
- Spray the tops of the pies with non-stick spray.
- Place pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove carefully and repeat with remaining pies.
Add the Glaze:
- While pies cool, whisk powdered sugar with the remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla.
- Slowly add milk and whisk until smooth and pourable.
- Use a fork or spoon to drizzle glaze over cooled pies.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peaches for this recipe.
- Make sure the edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking.
- Adjust cook time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg