If you’ve been searching for a delightful and easy dessert to wow your friends or satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe. These little pockets of joy pack a punch of juicy, tart blackberry filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that turns golden and crisp in the air fryer. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring fresh fruit and comforting pastry together into a handheld treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible visual appeal.
- Refrigerated pie dough: This forms the flaky, buttery crust that’s both light and crisp—an essential base for your pies.
- Egg (beaten): Acts as a golden glaze on the crust and helps seal your pies perfectly.
- Fresh blackberries (12 oz): Bursting with juicy, sweet-tart flavor, these berries are the heart of your filling.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Balances the blackberry’s natural tartness with just the right amount of sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the fruit filling to keep it luscious but not runny.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens the filling and enhances the berries’ natural taste.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the blackberries wonderfully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for a sweet dusting glaze after baking to add a pretty finishing touch.
- Half a lemon: For freshly squeezed juice to mix with powdered sugar, creating a tangy glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by wiping down your air fryer basket to ensure it’s clean and ready. Some models recommend preheating; if yours does, set it to 350°F and let it warm up for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and that nice, flaky crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
Gently mix the fresh blackberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl. This simple filling combines sweetness, thickness, and a hint of zest to keep the berries fresh and vibrant inside your hand pies.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into roughly 6-inch circles or squares. Spoon a generous amount of the blackberry filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing. Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold the dough over the filling, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Brush the tops of the assembled pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch, and cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes or until the crust is beautifully golden and crisp.
How to Serve Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Once your hand pies have cooled just enough to handle, add a dusting of the lemon-glazed powdered sugar. This sweet and citrusy glaze not only looks elegant but also adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich filling.
Side Dishes
These hand pies are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the experience from great to unforgettable. A cup of hot tea or coffee beautifully complements the flavors, especially when served as a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve these hand pies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty platter lined with fresh mint leaves. You could also drizzle some extra berry sauce or caramel on the side for dipping — turning this simple dessert into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their crisp crust and fresh filling. For best taste, enjoy them within this time frame.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked hand pies by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your hand pies back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to recapture that fresh-baked warmth and crispness. Avoid the microwave to preserve the flaky texture of the crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid from frozen blackberries before using to avoid soggy filling in your hand pies.
What if I don’t have refrigerated pie dough on hand?
You can make your own pie dough or use store-bought puff pastry sheets, but keep in mind puff pastry will yield a slightly different texture — lighter and flakier but equally delicious.
Is it necessary to brush the hand pies with an egg wash?
While optional, the egg wash gives your pies a gorgeous golden finish and helps seal the edges, preventing filling leaks during cooking.
Can I substitute sugar with a sugar alternative?
Yes, feel free to use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overly sweet filling and adjust the flour accordingly to maintain consistency.
How do I adjust cooking time if I double the recipe?
Cook the hand pies in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer. The cook time stays about the same per batch to ensure even crisping and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is such a gem when you want a quick, impressive dessert that feels special without the fuss. Each flaky pie cradles a filling bursting with fresh flavor and a touch of spice, making it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these little hand pies a new favorite treat in your kitchen!
Print
Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies are a delightful handheld dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with flaky refrigerated pie dough and a sweet, tangy blackberry filling, these pies bake quickly and evenly in the air fryer, delivering a golden crust and juicy interior. Finished with a simple lemon glaze, they’re an easy way to enjoy a classic fruit pie in a portable, fun format.
Ingredients
Pie Dough and Coating
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Blackberry Filling
- 12 oz fresh blackberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ lemon (juice only)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Wipe the air fryer basket clean to ensure it’s ready for use. Preheat according to your air fryer’s instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes at 350°F.
- Prepare the blackberry filling: In a medium bowl, combine fresh blackberries, sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gently mix until the berries are well coated and the mixture thickens slightly. This filling will help prevent sogginess and provide flavorful, juicy pockets inside the pies.
- Assemble the hand pies: Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out 12 circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter each, using a cookie cutter or cup. Place a spoonful of the blackberry filling in the center of half the circles, then brush the edges with beaten egg. Top with the remaining dough circles and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Air fry the pies: Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes or until the crust is puffed and golden brown. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Prepare the lemon glaze: While the pies cook, whisk together powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Once the pies have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top and serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blackberries; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your blackberries.
- If your air fryer does not require preheating, simply start cooking when the basket is clean and ready.
- These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
