If you have a sweet tooth and love a handheld treat, then this Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine tender, flaky pastry pockets bursting with juicy, vibrant blackberries enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and lemon—cooked quickly and beautifully in your air fryer for that picture-perfect golden crust. These little gems are as charming as they are delicious, offering a delightful mix of tart and sweet with every bite, making them perfect for any occasion from an afternoon snack to a festive dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this recipe is delightfully simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each element plays a crucial role: from the buttery, flaky pie dough to the fresh blackberries that supply natural sweetness and color, and the touch of lemon that brightens the entire filling.
- Refrigerated pie dough: This convenient base ensures a tender, flaky crust that bakes quickly and holds the filling perfectly.
- Egg (beaten): Acts as an egg wash to give the pies a shiny, golden finish.
- Fresh blackberries (12 oz): The star fruit, offering a juicy burst of tartness and sweetness.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the berries to balance their natural tart flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the juicy filling for a perfect consistency.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and enhances the berry flavor.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): A warm spice that complements the berry filling beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Great for finishing with a sweet dusting or glaze.
- Lemon (½, for zest and juice): Adds fresh citrus notes in the glaze or toppings.
How to Make Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Filling
Start by wiping your air fryer basket clean and preheating it if your model requires. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine fresh blackberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gently toss everything together, letting the sugar begin to coax the berry juices out while the flour thickens the mixture once cooked. This filling will be vibrant and fragrant, setting the foundation for your hand pies.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your refrigerated pie dough and gently roll it out to smooth any creases. Using a round cutter or a cup, cut out 4-inch circles. These circles will be the perfect size for your hand pies, making them easy to hold and eat. Keep your dough chilled until ready to fill to maintain its flaky texture.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies
Place a generous spoonful of the blackberry filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leaking. Then, brush the edges with beaten egg to help seal the pies. Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and add a charming design. Brush each pie with egg wash for a beautifully golden finish after baking.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space so the heat can circulate. Air fry at 350°F for about 8 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp. The air fryer cooks these pies quickly, delivering a perfectly flaky crust without the need to heat up your whole oven.
How to Serve Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant sweet touch that contrasts beautifully with the deep purple berry filling. You can also whisk together powdered sugar with a little fresh lemon juice to create a glossy glaze that adds both shine and a subtle tang, making these pies even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to create a classic winning combination. For a lighter option, fresh mint leaves or a simple cup of warm tea perfectly complement the fruity flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make your Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe a centerpiece? Arrange several pies on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper and sprinkle fresh blackberries and lemon zest around them for a beautiful display. For parties, you can serve mini versions on skewers or alongside small jars of berry compote for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be difficult!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to four days but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked hand pies on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to bake, pop them directly into the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a freshly baked experience anytime.
Reheating
To warm your hand pies and retain their flaky texture, reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for about 3-4 minutes. This quick method refreshes the crust much better than a microwave, keeping them crispy and delicious just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blackberries work fine but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid making the filling too soggy.
What if I don’t have refrigerated pie dough?
You can make your own homemade pie crust or use puff pastry sheets, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Can these hand pies be made vegan?
Definitely! Use a plant-based pie crust and substitute the egg wash with melted coconut oil or plant milk for brushing the pastry.
Is it possible to bake these in a conventional oven?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the pies on a parchment-lined tray for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure not to overfill the pies and seal the edges well with egg wash or water, pressing firmly with a fork to keep everything inside during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, bringing together the warmth of homemade pastry and the fresh burst of blackberries in a snap. Whether you are whipping them up for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting treat, these hand pies will brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Give it a go and enjoy every flaky, fruity bite!
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 and easy-to-make treat featuring a flaky pie dough filled with a sweet and tangy blackberry filling. Perfectly sized for individual servings, they are quickly baked in the air fryer to a golden crisp, making them a convenient and delicious dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 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
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Wipe the air fryer clean and preheat according to your machine’s instructions, typically at 350°F (175°C), to ensure even and efficient cooking.
- Prepare the Blackberry Filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. The flour helps thicken the filling as it cooks.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Roll out the refrigerated pie dough and cut it into 6 equal-sized circles or squares. Spoon a portion of the blackberry filling onto half of each dough piece, leaving a border. Fold the dough over the filling to create hand pies and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg to give a golden finish when cooked.
- Air Fry the Hand Pies: Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While the pies are cooking, mix the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice from half a lemon to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top for added sweetness and tang. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the pie dough is well chilled before cutting and assembling for easier handling.
- If blackberries are too tart, adjust sugar to taste.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; check doneness to avoid overcooking.
- The glaze can be omitted if preferred, or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar.
