I love baking homemade pies, and since getting an air fryer over the holidays I’ve been making small, charming pies like these Strawberry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer. They’re quick, portable, and perfect for a simple homemade dessert or a last-minute Valentine’s treat.
If you need a fast, thoughtful gift or a little sweet bite after dinner, these hand pies are ideal. They require just a few pantry ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time. The air fryer gives them a golden, flaky finish without turning on the oven.
Hand pies are the perfect single-serving dessert: just enough sweetness, portable, and satisfying. Making them in the air fryer keeps things tidy and fast, and they’re fun to decorate for special occasions.
What do you need to make Strawberry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer?
Keep a package of refrigerated pie crusts in your fridge for quick mini pies. For this strawberry version you’ll also need a can of strawberry pie filling. An egg wash and a sprinkle of turbinado or sanding sugar give the pies a pretty, bakery-style finish.
Helpful tools that speed up the process:
- Sturdy 4-inch dumpling or hand-pie press to seal the edges neatly and quickly.
- A set of round cookie cutters (a 4-inch cutter is ideal) to cut consistent circles from the pie crust.
How do you make Strawberry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer?
1. Remove the refrigerated pie crusts from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes so they’re easier to roll and cut.
2. Unroll one crust on a piece of parchment or wax paper. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles. With careful placement you can get 7–8 circles from each crust; reroll scraps as needed.
3. Spoon about two strawberry pieces (or roughly a tablespoon) of strawberry pie filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill—leave room to seal the edges.
4. Keep a small bowl of water nearby. Just before sealing, dip your fingertip into the water and moisten the edge of the bottom circle; this helps the top and bottom crust stick together.
5. Position the filled circle in the dumpling maker or press, then place another circle on top and press to seal. The press creates a neat edge and trims excess dough.
6. Whisk one egg with one tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the pies for a glossy finish, then sprinkle with turbinado sugar or colored sanding sugar for a festive touch. If you need an egg-free option, brush with a little heavy cream or water instead and add sugar.
7. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the crust is cooked through.
8. Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly and you don’t burn your fingers. These are best enjoyed warm.
More Valentine Dessert Ideas
- Valentine Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Dulce de Leche Peach Pie
- Valentine Bear Cupcakes
- Valentine’s Day Love Bombs
- Valentine Volcano Cookies
- Very Berry Cream Cheese Pie
Want More Air Fryer Recipes?
If you enjoy how quickly these hand pies come together in the air fryer, explore other recipes that take advantage of that same convenience. An air fryer can handle everything from roasted vegetables to quick desserts and even hard-cooked eggs. Try different fillings—apple, blueberry, or cherry work beautifully in the same format.
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Hand Pies in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts per package)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water, divided
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- Optional: pink or red sanding sugar
Instructions
Let refrigerated pie crusts sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Unroll a crust on parchment and cut 4-inch circles.
Place about two strawberry pieces or a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edge with water, top with another circle, and press shut with a dumpling maker or fork.
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush on each pie. Sprinkle with turbinado or sanding sugar.
Arrange pies in the air fryer basket without touching. Bake at 350°F for about 12 minutes, until golden. Cool briefly before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 79 • Total Fat: 4g • Carbohydrates: 9g • Protein: 1g • Sugar: 4g • Sodium: 62mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and should be used as a general guideline only.