Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies with Easy Piecrust Options

Learn how to make air fryer blueberry hand pies the by using an easy, homemade pie crust recipe. No time to make your own air fryer hand pie crust? Get puff pastry, refrigerated biscuit dough, and Pillsbury pie crust options here as well. As a blueberry grower, I am always on the lookout for easy ways to use fresh or frozen blueberries in recipes. These air fryer blueberry hand pies are perfect for picnics, parties, potlucks, snacks, or a tea party dessert. Want to find out just how easy air fryer blueberry hand pies can be? Read on for the details!

My Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies Backstory

When I received my air fryer as a Christmas gift, I could not have been more excited. The first experiment I tried was a recipe for easy blueberry hand pies in the air fryer. I happened to have a frozen disc of leftover pie crust dough in the freezer. I also had an abundance of frozen berries needing to be used. (See related article about using frozen berries if you are interested in learning more about that subject.) I tweaked the filling ingredients a bit, to make the filling more like true blueberry pie filling. The hand pies were a hit! I could have made them using store-bought pie crust dough, biscuit dough or puff pastry as well. If I have the time, I prefer homemade pie crust using my grandma’s practically foolproof pie crust recipe.

You may have read my previous blog post about my air fryer successes and failures. If so, you know that some of my attempts at cooking food in the air fryer have not turned out well. That’s definitely not the case with these little delicious hand-held treasures! Read on to learn how I made them.

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My Grandma’s Favorite Pie Crust Recipe

I’m the third generation in my family to rely on this easy recipe for foolproof pie crust. I’m not sure where my grandma found this. I’ve seen variations of it over the years. Here’s the secret ingredient: Vinegar. I understand that vinegar helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, so the dough can be rolled and re-rolled without becoming tough. That’s perfect for someone like me, and perfect for these easy air fryer blueberry hand pies.

Equipment for Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pie Crust

To make these amazing air fryer blueberry hand pies, you will need an air fryer. If you are looking for a reliable, basic model, the one I use, by GoWiseUSA , has been terrific. 

Depending upon your preferred crust, you may need a pastry rolling pin. You will need a colander to rinse the blueberries, as well as basic kitchen equipment such as measuring cups, measuring spoons, mixing bowls, a knife for cutting the slits in the crust, and mixing spoons. To cut the 4-inch circles in the dough, you can use a plastic lid as a template. A lid from a sour cream containers is slightly larger than 4 inches, but it would work. I happen to have some Tupperware lids (also from my grandmother) that are just the right size.

When removing the hot blueberry hand pies from the air fryer, these silicone kitchen tongs are perfect for gently lifting the newly finished hand pies out of the air fryer basket without burning your fingers.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pie Crust

3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus a little more for sprinkling on the rolling surface (divided)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening (I use Butter Flavor Crisco)

1 egg

1 tablespoon vinegar

5 tablespoons ice water

This recipe makes enough for three 9-inch crusts.

Directions for Making Air Fryer Hand Pie Crust

Mix flour and salt together. With a pastry blender, work shortening into the flour and salt until the pieces are about the size of small peas. (My favorite pastry blender is a vintage Androck model, written about here.) In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, beat the egg well and mix in the vinegar and water. Drizzle into the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring to combine with a fork or pastry blender. Divide dough into three parts and shape into disks. Cover each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the easy blueberry hand pies, you will only need one of the disks. If you wish, you may freeze the other two disks for use at another time. Roll out one of the disks until it is about 10 inches in diameter.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pie Filling

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

2.5 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon flour

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 pinch salt

Directions for Filling Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies

Mix together all of the filling ingredients in a bowl. Cut out 6-8 4-inch circles from the rolled-out pie crust. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle.

Moisten the edges of the circle with a little water. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and gently crimp the edges with a fork. Cut two slits in the top of each hand pie. Spray the hand pies with cooking spray or brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees, and place 3-4 hand pies in a single layer inside the fryer basket. Cook for 9-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Other Easy Piecrust Options

Air Fryer Hand Pies with Puff Pastry

I am a huge fan of working with puff pastry for easy mini sausage rolls. Puff pastry is a great option for an easy air fryer blueberry hand pie crust as well. Simply unroll the sheets of puff pastry onto a lightly-floured work surface. Cut out the dough circles and fill the hand pies as the recipe directs for a super easy, flaky crusted air fryer blueberry hand pie option.

Air Fryer Hand Pies Using Biscuit Dough

To make air fryer hand pies with refrigerated biscuit dough, just separate the biscuit dough rounds and place on a work surface. My favorite work surface is my grandma’s plastic Tupperware dough rolling sheet that has premade circles on it. Take each dough round and roll it out to the size you want. I made my rounds about 4.5 inches, and I used the premade tart circle as a size guide. After you have your dough circles, one optional idea is to brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness. Fill and bake the air fryer blueberry hand pies as directed in the recipe. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Pillsbury Pie Crust in Air Fryer

Can you make blueberry hand pies with store bought crust? Pillsbury is a common brand of store bought pie crust you can find in your freezer section. To use for air fryer blueberry hand pies, just thaw the dough according to package directions. Unroll the dough and cut out the dough circles for the air fryer hand pies. Follow the rest of the steps in the air fryer blueberry hand pies recipe for a easy, delicious air fryer blueberry hand pies ready for a picnic, snack, or tea party.

Common Air Fryer Questions

Can I use my Airfryer to bake?

Yes, you can use your Airfryer to bake! Air fryers are versatile appliances that can handle a wide range of cooking techniques, including baking. While they may not have the exact capabilities of a traditional oven, they can produce delicious baked goods with a few adjustments.

Here are some tips for using your Airfryer for baking:

Preheating: Preheat your Airfryer according to the recipe instructions. Most Air fryers have a preheating option, which helps ensure even baking.

Baking Pans or Ramekins: Choose appropriate baking pans or ramekins that fit inside your Airfryer basket. Opt for oven-safe, non-stick pans or ramekins that can withstand the high temperatures of the Airfryer. For this air fryer blueberry hand pies recipe, no baking pans are needed.

Adjusted Baking Time and Temperature: Due to the smaller size and powerful airflow of the Airfryer, baking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted. As a general rule, reduce the baking temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and monitor the baking time closely. Baking in smaller batches may also help achieve better results.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the baking pan or basket. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. My air fryer has a nonstick coating on the inside. Sometimes I brush the surface with vegetable or canola oil when I am baking directly on the nonstick surface.

Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your baked goods as they cook, as they may require shorter baking times compared to traditional ovens. Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check for doneness. Adjust the baking time if needed.

Airflow and Flipping: To promote even browning, consider flipping or rotating your baked goods halfway through the cooking process. This helps ensure consistent results.

Cooling and Storage: Once your baked goods are done, remove them from the Airfryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving or storing. Properly store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Can I bake pastry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake pastry in an air fryer! Air fryers are versatile appliances that can be used for baking various types of pastries, including puff pastry, phyllo pastry, and pie crusts. Here’s a general guide to baking pastry in an air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended baking temperature for pastries, usually around 375°F (190°C).

Prepare your pastry dough according to your recipe or use pre-made pastry dough.

Roll out the pastry dough to the desired thickness and cut it into the desired shapes or sizes for your pastry recipe.

Place the pastry pieces on a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overlapping.

If desired, you can brush the pastry with an egg wash or sprinkle with sugar, spices, or other toppings for added flavor and appearance.

Carefully place the pastry in the preheated air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring there is enough space for the hot air to circulate.

Bake the pastry in the air fryer for the recommended time, which will vary depending on the type and thickness of the pastry. As a general guideline, it typically takes around 8 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning.

Check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. The pastry should be puffed and flaky.

Once baked, carefully remove the pastry from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool slightly before serving or using in your desired recipe.

It’s important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times, so it’s essential to adjust accordingly based on your specific model and recipe. Always refer to your air fryer’s instruction manual for more precise baking guidelines.

How do you keep pastry from sticking to the air fryer?

To prevent pastry from sticking to the air fryer, here are a few things you can do:

Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before placing the pastry on it. These non-stick surfaces create a barrier between the pastry and the air fryer, reducing the chances of sticking.

Cooking Spray or Oil: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps create a non-stick surface and prevents the pastry from sticking. Be sure to use a neutral-flavored oil or a cooking spray specifically designed for high-heat cooking.

Dust with Flour or Cornstarch: Lightly dust the surface of the pastry, especially the bottom, with flour or cornstarch. This helps absorb excess moisture and minimizes sticking. However, be cautious not to use too much flour, as it may affect the texture of the pastry.

Properly Preheated Air Fryer: Ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the pastry inside. A properly preheated air fryer creates a hot cooking environment that helps prevent sticking.

Avoid Overcrowding: Leave enough space between individual pastry pieces on the air fryer basket or tray. Overcrowding can restrict air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and increased chances of sticking. If needed, bake the pastry in batches.

Flip or Rotate: Depending on the recipe and the type of pastry, you may consider flipping or rotating the pastry halfway through the cooking time. This helps promote even browning and minimizes sticking.

Other Air Fryer Hand Pie Varieties

Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies

Purchase a can of cherry pie filling and use it to make these air fryer hand pies rather than the blueberry filling. You may want to add a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it up. Fill the hand pies as the recipe directs, then put the hand pies in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Use store bought apple pie filling for an apple hand pie variation. Just as with the cherry hand pie option above, you may want to thicken the filling before placing it on the pie crust dough. Seal the hand pies using your favorite method of crimping the edges together and bake them in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Raspberry Hand Pies

We also grow raspberries on our small farm, so raspberry air fryer hand pies are popular as well. For less mess, the raspberries should still be a little frozen before mixing with the other filling ingredients. Fill the air fryer hand pies as directed and pop them into the air fryer to bake.

If you prefer glazed hand pies, simply mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add enough milk to make the glaze of drizzling consistency, and drizzle over the hand pies.

This recipe could be adapted to work for other pie fillings as well. I’d like to try raspberry filling since we have a lot of raspberries in the freezer. There are many other options. Strawberry rhubarb, perhaps? Maybe blackberry? How about peach? Oh, the possibilities are staggering!

Do You Have Any Favorite Air Fryer Recipes?

I’m always looking for more recipes specifically for air fryers. If you have any favorites, would you mind sharing them? I know my air fryer can do amazing things if I can find the right recipes. I feel as though I’ve barely tapped into its potential. If you liked these blueberry hand pies in the air fryer, you might like savory hand pies in the air fryer as well.

Other Favorite Fruit Recipes

Do you have any favorite desserts or other recipes? What comes to mind when you think of delicious dessert dishes? I’m always intrigued to read the stories behind the recipes as well. What makes them so special? I’d love to read your recipe stories. If you have an abundance of apples, you might also like to make easy homemade applesauce. Enjoy making fruit desserts? You might like to try my recipes for blueberry rhubarb crisp, easy blueberry cobbler, glazed blueberry lemon scones, blueberry cream cheese pie, or simple oatmeal apple crisp. If you are a fan of home canning, check out the recipes for blueberry syrup, raspberry syrup, and blackberry syrup. I also have recipes for canned blueberry lime jam, raspberry blueberry jam, and a super simple recipe for rhubarb jam.

Are You Now Craving Easy Blueberry Hand Pies?

Going to give this recipe a try? I’d love to know how it turns out. I am always interested in hearing from my readers. If you experiment with other fruit fillings, I would enjoy knowing about that as well. I grow raspberries and strawberries, apples and rhubarb, so am constantly looking for creative ways to use fruit in recip

More Food Inspiration

Thinking of working this air fryer blueberry hand pie recipe into your tea party , picnic, potluck, dessert, or breakfast recipe collection? It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals or parties. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal-planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.

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I hope you enjoy making this easy airfryer blueberry hand pies recipe. May all of your air fryer endeavors meet with great success!

 

 

 

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. For more delicious, easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.

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