Irresistible Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies in 30 Minutes

Picture this: it’s a lazy summer afternoon, and the smell of ripe peaches fills the air. I’m standing in my kitchen, craving something sweet but don’t want the hassle of deep frying or turning on the oven. That’s when I discovered the magic of Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies – crispy, golden pockets of joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor. These little beauties have become my go-to when I need a quick dessert fix or want to impress last-minute guests. The air fryer works its magic, giving them that perfect flaky crust without all the oil splatter. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at store-bought pastries the same way again!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies

Oh my goodness, these little pies are an absolute game-changer! Here’s why they’ll become your new obsession:

• Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – perfect for when that sweet tooth hits unexpectedly
• Perfect crispiness: The air fryer gives that golden, flaky crust without any greasy mess
• Summer in every bite: Juicy peaches shine in these – it’s like capturing sunshine in pastry
• Play with flavors: Swap in berries or apples if you’re feeling adventurous
• Kid-friendly fun: My little ones love helping crimp the edges (and sneaking extra peach filling)

Seriously, if happiness had a shape, it would be one of these golden little pockets!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden beauties:

• 2 cups diced peaches (fresh is dreamy, but frozen works too – just thaw and drain first)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust up or down depending on how sweet your peaches are)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – our magic thickener that keeps the filling from getting soupy
• 1 tsp lemon juice – just a splash to brighten everything up
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or get fancy with a pinch of nutmeg too!)
• 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water for that gorgeous golden sheen
• Coarse sugar (optional but oh-so-pretty for sprinkling)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – baking should be fun! Here’s the scoop:

The cornstarch is non-negotiable – it’s what keeps your filling from turning into a leaky mess. No peaches? Frozen mixed berries work amazingly well (just reduce the sugar). Swap cinnamon for almond extract if you want a different flavor twist. And hey, if you forget the egg wash, a little milk brushed on top will still give you decent browning. The pie crust police won’t come after you if you use store-bought – I promise!

How to Make Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies

Alright, let’s get these little pockets of joy cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps:

1. Fire up that air fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) – this gives us that perfect crispy start.
2. Mix your filling: Toss the peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and cinnamon until everything’s nicely coated. (I like to let it sit for 5 minutes while I prep the crust – helps the flavors mingle!)
3. Roll and cut: Unroll your pie crust and cut into 4-inch circles (a wide-mouth mason jar lid works great as a cutter in a pinch).
4. Fill ’em up: Spoon about 2 tbsp of filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Resist overfilling – trust me, less is more here!
5. Seal the deal: Fold dough over filling and crimp edges with a fork – press hard to seal those beauties tight.
6. Shine bright: Whisk egg and water, brush over pies, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Air fry magic: Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown (no peeking for the first 8 minutes!)
8. Cool slightly: Let them rest for 5 minutes – the filling will be lava-hot at first!

Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

After making approximately a zillion of these (okay, maybe a few dozen), here’s what I’ve learned:

Don’t be a overachiever with the filling – about 2 tablespoons is perfect. Too much and you’ll have a leaky mess. Press those edges like you mean it – a good seal keeps the goodness inside. At the 10-minute mark, check for doneness – some air fryers run hotter than others. And here’s my secret: rotate the basket halfway through for even browning. Oh, and parchment paper liners? Lifesavers for easy cleanup!

Serving & Storing Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies

These little pies are best served warm – think golden crust, gooey filling, and maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Heaven! If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but just in case), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3 minutes – they’ll taste just as fresh and crispy as the first time!

Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what folks ask me most about these little beauties:

Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Berries, apples, even cherries work great – just adjust the sugar based on sweetness. Frozen fruit is totally fine too (thaw and drain first).

Can I bake these instead? You bet! Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until golden. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Why did my filling leak? Probably overfilled or didn’t seal edges tightly enough. Less is more with the filling – trust me!

Can I make these ahead? Sure! Assemble, then refrigerate up to 4 hours before air frying. Add a couple extra minutes if going straight from fridge to air fryer.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates and might change depending on your exact ingredients. Each golden little hand pie comes in at about 180 calories with 12g of sugar – not bad for such a tasty treat! Of course, if you go wild with the ice cream topping, that’s between you and your sweet tooth.

Share Your Results!

Made these? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me or leave a rating – your feedback makes my kitchen adventures even sweeter!