Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Introduction

Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are the kind of treat that make you stop what you’re doing and just breathe in for a moment. There’s something about the warm, sweet smell of cherries mingling with flaky pastry that hits somewhere deep—somewhere nostalgic. These hand pies feel like something your grandmother might’ve made, but with a modern twist that makes them faster, easier, and honestly—just as good.

They’re simple, unfussy, and deeply satisfying. The cream cheese brings this rich, velvety softness that balances the bright, fruity burst of cherry filling. The air fryer gives them that perfectly crisp exterior without the hassle or heaviness of deep frying. No waiting forever for the oven to preheat, no worrying about uneven browning, no greasy mess. Just golden, handheld pockets of warm, sweet happiness.

These little pies are perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, quick desserts, holiday trays, or those nights when you just want something homemade without committing your whole evening to the kitchen. They’re versatile, comforting, and incredibly customizable—change the filling, change the shape, change the topping. Once you learn the method, the possibilities open up.

And truly, they look way fancier than they are. Bring a tray of these to a gathering, and people will think you spent hours making them. Meanwhile, you’ll know it was a simple filling, a few folds, and the air fryer doing all the heavy lifting. That’s the beauty of this recipe—easy work, big payoff.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy – Ready in minutes thanks to the air fryer.
• Crispy and golden – Perfectly flaky without deep frying.
• Rich, creamy filling – Cream cheese adds a luxurious texture.
• Kid-friendly and portable – Great for lunches and snacks.
• Customizable – Swap in any pie filling you like.
• Minimal cleanup – No oily pans or messy stovetops.

Ingredients

For the Hand Pies

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned cherry pie filling

For Assembly & Topping

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar or sanding sugar
• Powdered sugar glaze (optional)

Instructions/Method

1. Prepare the filling: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Roll and cut the dough: Unroll pie crusts and cut into circles or rectangles (about 4–5 inches wide).
3. Fill each pie: Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling to the center.
4. Seal the edges: Fold the dough over and crimp with a fork.
5. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires it.
6. Brush with egg wash: Beat egg with water and brush lightly over each pie.
7. Add topping sugar: Sprinkle coarse sugar for crunch.
8. Air fry: Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
9. Glaze (optional): Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over warm pies.

Tips & Variations

• Use puff pastry for a lighter, flakier result.
• Try other fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach.
• Add lemon zest to the cream cheese for extra brightness.
• Freeze unbaked pies for quick desserts later.

Note

Don’t overfill the pies—too much filling will leak out in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate for a gourmet twist.
• Serve on a holiday dessert platter.

Nutrition Information (Per Hand Pie)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg

User Reviews/Comments

Maya R. – “These were insanely easy and so delicious. My kids devoured them!”

Caleb T. – “Perfect for my air fryer. Crispy, sweet, and just the right size.”

Jenna S. – “Made them with blueberry filling—amazing!”

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t leak.

Can I make these with puff pastry?
Yes! Puff pastry works beautifully and gives a bakery-style finish.

Do they store well?
Best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate them for 2–3 days.

Can I bake them in an oven?
Yes—bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 15–18 minutes.

Why are my pies bursting?
Usually from too much filling or not sealing the edges tightly enough.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are the perfect mix of nostalgic flavor and modern efficiency. With crispy edges, creamy centers, and sweet cherry filling, they deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort. Ideal for busy families, holiday spreads, or late-night cravings, these hand pies prove that you don’t need complicated desserts to create something memorable.

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