Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies

The flavor and texture of these Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies are incredible. Crispy and flaky on the outside with a warm, creamy center, you’d never guess they’re made with store-bought ingredients!

This is one of my favorite quick desserts using pie crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat after a long week. If you haven’t tried making hand pies in the air fryer yet, it’s time to start—they turn beautifully golden brown in no time!

Made with a flaky pie crust and filled with a sweet lemon filling, either lemon curd or lemon pie filling, this dessert will not disappoint. 

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Dessert Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CARAMEL APPLE DANISH, AIR FRYER CINNAMON STICKY BUNS, AIR FRYER CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES, and AIR FRYER CINNAMON CHURRO BITES.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies

• Quick and Easy: These hand pies come together fast with minimal ingredients, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
• Crispy and Flaky: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy, golden crust without the need for deep frying.
• Bright Lemon Flavor: The tangy lemon filling provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, flaky pastry.
• Versatile: Great for parties, snacks, or a simple weeknight dessert that feels special.
• Made with Store-Bought Ingredients: You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies

With just 5 ingredients you can make the best air fryer hand pies with pie crust. Easy and delish, what’s better?

• Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade, this flaky base is the perfect starting point for delicious hand pies.
• Lemon Pie Filling or Lemon Curd: Rich and tangy, lemon curd adds a refreshing burst of flavor inside the crispy crust.
• Egg
• Sparkling Sugar

How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step One: Start by laying out your dough on a floured surface. Use your biscuit cutter and make your circles. Choose a size that will allow you to put in a few tablespoons of filling.

Step Two: Remove the excess dough from the counter, and set it aside (as you will roll that later to make more hand pies)

Step Three: Add about a tablespoon of lemon pie filling to the center of the circle. Fold over the dough, and then use a fork to seal the edges. Then brush the egg on top with a pastry brush.

Step Four: Fill your tray up, being careful to leave space between the pies. Sprinkle some sparkling sugar on top. Place your tray in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 5-7 minutes, remove when golden brown.

Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies Recipe Tips

• This recipe can be cooked in an air fryer basket or oven. I have made these several times in different air fryers, and the recipe will remain the same. I have also made these in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and Mealthy Lid. The cooking time will vary based on what air fryer you are using.
• For best results, cook the Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies into the same shape, so they all cook simultaneously.
• You can use either lemon curd or lemon pie filling.
• For best results, do not overfill the pie crust. Otherwise, the pies will leak while they bake up.
• If you find that your dough is not staying together, add a small amount of water over the edge, which will help the dough stick to itself.

Recipe Variations

• This recipe can be prepared with either lemon curd or lemon pie filling.
• You can use their homemade lemon pie filling or homemade lemon curd. The recipe will work the same as store-bought.
• You can use any canned or homemade pie filling, including blueberry, raspberry, almond, etc.
• You can drizzle with chocolate sauce, lemon icing, or powdered sugar icing right before serving.
• While I used a prepared pie crust, this recipe will work the same using homemade pie crust.

Storing Hand Pies

While you can make these as you want to consume them, they also make for a great snack that you can store.

To make a batch, prepare as directed and then let them cool to room temperature. Then place them into an airtight container. Leave at room temperature, where they will last for about 2 to 3 days.

Freezing Hand Pies

This is a great dessert to have stocked in your freezer. They freeze really well. Let them cool to room temperature, and then place them on a baking tray. Place the baking tray into the freezer, and freeze until the hand pies are frozen solid. Place the Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will last for about 1 to 2 months.

To use: Let them thaw at room temperature, and then you can warm up before serving in either the microwave or air fryer, right before serving.

Air Fryer Lemon Hand Pies Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe? Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time, but you can also use homemade crust if you prefer.

How long should I cook the hand pies in the air fryer? Air fry the hand pies at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, depending on your air fryer model.

Can I use other fillings besides lemon curd? Absolutely! You can use fruit preserves, chocolate, or even savory fillings like cheese or meat.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it can help ensure even cooking and crispier results.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Make sure to seal the edges of the pies well by crimping them with a fork, and avoid overfilling.

Can I freeze the hand pies? Yes, you can freeze them before or after air frying. If freezing before, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I store leftover hand pies? Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness.

Do I need to flip the hand pies during cooking? No, the air fryer circulates air evenly, so there’s no need to flip the hand pies.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free pie crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

What can I serve with lemon hand pies? Lemon hand pies pair well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

• AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY PASTRY
• AIR FRYER CHOCOLATE PASTRY CUPS
• EASY AIR FRYER EASY APPLE TARTS
• AIR FRYER PECAN ROLLS
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT CINNAMON TACO BELL DELIGHTS
• EASY AIR FRYER PEACH TURNOVERS
• AIR FRYER RASPBERRY HAND PIES

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