What’s better than a sweet, flaky hand pie shaped like a heart? One that’s made in the air fryer! These Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies are perfect for celebrating love with your special someone, your family, or even just yourself (because you deserve it!). Filled with sweet jam or pie filling, these adorable hand pies are quick to make, thanks to store-bought pie dough, and come out perfectly golden and crisp in the air fryer. Decorate them with icing and sprinkles for an extra festive touch, and you’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
What You’ll Need
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 box (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- ½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any favorite pie filling)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Decorations:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Pink or red food coloring
- Valentine’s sprinkles or sanding sugar
Tools You’ll Need:
- Air fryer
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (3–4 inches wide)
- Rolling pin (if needed to smooth the dough)
- Fork (for sealing edges)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Pro Tips
- Seal Well: Use a fork to press and crimp the edges of the heart pies to keep the filling from leaking out during air frying.
- Don’t Overfill: Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per hand pie to avoid spills.
- Smooth Dough: If the pie crusts are a little uneven, lightly roll them out with a rolling pin before cutting the hearts.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the pies turn perfectly golden.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the pies to cool slightly before adding icing, as it will melt on hot pies.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Fillings: Use Nutella, apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, or even peanut butter and jelly for different flavors.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan pie crust and a plant-based milk for the egg wash alternative.
- Savory Version: Fill the pies with cheese, spinach, or a ham-and-cheese combo for a savory twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie dough for a GF-friendly treat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble in Advance: Prepare the hand pies and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 1 day. Air fry when ready to serve.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze uncooked hand pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Make Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies (Air Fryer)
1. Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts (you’ll need two for each pie). Gather and re-roll scraps as needed to make more hearts.
2. Add the Filling
Place half of the heart cutouts on a parchment-lined surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of jam or pie filling into the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Seal the Pies
Top each filled heart with another dough cutout. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pies. Poke a small hole in the center of each pie with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.
4. Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish.
5. Air Fry the Pies
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crisp.
6. Make the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of pink or red food coloring until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
7. Decorate the Pies
Drizzle the icing over the cooled hand pies. Sprinkle with Valentine’s sprinkles or sanding sugar while the icing is still wet. Let the icing set before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the decorated pies on a festive serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for the perfect Valentine’s treat!
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze undecorated hand pies for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the air fryer, then decorate before serving.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies are the perfect blend of sweet, flaky, and festive—ideal for celebrating love with friends, family, or your special someone. Quick to make in the air fryer and customizable with your favorite fillings, they’re sure to impress. Let me know how yours turned out—did you use strawberry filling, Nutella, or something else? Share your creations and any fun twists in the comments below. Happy Valentine’s Day!
