How to Make Air Fryer Maple Pecan Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Pecan Filling
Start by making the maple pecan filling. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a gooey, sweet filling that’s not too runny but thick enough to hold its shape inside the pie.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter, or the rim of a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Aim for circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie: one for the bottom and one to fold over the top.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place a spoonful of the maple pecan filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will spill out when baking. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the pie, using your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges. This step ensures that the filling stays inside while the pies bake.
Step 4: Egg Wash for a Golden Finish
Before cooking, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the top of each hand pie. This will give the pies a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish once they’re air-fried.
Step 5: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Air fry the pies for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Serve
Once they’re done, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the filling set so it doesn’t ooze out when you take a bite. Optionally, dust the pies with powdered sugar to give them a delicate, elegant finish.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Pecan Hand Pies
- Perfect Fall Flavors:
The combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans is a quintessential fall flavor, bringing the warmth and coziness of the season right to your kitchen. It’s the ideal dessert for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. - Quick and Easy:
With the air fryer, these hand pies come together in no time. The air fryer’s speed allows for the crispiness of deep-fried pies, but without the mess or wait. - Flaky and Delicious:
The pie crust turns golden and flaky, while the inside is filled with a sweet, sticky maple pecan filling that’s impossible to resist. The texture contrast between the crispy outer crust and the gooey filling is divine. - Versatile:
You can customize these hand pies with other nuts or fillings if you like. Swap the pecans for walnuts or even mix in some chocolate chips for a twist. You can also make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. - Healthier Option:
Since these are made in the air fryer, you’ll use less oil than traditional deep-fried hand pies, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Hand Pies
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in lots of filling, too much will cause the pies to burst open during cooking. Stick to a tablespoon or so per pie.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before air frying for the best results.
- Customize the Filling: If you prefer a smoother filling, you can blend the maple syrup and pecans in a food processor to make a paste. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mix.
- Serve with Ice Cream: These hand pies are fantastic on their own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Maple Pecan Hand Pies are the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a family dessert, or just treating yourself to something sweet, these hand pies will hit the spot. With minimal ingredients, easy steps, and the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious homemade treat with the comforting flavors of fall. Happy baking!