Strawberries and cream is such a classic combination in all sorts of treats. I love that combination particularly in my air fryer strawberry cream pie recipe, since they’re so easy to make. Sweet, creamy, and delicious hand pies bake up in minutes for a crowd pleasing dessert!
Take a classic pie, add the convenience of the air fryer, and you’ve got these delectable hand pies! They cook in way less time than a regular oven, and don’t heat up your whole house, making it a perfect summer cooking method.
That’s great because this combination of strawberries and cream is the perfect summertime treat! Fresh berries are at their juiciest, so it’s the perfect time to make this dessert.
Hand pies are great, as you can make tons of different flavors easily, and use them to feed a crowd. They’re naturally single serve portions, easy to grab and eat while holding a conversation, and loved by both kids and adults alike!
For an example of another great flavor combination, try out my Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies recipe, featuring sweet berries with a kiss of lemon.
Gathering the Essential Ingredients for the Pies
15 ounce box refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total)
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
2 Tbsp strawberry preserves
1 Tbsp cornstarch
8 ounces cream cheese or neufchatel cheese (room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 ½ Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can swap in your favorite homemade double pie crust recipe in place of the refrigerated dough option
Feel free to use strawberry pie filling as a quick replacement for the fresh strawberries and preserves
If you don’t like cream cheese, try mascarpone instead. Alternatively, swap it for Nutella for a different flavor profile, or omit entirely and just enjoy plain strawberry hand pies
The glaze is optional, but gives it more of that classic “fried pie” feel. You can also use different flavor extracts or fresh citrus juice (like lemon) to give it a different flavor. Alternatively, use coarse sugar instead of a glaze by brushing the top of each pie with egg wash or melted butter, then sprinkle on the sugar before baking
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Pie Crust and Filling
In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the preserves and the cornstarch. Mix well and set aside
Stir the softened cream cheese until it is smooth, then fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fully incorporated
Unroll your pie crusts. Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut rounds from each (usually 6-8 per crust, depending on the specific size of your cutter)
Place a scant 1 Tbsp sweetened cream cheese and 1 Tbsp of the strawberry mixture in the center of each crust circle, leaving about ¼” clean around the edge
Wet the clean outside edge with some water (I use my finger, but you could use a brush as well)
Fold the dough over in half, to form a halfmoon shape (I fold it up like a taco and then pinch the sides). Alternatively, you can fill only half the circles and add another circle to the top for circular hand pies
Using a fork, press down along the edges to seal the two crust halves together
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F
Use a sharp knife to cut ½” long slit into the top of each pie for ventilation
Place the hand pies into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes, or until pies are golden brown. Add additional time in small increments if needed
While pies are cooking, mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl
Remove the cooked pies to a cooling rack and brush with the glaze while they’re still warm. I recommend wax paper underneath the rack to catch drips
Allow hand pies to cool completely (which will firm up the glaze) before serving
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries For the Hand Pie Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the hand pie filling. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the pies.
If you use frozen strawberries with sugar, you may omit the preserves or other sweetener for the berry portion.
How Do I Prevent the Hand Pies from Becoming Too Soggy?
To prevent the hand pies from becoming too soggy, avoid overfilling them with the strawberry cream filling.
Additionally, make sure to seal the edges of the pies well to prevent any leakage during cooking.
Can I Make These Hand Pies With a Store Bought Pie Crust?
You can absolutely make these hand pies with store bought pie crust. It saves time in making, chilling, and rolling the dough.
Of course, you can also make your own if you prefer, but pre-made is a convenient option.
How Do I Ensure the Strawberry Cream Filling Sets Properly in the Air Fryer?
To ensure that the strawberry cream filling sets properly, make sure to use a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca starch in the filling mixture.
This will help the filling achieve a desirable consistency during air frying by absorbing excess moisture from the fruit.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Hand Pies for Variety?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with adding other fruits to the hand pies to create a variety of flavors.
Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of berries can work well alongside the strawberries for a mixed berry filling.
What’s the Best Way to Glaze the Hand Pies After Air Frying?
The best way to glaze hand pies after air frying is to brush or spoon the glaze over the pies while they’re still slightly warm. Then, allow them to fully cool so the glaze firms.
Use a cooling rack with wax paper underneath to catch drips for an easy application surface.
Recipe Pro Tips
I use a 3 ¾” diameter cookie cutter and am able to make one dozen hand pies folded (or 6 double crust rounds). Other sizes of cutter will vary
You can also dip the hand pies in the glaze if you prefer instead of spreading it. However, they are warm, and the color tends to run if any fruit juice has leaked out
It is normal for the pies to leak slightly during cooking. I like to use silicone liners or parchment in my air fryer for easier cleanup (but it’s totally optional)
Storage Tips
Store leftover strawberry cream hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (unless you used canned pie filling in place of fresh fruit, in which case it should make it 5 days)
You may warm strawberries and cream hand pies in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350°F to take the chill off before eating, if desired
Air fryer strawberry cream hand pies are the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and cream in every bite. They come together quickly, for an easy dessert, and they’re much healthier than those deep fried fast food pies.
I love using fresh berries in the summer to make these, seeing as the air fryer doesn’t add too much heat to the house like the oven. They pair perfectly with a cookout dinner, and are the perfect sweet treat.
Of course, you can try out various different fillings and toppings to suit your tastes or meet dietary needs. That’s the beauty of these mini pies! They’re versatile and delicious, no matter how you fill them.
These air fryer strawberry cream pies are easy to make and perfectly delicious! Fresh strawberries, sweetened cream cheese, and pie crust form the perfect bite.
Stir the softened cream cheese until it is smooth, then fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fully incorporated
8 Ounces cream cheese or neufchatel, ½ Cup powdered sugar, 1 Tsp vanilla extract
Unroll your pie crusts. Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut rounds from each (usually 6-8 per crust, depending on the specific size of your cutter)
15 Ounce box refrigerated pie crusts
Place a scant 1 Tbsp sweetened cream cheese and 1 Tbsp of the strawberry mixture in the center of each crust circle, leaving about ¼” clean around the edge
Wet the clean outside edge with some water (I use my finger, but you could use a brush as well)
Fold the dough over in half, to form a halfmoon shape (I fold it up like a taco and then pinch the sides). Alternatively, you can fill only half the circles and add another circle to the top for circular hand pies
Using a fork, press down along the edges to seal the two crust halves together
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F
Use a sharp knife to cut ½” long slit into the top of each pie for ventilation
Place the hand pies into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes, or until pies are golden brown. Add additional time in small increments if needed
While pies are cooking, mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl
1 Cup powdered sugar, 2 ½ Tbsp milk, 1 Tsp vanilla extract
Remove the cooked pies to a cooling rack and brush with the glaze while they’re still warm. I recommend wax paper underneath the rack to catch drips
Allow hand pies to cool completely (which will firm up the glaze) before serving
Notes
You can swap in your favorite homemade double pie crust recipe in place of the refrigerated dough option
Feel free to use strawberry pie filling as a quick replacement for the fresh strawberries and preserves
If you don’t like cream cheese, try mascarpone instead. Alternatively, swap it for Nutella for a different flavor profile, or omit entirely and just enjoy plain strawberry hand pies
The glaze is optional, but gives it more of that classic “fried pie” feel. You can also use different flavor extracts or fresh citrus juice (like lemon) for flavoring. Alternatively, use coarse sugar instead of a glaze by brushing the top of each pie with egg wash or melted butter, then sprinkle on the sugar before baking
I use a 3 ¾” diameter cookie cutter and am able to make one dozen hand pies folded (or 6 double crust rounds). Other sizes of cutter will vary
You can also dip the hand pies in the glaze if you prefer instead of spreading it. However, they are warm, and the color tends to run if any fruit juice has leaked out
It is normal for the pies to leak slightly during cooking. I like to use silicone liners or parchment in my air fryer for easier cleanup (but it’s totally optional)
Store leftover strawberry cream hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (unless you used canned pie filling in place of fresh fruit, in which case it should make it 5 days)
You may warm strawberries and cream hand pies in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350°F to take the chill off before eating, if desired
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer strawberries and cream pie, air fryer strawberry cream pie, air fryer strawberry hand pies, easy strawberry cream pie, homemade air fryer strawberry cream pie, quick and easy desserts, strawberries and cream hand pies
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
