Description
These delightful Lemon Hand Pies are a perfect blend of tangy lemon curd wrapped in flaky pie crust, finished with a sweet lemon glaze. You can prepare them either in the air fryer for a quicker, crispier result or baked in the oven for a classic, golden finish. Each hand pie is individually sized, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or desserts on the go.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups Homemade Lemon Curd
Dough
- 1 pie crust (package refrigerated)
Glaze & Wash
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk (divided)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Wash and Glaze: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and remaining 1 tablespoon of milk to create a lemon glaze. Set the glaze aside for later.
- Cut Dough Circles: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and cut out 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Save the pastry scraps, re-roll, and cut additional circles until all dough is used.
- Fill the Dough: Place a heaping tablespoon of homemade lemon curd in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Form the Hand Pies: Fold each dough circle over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork or fingers for a decorative edge and better sealing.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash to promote a beautiful golden color when cooked.
- Air Fry the Hand Pies: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Place hand pies in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
- OR Bake in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the sealed hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool slightly.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the hand pies have cooled to warm but not hot, brush the prepared lemon glaze over the tops. Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your fresh, tangy lemon hand pies!
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought lemon curd depending on your preference or time availability.
- Make sure to not overfill the hand pies to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Air frying results in a crisper crust and quicker cook time, while baking gives a more traditional texture.
- Hand pies are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven for best texture retention.
