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Air Fryer Hand Pies: Strawberry Cream Cheese Delight

In the realm of delightful desserts and snacks, few treats can rival the charm of hand pies. These delectable little parcels of joy are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving and make for a delightful addition to any afternoon tea or picnic. One of the most enticing flavours you can explore is the combination of strawberry and cream cheese. With the help of an air fryer, you can whip up these hand pies in no time, achieving a deliciously crispy exterior and a luscious filling without the need for deep frying.

The Allure of Air Frying

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They provide a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods by using hot air circulation, which requires significantly less oil. The result? Golden, crispy foods that retain their flavour and texture but with fewer calories. Making hand pies in an air fryer promises to be a game changer for pastry lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

To create your own Air Fryer Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Hand Pies:

• 1 packet of pre-made pastry dough (puff pastry or shortcrust pastry works well)
• 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 100g cream cheese, softened
• 50g icing sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour, for dusting

Optional for Serving:

• Icing sugar for dusting
• Fresh strawberries or whipped cream on the side

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, softened cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until well blended. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more icing sugar if desired. Set aside.

2. Roll Out the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to a thickness of about 3mm. If using pre-rolled pastry, ensure it is adequately thawed if frozen. Use a round cutter (about 10cm in diameter) or any desired shape to cut out your pastry pieces. You will need two pieces for each hand pie.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Place a tablespoon of the strawberry and cream cheese filling on one half of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing difficult. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg (this will help seal the edges), then fold the pastry over to enclose the filling, pressing down firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch and to ensure the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.

4. Prepare for Frying:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining beaten egg. This will give them a lovely golden colour while cooking.

5. Air Fry the Hand Pies:
Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s advisable to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overcooking.

6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving, and consider pairing them with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful way to indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt of traditional frying methods. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these hand pies are sure to impress. So why not give them a go and experience the charming combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese encased in a perfectly flaky pastry? Your taste buds will thank you!