Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of a campfire s’more with the convenience of an air fryer. These hand pies are gooey, warm, and utterly delicious, making them perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make them!
Ingredients
2 rolls of refrigerated pie crusts
Mini marshmallows
Milk chocolate bars
Graham cracker crumbs
1 egg
A tiny splash of water or milk
Directions
Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
First, unroll your two refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface or use a piece of parchment paper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to make them easier to handle. Meanwhile, gather your mini marshmallows, chocolate pieces, and graham cracker crumbs in separate bowls. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with about a teaspoon of water or milk. This will serve as your egg wash.
Cut Out Your Circles
Using a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out as many circles as you can from each pie crust. Aim for about 6-8 circles per crust, which gives you a total of 12-16 hand pies. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out additional circles until most of the dough is used.
Fill the Hand Pies
Take one pie crust circle and place a small amount of chocolate pieces (1-2 teaspoons) on one half of the circle. Leave some space around the edge for sealing. On top of the chocolate, add about 5-7 mini marshmallows and sprinkle a small pinch of graham cracker crumbs over them. Be cautious not to fill them too much, as this can make sealing difficult!
Seal the Hand Pies
Gently fold the empty half of the pie crust circle over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Align the edges and press them firmly together with your fingers. To secure and create a pretty design, use the tines of a fork to crimp along the curved edge of the hand pie.
Prepare for Air Frying
Using a small, sharp knife, make 2-3 tiny slits on the top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape during cooking. Brush the tops of all your sealed hand pies generously with the egg wash for a nice golden finish.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Air Fry the Hand Pies
Carefully place 2-4 hand pies in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 6-9 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Cool and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies from the basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies
Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies are not only delicious, but they also offer a fun twist on traditional s’mores. They are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and bring back nostalgic memories of campfires and summer nights. The combination of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and flaky crust is irresistible. Plus, you can enjoy them year-round, making them an excellent dessert for any occasion.
Nutritional Benefits
While these hand pies are certainly a treat, they are also an enjoyable way to sneak in some nutrients:
Whole Grains: If you choose whole grain pie crusts, you can increase fiber intake.
Calcium: The milk chocolate bars can provide a small amount of calcium.
Energy Boost: S’mores hand pies can offer a quick energy boost, thanks to the sugar from the chocolate and marshmallows.
What to Serve With Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but they pair well with other treats for a complete dessert experience:
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances out the warm pie perfectly.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top for extra decadence.
Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
How to Store Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies
To store leftover S’mores hand pies, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each hand pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overfill: Make sure to limit the amount of chocolate and marshmallows to avoid overflow when sealing.
Seal Properly: Ensure edges are crimped well; otherwise, filling may leak during cooking.
Parchment Paper: If concerned about sticking, use parchment paper in the basket for a lot easier cleanup.
Variation Ideas
If you want to mix things up, try these tasty variations:
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans with chocolate for extra texture.
Fruity S’mores: Add a slice of banana or a few fresh strawberries along with the chocolate and marshmallows.
Different Chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate or dark chocolate for new flavor profiles.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, homemade pie crust can be used. Just follow the same steps for assembling the hand pies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead, fill and seal them, then store them in the refrigerator and air fry when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, watching closely for the golden color.
Making Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies is a delightful activity that the whole family can enjoy. Not only are they simple to make, but the end result is a deliciously satisfying dessert that will surely please everyone. Grab your ingredients and start creating these delightful treats today!