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Pecan pie in hand-held form? Yes, please. These Air Fryer Pecan Pie Hand Pies are my go-to when I want that rich, nutty, gooey center wrapped in a golden, flaky crust — without having to make a full pie. They’re quick, satisfying, and so easy to serve at fall gatherings or for a sweet holiday snack.
I first made them on a whim after Thanksgiving with leftover pie dough, and now they’re on repeat all season long. You get that classic brown sugar-butter filling with crunchy pecans, but in a tidy package that’s easy to grab and go. Plus, the air fryer crisps them up perfectly in just about 10 minutes.
The texture? Buttery, flaky on the outside with a sticky-sweet pecan filling inside. You can enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temp straight from the counter.
They take about 15 minutes from start to finish, and the results are seriously bakery-worthy. Let’s make a batch!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these indulgent hand pies:
- Pie crust (1 sheet) – Use store-bought for ease. Let it soften at room temp for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped) – Roughly chop for easier filling. Toast them for extra flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup) – Light or dark works. This gives you that deep caramelized sweetness.
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – Adds richness and helps the filling come together.
- Maple syrup or corn syrup (1 tbsp) – Optional but recommended for that classic gooey texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – Boosts that warm flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 egg (for brushing) – To help seal and golden the tops.
Optional: Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar to dust after baking.
Swaps & Notes:
- Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for an extra flaky finish.
- For a bourbon twist, add 1/2 tsp bourbon to the filling.
- Make them dairy-free with plant-based butter and an egg wash substitute like oat milk.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Pro Tip: Preheating gives the crust a head start on crisping.
- In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, syrup, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into circles (about 4 inches each).
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle. Fold over into a semi-circle and press edges to seal. Pro Tip: Crimp with a fork for a pretty edge and a tight seal.
- Brush each hand pie with egg wash and optionally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd — work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or serve warm.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the pies – Filling may leak and burn.
- Not sealing edges well – The filling can escape during cooking.
- Skipping the egg wash – You’ll miss out on that golden finish.
- Crowding the basket – Cook in batches for even results.
- Undercooking – Give them the full time so the crust crisps properly.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Chocolate Pecan Hand Pies – Add a few mini chocolate chips to each filling.
- Spiced Pecan Pies – Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the mix.
- Drizzled Glaze – Mix powdered sugar and milk for a simple icing on top.
- Mini Versions – Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized pies.
- Savory-Sweet Twist – Add a few crumbles of bacon for a sweet-savory surprise.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead (unbaked): Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.
- After baking: Let cool fully, then store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4.
- Reheating: Air fry at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked pies for up to 1 month. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Approx. 200–250 calories per hand pie depending on crust and filling size.
Air Fryer Pecan Pie Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pecans, brown sugar, butter, syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Roll out pie crust and cut into circles (~4 in).
- Add 1 tbsp filling, fold, and crimp edges.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Air fry for 8–10 mins.
- Cool slightly; dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Estimated Calories: ~225 per hand pie
These pecan pie hand pies are proof that the air fryer can do dessert like a pro. They’re easy to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious. If you give them a try, let me know how they turned out! Drop a comment, tag me in your pics, or share your own variation. And if you’re into cozy fall desserts, check out my Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies next!
