Southern-Style Fried Pies Minus the Frying with an Air Fryer

If you love traditional Southern-style fried pies but are looking for a healthier alternative, then using an air fryer may be just what you need. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can achieve a light and flaky texture without the excess grease. In this article, we’ll show you how to make easy and delicious fried pies in an air fryer.

Key Takeaways:

• An air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying for making fried pies.
• You can achieve a light and flaky texture with minimal oil by using an air fryer.
• In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks for making flavorful fried pies in an air fryer.
• You can experiment with different fillings and spices to create unique and delicious pies.
• By properly cleaning and maintaining your air fryer, you can ensure optimal performance for future fried pie adventures.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Fried Pies?

If you’re a fan of the delightful, Southern-style fried pies, but want to cut down on the excess grease and calories, an air fryer is the perfect solution. This innovative kitchen tool can produce crispy, flaky fried pies without the need for deep frying. Here are some reasons why an air fryer is a great choice for making fried pies:

1. Healthier Option: Air fryers use little to no oil, resulting in a healthier version of the beloved fried pie.
2. Crispy and Delicious: With the right recipe and cooking time, air fryers can produce crispy, browned fried pies that are just as delicious as their deep-fried counterparts.
3. Easy to Use: Air fryers are incredibly user-friendly, making them a perfect choice for novice and experienced cooks alike.

Now that you know the benefits of using an air fryer for fried pies, let’s explore some of the best air fryer recipes for this beloved dessert.

Getting Started with Easy Fried Pies in an Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of Southern-style fried pies but want a lighter, healthier version, an air fryer is the perfect solution. Making homemade air fryer fried pies is easy and fun, and you’ll love the light and flaky texture of these delicious treats. Follow these simple steps to get started on your homemade air fryer fried pies.

Making the Dough

The first step is to make the dough for your fried pies. You can use store-bought pie crust or make your own using a basic recipe of flour, salt, butter, and water. Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then add the butter and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.

Making the Filling

The filling for fried pies can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference. For a sweet filling, try using canned fruit pie filling, such as apple or cherry. For a savory filling, use ground beef or sausage with your favorite seasonings. To make the filling, spoon the mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a little space around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling and use a fork to seal the edges together.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the pies in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the pies in batches. Once cooked, remove the pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Homemade air fryer fried pies are a delicious and easy dessert to make for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy these Southern-style treats without the guilt of excess grease. Get creative with your fillings and enjoy your homemade air fryer fried pies!

Achieving Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pies

If you’re hoping to achieve that perfect crispy texture for your air fryer fried pies, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to preheat your air fryer before adding your pies. This ensures that they will start cooking right away, creating a crispy crust.

Next, the placement of your pies is important. Make sure to leave enough space between each pie to allow for proper air circulation. You can also try flipping your pies halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Additionally, be mindful of the type of dough and filling you are using. A lighter, flakier dough will generally result in a crispier pie. Avoid overfilling your pies as it can lead to excess moisture and a less crisp crust.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect balance for achieving crispy air fryer fried pies. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy pies in no time.

Exploring Flavorful Fillings for Air Fryer Fried Pies

One of the best things about making fried pies in an air fryer is the endless possibilities for fillings. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, the air fryer can handle it all. Here are some delicious filling ideas to get you started:

Sweet Fillings:

• Apple cinnamon: This classic combination is the perfect filling for fall. Simply toss diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Blueberry: Combine fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and a bit of lemon juice for a tangy, sweet filling.
• Peach: Mix diced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract for a summery treat.
• Chocolate: For a decadent dessert, fill your air fryer fried pie with chocolate chips or Nutella.
• Strawberry: Slice fresh strawberries and mix with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. You can even add a touch of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.

Savory Fillings:

• Chicken pot pie: Use pre-cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a comforting meal.
• Taco pie: Brown ground beef with taco seasoning and fill your pie with a mixture of meat, cheese, and beans for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Spinach and feta: Sauté spinach and onions and mix with crumbled feta cheese for a flavorful vegetarian option.
• Buffalo chicken: Use cooked shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and a bit of blue cheese dressing for a spicy pie.
• Philly cheesesteak: Sauté sliced steak, onions, and peppers and stuff your pie with the savory filling.

The possibilities for fillings are truly endless with air fryer fried pies. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new flavor combinations. You never know what deliciousness you might discover!

Quick and Tasty Air Fryer Fried Pies

When you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that’s sure to impress, air fryer fried pies are a great choice. These delicious treats are simple to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. Plus, with the magic of your air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust without all the added fat and calories.

The key to making quick and tasty air fryer fried pies is to keep things simple. Stick with easy-to-find ingredients and basic flavors, and you’ll be enjoying warm, flaky pies in no time.

Here are a few ideas for quick and tasty air fryer fried pies:

Flavor	Ingredients
Apple	Pre-made pie crust, canned apple pie filling, cinnamon, sugar
Cherry	Pre-made pie crust, canned cherry pie filling, almond extract
Peach	Pre-made pie crust, canned peach pie filling, nutmeg, brown sugar
Blueberry	Pre-made pie crust, canned blueberry pie filling, lemon juice, cornstarch

To make these pies, start by rolling out your pre-made pie crust and cutting it into circles. Then, spoon your filling onto half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold the other half of the crust over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the pies with melted butter or egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Place the pies in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

With these easy recipes, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of air fryer fried pies in no time. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Healthier Air Fryer Fried Pies

Fried pies may not always be the healthiest dessert option, but by using an air fryer, you can make a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips for creating healthy air fryer fried pies:

• Choose Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content of the dough.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Incorporate fresh fruit into your pie filling instead of canned fruit, which often contains added sugar.
• Reduce Sugar Content: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to cut down on calories and added sugar.
• Add Protein: Boost the nutritional value of your pies by adding protein-rich ingredients like nuts or seeds to the filling.
• Opt for Lighter Toppings: Instead of using heavy whipped cream or ice cream, top your fried pies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.

By making these simple substitutions and additions, you can enjoy delicious and healthier air fryer fried pies.

Tips for Making Homemade Air Fryer Fried Pies

Making homemade fried pies in an air fryer is easy and fun, but it requires a bit of technique to ensure that the pies are crispy and delicious. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Make sure the edges are sealed: When preparing your pies, be sure to seal the edges properly to avoid filling leakage during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer beforehand ensures that the pies cook evenly and become crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can cause the pies to stick together or cook unevenly. Cook the pies in batches if necessary.
• Brush with butter: Brushing the pies with melted butter before cooking adds flavor and helps them brown evenly.
• Flip the pies: Flip the pies halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides become crispy and browned.
• Check frequently: Keep an eye on the pies as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your pies.

By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious fried pies in your air fryer every time.

Flavorful Fried Pies in an Air Fryer

One of the best things about making fried pies in an air fryer is the range of flavors and tastes you can experiment with. Whether you prefer sweet or savory fillings, the air fryer can help you achieve a delicious and crispy crust every time. Here are some flavorful filling ideas to inspire your creativity:

Sweet Fillings

Flavor	Description
Apple	Sweet and tart apples cooked with cinnamon and nutmeg
Cherry	Juicy cherries cooked with a touch of almond extract
Peach	Ripe and juicy peaches combined with brown sugar and vanilla
Blueberry	Plump and juicy blueberries cooked with lemon zest and sugar

Savory Fillings

Flavor	Description
Chicken Pot Pie	Rotisserie chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy gravy
BBQ Pulled Pork	Tender and juicy pulled pork mixed with BBQ sauce and cheese
Spinach and Feta	Sauteed spinach mixed with feta cheese and garlic
Taco Pie	Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making flavorful fried pies in an air fryer. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect combination!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Fried Pies

Now that you have your delicious air fryer fried pies, it’s time to serve them up in style! Here are some ideas to make your dessert extra special:

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your warm fried pie.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon on top for an extra pop of flavor.
• Pair your fried pie with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Transform your fried pie into a savory dish by serving it alongside a salad or grilled chicken.
• Create a unique dessert board with a variety of fried pie flavors and toppings for a fun and indulgent dessert experience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect serving style!

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Air Fryer

After enjoying your crispy, flavorful fried pies made in an air fryer, it’s important to properly clean and maintain your appliance to prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips:

1. Unplug the air fryer: Before cleaning, make sure the appliance is unplugged and has cooled down completely.
2. Remove removable parts: Take out any removable parts such as the basket and pan. Clean them separately with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
3. Wipe down the interior: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the interior of the air fryer. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that can scratch the surface.
4. Clean the heating element: The heating element of the air fryer can collect grease and food particles over time. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean it.
5. Avoid using metal utensils: To prevent scratching the non-stick surface, use only silicone or wooden utensils when handling the air fryer.
6. Store the air fryer properly: When not in use, store the air fryer in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of it.
7. Check the manufacturer’s instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care and maintenance guidelines.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your air fryer remains in top condition and ready to create more delicious fried pies.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have discovered the joys of making Southern-style fried pies in an air fryer! As you have learned, using an air fryer can produce light and flaky pies with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

With the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips provided in this article, you can easily create homemade fried pies with a crispy texture and a variety of flavorful fillings.

Remember to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create unique and delicious pies. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly irresistible dessert.

And don’t forget to clean and maintain your air fryer to ensure it continues to produce delicious fried pies for years to come. Happy cooking!