What’s more romantic than sweet, flaky hand pies shaped like hearts? These Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies are quick, easy, and made in an air fryer for the perfect golden finish. Filled with sweet jam or your favorite pie filling, these treats are great for sharing with loved ones—or indulging yourself because you deserve it!
Decorate them with icing and sprinkles for an extra festive touch, and you’ve got a Valentine’s Day dessert that’s both adorable and delicious. Let’s get started! ❤️
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Hand Pies
- 1 box (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- ½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite pie filling)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Decorations
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Pink or red food coloring
- Valentine’s sprinkles or sanding sugar
Pro Tips for Perfect Hand Pies
- Seal it right: Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Avoid overfilling: Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per pie to keep them neat.
- Smooth your dough: Roll out pie crusts lightly if uneven or too thick.
- Preheat the air fryer: This step ensures even cooking and a golden finish.
- Cool before decorating: Let pies cool completely before adding icing to avoid it melting.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (3–4 inches wide)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Fork (for sealing edges)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Substitutions and Variations
- Filling options: Try Nutella, cherry pie filling, apple pie filling, or even peanut butter and jelly.
- Vegan version: Use vegan pie crusts and plant-based milk for the egg wash.
- Savory twist: Fill with cheese, spinach, or ham for a savory variation.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crust for a GF-friendly treat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate uncooked pies: Assemble and refrigerate hand pies up to 1 day in advance. Air fry fresh when ready.
- Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
How to Make Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut an even number of hearts (you’ll need two for each pie). Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Place half of the heart-shaped cutouts on a parchment-lined surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of jam or pie filling into the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Seal the Pies
Top each filled heart with another dough cutout. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly and seal the pies. Poke a small hole in the center with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pies
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Make the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of pink or red food coloring until smooth. Adjust milk for your desired consistency.
Step 7: Decorate the Pies
Drizzle icing over the cooled pies. Add Valentine’s sprinkles or sanding sugar while the icing is still wet. Let the icing set before serving.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the pies on a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
Storage and Leftovers
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat pies in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Freeze undecorated pies: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and decorate before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time, no baking required!
- Customizable: Experiment with fillings and decorations.
- Perfectly Festive: Heart-shaped pies with sprinkles make any Valentine’s Day extra special.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Heart Hand Pies are the ultimate combination of flaky, sweet, and festive! Made effortlessly in the air fryer, they’re perfect for celebrating love with family, friends, or yourself.
Did you try this recipe? Share your creations in the comments—whether you used strawberry jam, Nutella, or created your own unique version. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
Would you like to add anything, such as a printable recipe card or more decorative ideas? 😊