Air Fryer Lemon Pies are a lighter, oil-free take on classic lemon fried pies. Often called hand pies, they’re typically eaten with your hands and feature a creamy lemon filling finished with a tart lemon glaze. This easy air fryer dessert comes together quickly and yields light, flaky pastries with bright citrus flavor.
If you want a fast dessert that cooks in the air fryer, these lemon hand pies are a perfect choice. The air fryer keeps things simple while delivering a crisp, golden crust.
Key to Success #1 – Start With Refrigerated Pie Crust
Refrigerated pie crusts from the grocery store are a reliable shortcut when you’re short on time. They have a homemade-like flavor and save time in the kitchen, but you can use your favorite homemade crust if you prefer.
This recipe calls for two pie crusts to make eight small pies. If you only want four pies, one crust will do. When cutting the crusts, make sure the top and bottom pieces match in size and shape so you can seal the edges properly.
An easy method is to stack the two crusts and cut them together so each top has a matching bottom. They don’t need to be perfectly square—matching pairs are what matter for a good seal.
Key to Success #2 – Crimp the Edges Very Well
After cutting the crusts, add the lemon filling to the bottoms. A smooth, thick lemon pie filling works best; many cooks use a canned lemon creme filling for convenience. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling into the center of each bottom crust and spread it slightly, leaving room around the edges so the filling won’t squeeze out when sealed.
Lightly moistening the edge of the bottom crust with water helps the top crust adhere. Place the matching crust on top, press the edges together with your fingers so there are no gaps, and then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a neat finish and a secure seal.
Key to Success #3 – Air Fry in a Single Layer
Cook the pies in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Depending on your basket size you may need multiple batches—most medium-sized air fryers fit 2–3 pies at a time.
Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for about 7 minutes, then carefully flip each pie and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. A nylon spatula or two forks work well for turning them without tearing the crust.
While the pies are cooking, whisk together the glaze. Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice until you reach a thin, pourable consistency. If you prefer a milder glaze, substitute milk with a splash of vanilla for the lemon juice, but the lemon glaze adds bright, complementary flavor and is highly recommended.
Save this Air Fryer Lemon Pie recipe to your favorite Air Fryer Desserts board or your Lemon Desserts board.
Air Fryer Lemon Pies
These hand pies are easy to eat and perfect for sharing.
They turn out light and flaky in the air fryer with a bright lemon glaze on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg, 14.1 oz refrigerated pie crust
- 1 can, 20 oz lemon pie filling
For glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Directions
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Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Soften pie crusts according to package directions.
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Stack the crusts and cut through both to make 8 squares (or slightly squarish shapes). Each pair cut together becomes a top and bottom for a pie.
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of lemon filling into the center of each bottom crust. Stretch the top crust slightly and place it over the filling.
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Moisten the edges, press to seal, and crimp with a fork to prevent leaks.
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Place pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–7 minutes until golden.
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While pies cook, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
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Allow pies to cool slightly, then drizzle the lemon glaze over the top and serve.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Mixing bowl and spoon for glaze
Nutrition Facts
| Calories: 137 kcal
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