Air Fryer Hand Pies (Sloppy Joe Edition!)

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, these Air Fryer Hand Pies are the perfect solution. These flaky, cheesy, and beefy Sloppy Joe hand pies take only 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re in need of a simple weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a meal that the whole family will love, these handheld pockets of goodness will hit the spot.

Want more easy and comforting meal ideas? Try these Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for a fun twist on a classic or start your day with this Classic French Toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

With store-bought pie crust and a simple Sloppy Joe filling, this recipe is easy to assemble and takes just minutes in the air fryer.

Crispy & Flaky

The air fryer gives these pies a perfectly golden, flaky crust without deep frying.

Kid-Friendly & Fun

Kids love these handheld pies, and they’re great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a batch and store them for later—they reheat beautifully for a quick snack or meal.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 package store-bought pie crust (refrigerated for easy handling)
• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 15 oz can Sloppy Joe sauce
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray

Notes on Quality

For the best flavor, use 80% lean and 20% fat ground beef. The extra fat keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
Using a chilled pie crust helps it maintain its structure and ensures a flaky, crisp result.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a new flavor twist.
• Try BBQ sauce instead of Sloppy Joe sauce for a smoky variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Roll out the refrigerated pie crust evenly and use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Make sure to cut enough to pair each serving.
• Brown the ground beef in a non-stick skillet for about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the Sloppy Joe sauce. Let the mixture cool completely before assembling the pies.
• Place a tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of one pie circle.
• Sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top.
• Cover with another pie circle and use a fork to press and seal the edges.
• Lightly spray the hand pies with cooking spray.
• Arrange the pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown.
• Transfer to a cooling rack and serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Let the beef mixture cool completely before assembling the pies. A warm filling can make the crust too soft and difficult to handle.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out while cooking.

Common Mistakes

• Overfilling the pies – Too much filling can cause them to burst open while cooking. Stick to about a tablespoon per pie.
• Not preheating the air fryer – This helps the pies cook evenly and get crispy faster.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-cooked ground beef from a previous meal to cut down on prep time.
• Make and freeze a batch of uncooked hand pies, then pop them in the air fryer whenever you need a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These hand pies pair well with a simple green salad, crispy fries, or roasted veggies. If you’re in the mood for a full breakfast, check out this French Omelette with Fines Herbes for a sophisticated yet easy start to your day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these pies on a wooden board with a side of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or extra Sloppy Joe sauce.

Beverage Pairings

Pair with an ice-cold soda, a light beer, or a fruit smoothie for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory pies.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze uncooked or cooked pies for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for a crispy crust.
• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the crust soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! A homemade buttery pie crust will make these even more delicious. Just make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out.

What other fillings can I use?

Try pizza toppings (pepperoni and mozzarella), buffalo chicken, or even apple pie filling for a sweet version.

How do I keep the hand pies from bursting open?

Be sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork and don’t overfill them. Chilling the assembled pies for a few minutes before cooking also helps.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb: Swap the pie crust for a low-carb tortilla and make a crispy air-fried quesadilla instead.

Flavor Twists

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Stir in caramelized onions or mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
• Try a garlic butter glaze on the crust for extra richness.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For fall, use pumpkin pie filling and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
• During summer BBQ season, swap Sloppy Joe filling for pulled pork.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Hand Pies are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and beefy goodness—all in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re making them for a quick meal, a party, or a kid-friendly treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your results!

If you love easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out more ideas on Pinterest.

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