1 Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies That’ll Wow You

Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer creamy chicken pot pie hand pies! I was craving comfort food last week but didn’t want to fuss with a whole pie crust – and boom, this genius little hack was born. They’re like all the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie, but in adorable single-serving packages that cook in minutes. My air fryer has become my best friend for quick meals, and these hand pies? Total game changer. The puff pastry gets so flaky and golden, while the creamy chicken filling stays perfectly moist. Trust me, once you taste that first crispy bite, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Okay, let me tell you—these little pockets of joy have become my go-to for so many reasons! First, they’re ridiculously easy. No rolling out pie dough or babysitting a baking dish. Just mix, fold, and air fry. Here’s why they’re a win:

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—yes, really! Perfect for those “I need comfort food NOW” moments.
• Crispy Magic: The air fryer gives that puff pastry the most irresistible golden crunch. No soggy bottoms here!
• Portion Control: Single-serving means no leftovers (or guilt). Though, let’s be real—you might eat two. I always do.
• Kid-Friendly: Great for lunches or snacks. Dip ‘em in ketchup or ranch if you’re feeling fancy.

Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without ‘em.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Gather these simple ingredients and you’re halfway to hand pie heaven! I’ve made this so many times I could probably recite this list in my sleep. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great here – no shame in shortcuts!)
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed and drained well – soggy filling is the enemy)
• 1/4 cup cream of chicken soup (straight from the can, don’t dilute it – this is our creamy magic)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold – trust me, warm pastry is a nightmare to work with)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden shine)

See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together for something truly special. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these hand pies! Just grab these basics (you probably have most already):

• Air fryer (the star of the show!)
• Rolling pin (or a wine bottle in a pinch—I won’t judge)
• Fork (for crimping those edges shut—no filling escapes on my watch!)
• Pastry brush (or just use your fingers for the egg wash—messy but effective)
• Mixing bowl (any ol’ bowl will do)

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic.

How to Make Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Alright, let’s dive into making these little pockets of deliciousness! I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and I’ve got all the little tricks to make sure yours turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps and you’ll be biting into golden, flaky perfection before you know it!

Preparing the Filling

First things first – that creamy chicken filling! Grab your mixing bowl and toss in the shredded chicken (I like mine in small, bite-sized pieces). Add those thawed and drained veggies – seriously, squeeze out any extra water or you’ll end up with soggy pastry. Now comes the good stuff: stir in the cream of chicken soup (straight from the can – no diluting!), garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all until it’s beautifully combined – you want every bite to be packed with flavor!

Assembling the Hand Pies

Now for the fun part! Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface – aim for about a 10-inch square. Cut it into 4 equal squares (I use a pizza cutter – so easy!). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each square, slightly off-center. Here’s my pro tip: wet your finger and run it along the edges before folding – this helps seal them tight. Fold into triangles, press the edges together, then crimp with a fork for that classic hand pie look. Don’t skip the egg wash – it’s what gives them that gorgeous golden shine!

Air Frying to Perfection

Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – this step is crucial for even cooking! Carefully place your hand pies in the basket, leaving space between them (I do 2 at a time in my basket). Cook for 10-12 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown – peek at the 8-minute mark to check progress. When they’re done, they’ll be crispy on the outside with steaming hot filling inside. Let them cool just a minute or two before biting in – that filling gets HOT! Trust me, the wait is worth it.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned all the little tricks to guarantee perfect hand pies every single time. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Keep that pastry cold! Warm puff pastry tears easily and won’t crisp up as nicely. If your kitchen’s warm, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes after rolling.
• Don’t overstuff! Two tablespoons of filling is plenty – any more and you’ll have leaks (learned that the messy way).
• Spray lightly! A quick spritz of oil gives extra crispiness – just don’t soak them.
• Seal tight! Run a damp finger along edges before crimping – no filling escapes this way!

Follow these and you’ll get restaurant-quality hand pies right at home!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these hand pies? You can totally make them your own! I’ve experimented with all sorts of twists when I’m feeling creative or just using what’s in my fridge. Here are some of my favorite swaps that work like a charm:

• Turkey instead of chicken – perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!
• Fresh veggies when I’m feeling fancy (diced carrots and peas work great)
• Dairy-free cream soup for my lactose-intolerant friends
• Add a pinch of thyme for extra cozy vibes
• Swap in biscuit dough when I’m out of puff pastry (not as flaky but still delicious)

The possibilities are endless—that’s the beauty of hand pies!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, you’re gonna love this part—the serving options are endless! My absolute favorite? A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. But honestly, these hand pies shine just as bright all on their own. For extra fun, try dipping them in ranch, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce—my kids go crazy for that!

Storing and Reheating

Here’s the good news—these hand pies keep like a dream! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long). For longer keeping, freeze them on a tray first, then pop into a bag. When that craving hits, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes—good as fresh!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re biting into—each hand pie comes in at about 280 calories, with 12g protein to keep you satisfied. Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used (like how much chicken you stuff in there!). Full breakdown per serving is in the recipe card above.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these hand pies all the time—so here are the answers to all your burning questions!

Can I use homemade pastry instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Just roll it slightly thinner than you would for a full pie—about 1/8 inch thick works best. Homemade dough gives a different (but equally delicious) texture—more biscuit-like than flaky.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
You bet! Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste amazing. Just keep an eye on them—ovens vary!

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Two secrets: 1) Drain that filling really well (I squeeze my veggies in a clean towel), and 2) Always preheat your air fryer. That initial blast of heat is what gives you that perfect crisp crust!

Print