Sloppy Joe Air Fryer Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sloppy Joe Air Fryer Hand Pies are a fun and portable twist on a classic comfort food. With a crispy, golden crust and a flavorful, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices, these hand pies are perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or even a snack. The best part? They’re made in the air fryer, which gives them a crispy texture with less oil, making them healthier than deep-fried alternatives. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual gathering, these hand pies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Filling:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sloppy joe filling cool for a few minutes while you prepare the pie crusts.

For the Hand Pies:

5. Prepare the Pie Crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Using a round cutter or the top of a drinking glass, cut out 6-8 circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter) from the pie dough. You should be able to get 6-8 hand pies, depending on the size.

6. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled sloppy joe filling in the center of each pie dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may leak out. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

7. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.

8. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

9. Air Fry the Hand Pies: Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the hand pies for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Serve: Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or additional ketchup!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 hand pies

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 8-10 minutes (per batch)

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy Kick: Add a small amount of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra spicy twist.

• Cheesy Hand Pies: Sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) over the filling before sealing the pies to make them extra cheesy.

• Sweet Version: For a fun variation, add a small dollop of barbecue sauce or a teaspoon of sweet relish to the filling for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the hand pies in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispy texture. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen pie crusts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pie crusts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cutting out the circles for the hand pies.

2. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hand pies in advance, seal them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook them, just follow the baking instructions as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze them before air frying and cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I make these hand pies with a different filling?

Absolutely! You can fill the hand pies with any of your favorite fillings, such as shredded chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms and spinach.

4. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for pie dough for a flakier texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as puff pastry may cook slightly faster.

5. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Be sure to seal the edges of the hand pies well by pressing them with a fork and pinching the edges together. You can also refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes before air frying to help them hold their shape better.

6. Can I freeze these hand pies before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled hand pies before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

7. Can I bake these hand pies instead of air frying them?

Yes, you can bake these hand pies at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

8. How can I make the filling more flavorful?

You can add additional spices like chili powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra flavor. You can also add shredded cheese, sautéed onions, or garlic to the filling for added depth.

9. Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry to make these hand pies gluten-free. Be sure to check your other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

10. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and add enough seasoning to match the richness of ground beef.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Air Fryer Hand Pies are a fun, portable, and delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe! With a golden, crispy crust and a savory, flavorful filling, they make for an easy and satisfying meal or snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a fun weeknight dinner, or preparing an appetizer for your next gathering, these hand pies will definitely impress. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes them even more convenient with less mess and less oil. Enjoy these tasty treats!