I’ll admit it—I’ve always loved a good pot pie, especially on evenings when the weather turns cool and everyone is craving comfort. But there’s something about a full casserole dish that can feel overwhelming, especially if I’m cooking for just the family and don’t want a pile of dishes afterward. That’s exactly why these Air Fryer Pork Pot Pie Hand Pies became a favorite in my kitchen. They’re golden, flaky, and perfectly portioned for holding in your hands, without losing any of the creamy, savory filling that makes pot pies so comforting.
The first time I made these, I was working with leftover pork from a simple roast. I didn’t have time to make a traditional pot pie, but I wanted that familiar, hearty flavor. I grabbed a sheet of puff pastry, diced up some vegetables, and used the air fryer to bring everything together. The result? Crispy, buttery pastry on the outside with rich, creamy pork and vegetables inside—a little pocket of happiness. My husband took one bite and immediately asked, “Why don’t we make these more often?” And the kids? They disappeared into the living room with theirs, barely looking up until the plates were empty.
These hand pies are the perfect solution when you want the warmth and flavor of a pot pie without the fuss of a full dish. They’re portable, fun to eat, and can be adapted for whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden, flaky puff pastry that crisps perfectly in the air fryer
- Creamy, savory filling with tender pork and vegetables
- Individually portioned—perfect for family meals, lunchboxes, or casual entertaining
- Quick and surprisingly easy to make, even on weeknights
- Adaptable to whatever leftovers or pantry ingredients you have
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked pork, diced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten for brushing
Optional add-ins: peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pork, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares, roughly 4×4 inches.
- Spoon a generous amount of the pork mixture onto one half of each square. Fold over the other half and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg to create a golden, shiny finish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the hand pies in the basket, making sure not to crowd them, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
The key to getting the perfect hand pies is letting the filling cool slightly before enclosing it in the pastry. Hot filling can make the pastry soggy or difficult to seal. I also learned that giving the pies a light brush of egg wash really enhances the golden color and makes them look extra inviting.
If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. The crisp edges are worth the extra time.
These hand pies are wonderful as-is, but I’ve also added peas, mushrooms, or corn to give the filling extra texture. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s easy to adjust based on what I have in the fridge.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them warm with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or a dollop of applesauce for a homey touch. My husband loves pairing them with a little Dijon mustard, while the kids enjoy them plain with their favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’re even portable enough to pack in lunchboxes or take on picnics.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Pork Pot Pie Hand Pies are more than just a meal—they’re a little moment of comfort in a busy day. They bring warmth to the table, are fun to eat, and give that familiar “home-cooked” feeling without the long prep and cleanup.
Whenever I make them, I love seeing my family gather, hands reaching for the golden pockets, plates quickly clearing, and everyone smiling. That, to me, is the true magic of a recipe like this: it feeds hearts as much as it feeds bellies. 🥧💛
