Hey y'all! If you're craving a crispy, savory snack that's both wholesome and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies are just what you need. They're golden, flaky, and loaded with a deliciously creamy kale and feta filling—perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy weeknight appetizer. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes for a quick, satisfying snack.
- Baked in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy texture with less oil.
- Packed with nutritious kale and tangy feta cheese for amazing flavor.
- Ideal for meal prep, parties, or a fun family cooking night.
- Customizable with your favorite greens or cheeses for endless variety!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh kale, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Make Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the garlic and kale; cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale is wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked kale mixture, feta, ricotta, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Assemble the Hand Pies
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6 rectangles (about 4x5 inches each).
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling onto half of each rectangle, leaving a border.
- Brush edges with beaten egg, fold over to form a pocket, and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush tops of hand pies with more egg wash. Cut a small slit in each to let steam escape.
Step 3: Air Fry the Hand Pies
- Arrange hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- Don’t overfill your pies to prevent leaks during cooking.
- For even browning, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray before air frying.
- For more on air fryer cooking, check out this air fryer guide from Food Network.
Variations of Air Fryer Hand Pies
- Spinach & Feta Hand Pies: Substitute kale with fresh or frozen spinach.
- Mushroom & Goat Cheese: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap feta for tangy goat cheese.
- Spicy Mediterranean: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- Air fryer
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Fork (for sealing edges)
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked hand pies for up to 2 months—reheat directly from frozen for about 8-10 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas for Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- Serve with a tangy Greek yogurt dip or tzatziki.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
- Great as a grab-and-go breakfast, snack, or party appetizer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- Let filling cool before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
- Seal the edges well with a fork to keep all the cheesy goodness inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking; work in batches if needed. Learn more about air frying best practices at Serious Eats.
FAQ – Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies
- Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of puff pastry?
- Yes, store-bought pie dough works well, but puff pastry gives a lighter, flakier result.
- Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked pies for up to 24 hours or freeze for later.
- Are Air Fryer Kale and Feta Hand Pies healthy?
- They’re packed with nutrient-rich kale and use less oil thanks to the air fryer. Read about the benefits of kale at NutritionFacts.org.
Prep time: 13 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 hand pies
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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2In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the red onion for 2 minutes. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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3In a bowl, combine the sautéed kale mixture, crumbled feta, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
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4Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares. Place a generous spoonful of the kale and feta filling in the center of each square.
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5Fold each square into a triangle and seal the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
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6Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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