Foolproof refrigerated pie dough and easy-to-keep-on-hand frozen fruit make these plump home-style fruit pies an anytime treat. I love the mixture of berries and dark sweet cherries, but any type or a blend of frozen berries will do. You can also roll out the pastry circles ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap, and place them back in the fridge. When your craving for pie strikes, simply fill them with the berry mix and pop them the air fryer. Nine minutes later, you’ve got pie!
MAKES 6 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries and cherries (or one or the other)
1/2 package refrigerated pie crust (I like Pillsbury brand)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons granulated sweetener*
1 lightly beaten egg or 1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the frozen berry mix in a small bowl and toss with the cornstarch and sweetener. Set aside. Place the pie crust on a cutting board or flat surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out 4 rounds of dough. Press the scraps together and cut two more 4-inch circles. Lightly roll each round out to a 5 1/2-inch diameter (dough will be fairly thin)
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of berry mix onto half of a pastry round and carefully fold empty pastry over the top to form a half moon (packet will be plump). Press edges together and tightly crimp with a fork. Using the fork or a sharp knife make a small vent or two in the top of each pie. (The pies can be placed in the refrigerator at this point. Cover loosely with foil. They are best cooked the same day you make them, but I have also cooked them with good success the next day. Not wrapping them too tight keeps the dough from getting soggy.)
3. Brush the pies lightly with egg or milk, and sprinkle with a scant 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Place the prepared pies in the air fryer and air-fry for 9 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
*When using Truvia for Baking or another sugar/stevia blend that is twice as sweet as sugar, use half as much (or 1 ½ tablespoons).
CONVECTION OVEN: Preheat convection oven to 375°F. Place pies on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown.
REGULAR OVEN:Preheat oven to 400°F. Place pies on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown.
Marlene Says: To create a fruit drizzle for the pies, place 2 tablespoons reduced-sugar jam and 1 teaspoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl, heat on high for 20 seconds, and stir. Let cool slightly until desired drizzling consistency.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING (1 pie): Calories 150 | Carbohydrate 20g (Sugars 5g) | Total Fat 8g (Sat Fat 3g) | Protein 2g | Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 90mg | Sodium 160mg | Food Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Fat, 1/4 Fruit | Carbohydrate Choices: 1 | Weight Watcher Freestyle Smart Point Comparison: 5
