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These breakfast hand pies became my weekend morning game-changer when I wanted something special that didn't require me to make pancakes or stand over eggs for a crowd. Taking biscuit dough and stuffing it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese, then air frying until golden creates these amazing portable breakfast packages that everyone gets excited about. I came up with this recipe when my kids' friends were sleeping over and I needed something that felt like a treat but could feed a bunch of hungry teenagers without a lot of fuss.
My neighbor's son, who usually just grabs a granola bar and runs out the door, tried one of these when he was over early one Saturday and ended up eating three of them. His mom couldn't believe he was actually sitting down and enjoying a real breakfast instead of rushing around. Now she makes them every weekend because it's the only way she can get him to eat a proper breakfast.
What Goes Into Them
- Pillsbury Grand biscuits: The perfect base that creates flaky, buttery hand pies
- Scrambled eggs with onions: Cooked just until set so they don't get overcooked in the air fryer
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that perfect cheesy richness throughout
- Crispy bacon: Because everything's better with bacon, plus it adds great texture
- Seasoned butter topping: Melted butter with onion powder and parsley makes them irresistible
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Making Them Happen
- Preparing the filling
- Heat oil in a medium skillet and cook diced onions until they're translucent, about 5 minutes. Add beaten eggs and gently scramble them until just set, don't overcook them since they'll continue cooking in the air fryer. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepping the biscuits
- Remove biscuits from the can and roll each one out to about 1/8-inch thickness on a clean work surface. You want them thin enough to fold but not so thin they tear when you add the filling.
- Assembly process
- Distribute the scrambled egg mixture evenly among the flattened biscuits, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Top each with ¼ cup of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Wet your finger with water and run it around the rim of each biscuit, then fold into a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Air frying to perfection
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and work in batches if needed. Place the hand pies in the basket, spray the tops, and air fry at 360°F for 5 minutes. Flip carefully and air fry for another 4 minutes until golden brown.
- The finishing touch
- While they're cooking, mix melted butter with onion powder and parsley. Brush this mixture on the hot hand pies and air fry for one more minute to set the butter topping.
I learned through messy experience that properly sealing these is absolutely crucial. My first batch had several that basically exploded their filling all over the air fryer because I didn't seal the edges well enough. Now I take extra time with the sealing step and never have problems.
Perfect Serving Ideas
These are substantial enough to be breakfast on their own, but they're great with some fresh fruit or hash browns on the side. Ketchup or salsa for dipping makes them even more fun to eat. Coffee or orange juice pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors.
Making Them Different
You can customize the filling with different breakfast meats like sausage or ham, or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Different cheeses work great too - try pepper jack for heat or Swiss for a milder flavor. Sometimes I add a little hot sauce to the egg mixture for people who like things spicy.
Storage and Reheating
These keep well in the fridge for a couple days and reheat beautifully in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. They also freeze well before cooking - just thaw overnight and air fry as directed. Having a stash in the freezer means you're always ready for a special breakfast.
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These breakfast hand pies have become one of those special weekend traditions that makes mornings feel like an event. They take all the best parts of a good breakfast and package them into something that's fun to eat and perfect for sharing. It's comfort food that brings everyone to the table and makes ordinary mornings feel a little more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these breakfast hand pies ahead of time?
- You can assemble them the night before and store covered in the fridge, then air fry in the morning. They're also great for meal prep!
- → What other fillings can I use instead of bacon?
- Try sausage crumbles, ham, or even vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Just make sure any additions are cooked and cooled first.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
- Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and don't overfill them. Also, let the egg mixture cool before assembling.
- → Can I bake these in a regular oven instead?
- Yes! Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- → How do I store leftover hand pies?
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them back up.