SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://www.southernturk.versust.com/recipe/air-fried-peach-and-kaymak-hand-pies
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
Air Fryer Alchemist
Air-Fried Peach and Kaymak Hand Pies
Georgia peaches meet Turkish clotted cream in flaky hand pies that air-fry to golden perfection. Dessert alchemy that requires no deep fryer and delivers maximum joy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced small
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/2 cup kaymak or mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- Cooking spray
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Preparation
Peach season in the South is sacred. When I discovered kaymak—that silky Turkish cream—I knew I had to marry it with our summer gold. These hand pies are that perfect union, made guilt-free in the air fryer.
Preparation
- Toss diced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cardamom. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whip kaymak with honey until smooth.
- Unroll pie crusts and cut each into 4 circles using a 4-inch round cutter (or a bowl as template).
- On one half of each circle, spread 1 teaspoon of kaymak mixture.
- Top with 2 tablespoons of peach filling.
- Fold circles in half and crimp edges firmly with a fork.
- Brush each pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Spray basket with cooking spray. Place 3-4 pies in basket without touching.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios while warm.
Can't find kaymak? Mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream makes an excellent substitute that captures that same luxurious creaminess.
