How to Make Perfect Breakfast Pies: Crispy, Golden & Ready in Minutes

Many breakfast pastries claim to be crisp yet often fall short with a soft soggy bite. Understanding what an air fryer does and how it creates true lasting crispness opens the door to a far better result. A grab-and-go breakfast can be both deeply flavorful and perfectly golden with a crust that stays crisp from the first bite to the last. The goal of achieving a flaky well-seasoned hand pie whether for a busy morning or a relaxed weekend brunch is completely attainable.

Many home bakers struggle to achieve that coveted crisp texture often ending up with soft or chewy results. It’s a common frustration the promise of a flaky crust that ends up limp and soggy. This guide is your definitive solution. We’ve rigorously tested and refined this recipe to eliminate the guesswork ensuring consistent success. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner we’ve fine-tuned every step for you to follow with confidence.

Get ready to master the art of the crispy breakfast pie. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the expert techniques versatile filling ideas and crucial make-ahead strategies to create stunning convenient and utterly delicious breakfast pies that will impress everyone. Also see our air fryer tips
and tricks. Say goodbye to soggy crusts and hello to pure unadulterated crisp perfection. With the right method you’ll have breakfast pies that hold their shape crisp beautifully and taste just as amazing as they look.

As a baker with years of experience Ruby the recipe developer and author brings her expertise to this guide. Her passion for pastry development and extensive recipe testing ensures that every technique is tried tested and perfected to give you the best possible results. With a background rooted in both home and professional baking Ruby has carefully crafted this recipe to guarantee your success with every batch. You can trust her tested methods to turn out the perfect crispy breakfast pie every time.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Breakfast Pie Recipe

Unparalleled Crispness

Discover the secrets to a golden flaky crust that shatters with every bite. Say goodbye to limp soggy pastries and enjoy a perfectly crispy pie every time. With the right techniques achieving that irresistible crunch is easier than you think.

This recipe has been thoroughly tested and refined multiple times by Ruby ensuring consistent crispy results and ease of execution for home bakers. It’s been crafted with expert precision providing a tried-and-true method for success. Whether you’re baking your first batch or perfecting your skills this guide guarantees a foolproof outcome.

Effortless Make-Ahead Convenience

Streamline your mornings with pies you can prepare and freeze in advance. Whether you’re rushing out the door for work or getting the kids ready for school these breakfast pies can be prepped the night before and baked in minutes. Make-ahead convenience at its best.

Lack of time for elaborate breakfasts on busy weekdays? These crispy breakfast pies solve that problem. Enjoy a flavorful satisfying breakfast without the stress of scrambling to prepare something from scratch every morning. A time-saving solution that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Customizable Filling Options

Cater to every taste with an endless array of sweet and savory fillings. From classic breakfast options like eggs, cheese and bacon to indulgent fruit and cream cheese varieties you can create pies that suit everyone’s preferences or try our super fast glazed salmon. Jonathan Miller and Emily Rodriguez our chefs bring their culinary expertise to the table with filling ideas that elevate the humble breakfast pie or try air fried curry chicken.

Struggling to find breakfast options that satisfy both adults and picky eaters? This recipe’s versatility ensures that there’s something for everyone. With customizable fillings you can easily please even the pickiest eaters while offering a delicious, nutritious meal.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Perfect for quick breakfasts, school lunchboxes, elegant brunches or satisfying snacks. These crispy breakfast pies are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing lunches or needing a quick snack these pies fit the bill for any occasion.

Beyond the Brunch

Crispy breakfast pies aren’t just for brunch. With this guide, you’ll learn how to make them for any meal any time of day. From morning to midnight snacks these versatile pies can be enjoyed year-round.

Foolproof Techniques

Clear detailed instructions are provided for home bakers of all skill levels or explore our air fryer cooking guide. We break down every step so you can follow along with confidence ensuring a perfectly crispy result no matter your baking experience. No complicated techniques just simple straightforward steps.

Tired of complex recipes with too many steps? This recipe is designed to be as easy as it is delicious. We’ve simplified the process to make sure you can achieve a perfectly crispy breakfast pie without feeling overwhelmed by complicated instructions.

Unlocking the Secret to Perfect Breakfast Pies

This section dives into the scientific principles behind achieving a crispy breakfast pie showcasing expert knowledge on baking techniques. By understanding the science of crispiness you’ll be equipped to bake like a pro and achieve the ultimate golden flaky texture.

Understanding Gluten Development

• The Role of Cold Ingredients in Inhibiting Gluten Formation: Cold ingredients are essential for ensuring the dough remains tender and flaky. When butter and water are chilled they slow down the development of gluten which can lead to a tough texture if left unchecked.
• Why Overworking Dough Leads to Toughness, Not Crispness: Kneading dough too much encourages gluten formation which can make the pastry tough instead of crisp. The key to achieving a delicate flaky crust is minimal handling of the dough to keep it light and airy.

Expert Tip: Keep ingredients cold especially butter and water during preparation. This prevents gluten development which helps to ensure flakiness and crispness in your pastry dough.

The Magic of Butter and Steam

• How Layers of Cold Butter Create Steam Pockets During Baking: The cold butter in the dough creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven. This steam expands between the layers of dough resulting in the perfect flaky texture that gives breakfast pies their signature crispness.
• The Expansion of Steam for a Flaky, Airy and Crispy Texture: As the dough bakes the steam pockets cause the dough to rise and separate into distinct layers. The result? A wonderfully light airy interior with a crispy golden crust.

Optimal Baking Temperatures

• The Importance of High Initial Heat for a Quick Crisping Effect: High temperatures at the start of baking allow the pastry to set quickly ensuring the crust crisps up rapidly. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy and gives it the beautiful golden color and crunch that everyone craves.
• Maintaining Consistent Oven Temperature for Even Cooking and Browning: Once the pies are in the oven, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the baking process. An even temperature ensures that the crust crisps uniformly and the filling is perfectly cooked without overbaking or underbaking.

Expert Tip: Preheat adequately ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature for even baking and optimal crisping from the start. This step makes all the difference in achieving that perfect flaky pie crust.

Ingredients List (For Pastry & Fillings)

Ensure accuracy and completeness. Provide precise measurements and helpful notes for substitutions or specific product recommendations where relevant.

For the Crispy Pastry

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups
• Unsalted Butter, cold: 1 cup (2 sticks), cut into ½-inch cubes.
  Tip: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Ice Water: ½ – ¾ cup, as needed
  Start with ½ cup and add more slowly until dough comes together.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 tsp
  Optional, for a slightly sweeter crust.
• Salt: 1 tsp
  Essential for flavor balance.
• Egg: 1 large
  For egg wash.
• Milk or Water: 1 tbsp
  For egg wash (optional for a glossier finish).

For Sweet Fillings (Examples)

Ensure fillings are not too wet to avoid soggy bottoms.

• Apple Cinnamon: 1-2 apples, diced, with 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg.
  Cooked slightly before filling to reduce moisture.
• Mixed Berry: 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) with 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken).
• Cream Cheese & Jam: 4 oz cream cheese, softened with 2 tbsp sugar. Layer with 2 tbsp jam.

For Savory Fillings (Examples)

• Sausage, Egg & Cheese: ½ lb cooked sausage, crumbled with 2 scrambled eggs, ½ cup shredded cheddar or a turkey hash brown casserole.
• Spinach & Feta: 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry with ½ cup crumbled feta, pinch of garlic powder or a light beef burger.
• Ham & Swiss: ½ cup diced ham with ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese optional pinch of Dijon mustard. or crescent rolls pizza stuffing

Please review and verify these ingredient quantities and notes for accuracy. Adjust specific filling examples to align with common availability or seasonal ingredients ensuring they are suitable for baking inside a pie crust (i.e., not overly watery).

Essential Equipment Needed

To ensure you achieve the best results when making your crispy breakfast pies having the right tools is crucial including checking our air fryer buying guide. Here are the essential pieces of equipment that will make your baking process smooth efficient and successful.

Rolling Pin

An essential tool for evenly rolling out pastry dough. Choose a sturdy smooth rolling pin for precise even pressure as you roll your dough to the desired thickness. This will ensure consistent results every time.

Large Mixing Bowls

You’ll need large mixing bowls for preparing the dough and filling ingredients. A set of quality bowls in various sizes will help you keep things organized while mixing tossing and incorporating your ingredients.

Baking Sheets

For baking the pies, you’ll need durable baking sheets. Opt for non-stick heavy-duty baking sheets that ensure even heat distribution and crisping of the crust.

Parchment Paper

A must-have to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid any mess and ensure that your pies come off the sheet with ease.

Round or Square Cookie Cutters (Various Sizes)

Use cookie cutters to shape the pies into perfect rounds or squares depending on your preference. Various sizes will allow you to customize the pie portion to suit your needs.

Pastry Brush

For applying egg wash a pastry brush is the perfect tool. It helps to give your pies a golden glossy finish that enhances their appearance and texture.

Whisk or Fork

A whisk or fork is essential for mixing ingredients especially when preparing the egg wash or blending your filling components. It’s a simple tool that makes a big difference in consistency.

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to successful baking. Ensure you have a good set of measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient portions particularly for ingredients like flour butter and sugar.

Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter

A sharp knife or pastry cutter is needed to trim and seal your pie dough ensuring clean sharp edges and a professional look.

Wire Rack (For Cooling)

After baking transfer your breakfast pies to a wire rack to cool. This will help them maintain their crispiness by allowing air to circulate around the pie preventing any moisture from building up on the bottom.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Breakfast Pies

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough (The Foundation of Crispness)

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar (if using) and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients before adding the butter.

Cut in Cold Butter:

Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender your fingertips or a food processor cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

Don’t overwork the dough mix just until combined to avoid a tough crust. Less handling equals more tender and crispy results ensuring your pies come out flaky and golden.

Add Ice Water:

Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time mixing until the dough just begins to come together. Avoid adding too much water just enough to hold the dough together without making it sticky.

Form and Chill:

Gently gather the dough into two flattened discs. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably 2 hours.

2. Prepare Your Chosen Fillings

Sweet Filling Preparation:

• Fruit-Based: If using fresh fruit chop finely and mix with a touch of sugar and a thickener like cornstarch or flour (e.g., for apple or berry) or try airfried chicken tenders. Cook fruit fillings slightly to reduce moisture content and prevent soggy pies.
• Cream Cheese/Nutella: Combine cream cheese with sugar or simply portion out desired spreads like Nutella.

Savory Filling Preparation:

• Cook & Cool: Ensure any meats (sausage, bacon) eggs or vegetables (spinach) are cooked and cooled completely to avoid excess moisture like air-fried chicken nuggets.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Squeeze out any excess liquid from vegetables like spinach to prevent soggy bottoms or for air-fried chicken tortilla.
• Combine: Mix with cheese or other ingredients for the perfect savory filling such as air fryer chicken roast.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different fillings but make sure they’re not too wet like air fryer stuffed mushrooms. This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures the pies remain crisp.

3. Assemble the Breakfast Pies

Roll Out Dough:

On a lightly floured surface roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.

Cut Shapes:

Use a round or square cookie cutter (3-4 inches) to cut out shapes. If you have extra dough gently re-roll the scraps to cut additional shapes.

Fill the Pies:

Place a spoonful of your chosen filling on one half of each dough circle or square leaving a small border around the edges.

Seal the Edges:

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal them then crimp with a fork for a decorative finish and extra seal.

Chill Assembled Pies:

Place the assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter and prevent spreading during baking.

Expert Tip: Chill assembled pies for at least 30 minutes (or freeze briefly) before baking. This helps the butter firm up ensuring a crisp golden crust.

4. Bake for Golden Perfection

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the middle position to ensure even baking and crisping.

Prepare Egg Wash:

Whisk the egg with a splash of milk or water. This creates a glossy, golden finish for the crust. Use an effective egg wash a simple egg whisked with a splash of milk or water creates a beautiful golden crispy exterior and helps seal the edges.

Vent & Brush:

Lightly brush the tops of the chilled pies with egg wash. Cut 2-3 small slits on top of each pie with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.

Expert Tip: Vent generously cut small slits or prick the tops of the pies to allow steam to escape. This prevents bursting and ensures an evenly crispy crust.

Bake:

Bake for 18-25 minutes or until the pies are deeply golden brown and puffed. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Expert Tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure all pies are evenly browned and crisp.

Cool:

Transfer the baked pies to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and the crust to retain its crispness.

Achieving a crispy breakfast pie crust is both an art and a science. Here are the key techniques that will help you get that golden flaky texture that everyone loves.

The Power of Cold

Cold Butter, Cold Water:

The key to a crispy crust lies in keeping the butter and water cold. Cold butter stays in distinct pieces when incorporated into the flour creating steam pockets as it melts during baking. These steam pockets are what give your crust its signature flakiness and crunch.

Chilling Dough & Assembled Pies:

Chilling the dough and the assembled pies helps firm up the butter prevents shrinkage and relaxes the gluten. This ensures a crisp and tender crust that holds its shape beautifully during baking.

Expert Tip: Keep ingredients cold especially butter and water for the pastry dough. This prevents gluten development ensuring a flaky and crispy crust.

Mindful Dough Handling

Minimum Handling:

Overworking the dough can lead to a tough chewy crust. By handling the dough minimally you allow the layers to form naturally and maintain a tender crisp texture. The key is to mix just until the dough comes together don’t go beyond that.

Expert Tip: Don’t overwork the dough mix just until combined. Less handling means more tender and crispy results.

Proper Venting

Steam Escape:

Making small slits or holes in the top of each pie allows the steam from the butter and fillings to escape. This not only prevents the filling from becoming soggy but also ensures that the top crust remains evenly crisp. Without venting the steam can cause the crust to burst ruining its beautiful shape and texture.

Expert Tip: Vent generously cut small slits or prick the tops of the pies. This helps the steam escape preventing bursting and ensuring an evenly crispy top crust.

The Egg Wash Advantage

Golden Perfection:

An egg wash is your secret weapon for a beautifully golden shiny and crispy crust. The egg provides a rich deep brown color that makes your pies look irresistible.

Enhanced Crispness:

Not only does the egg wash help with color but it also contributes to a slightly crispier finish. It helps seal the edges of your pies ensuring they stay intact and crispy.

Expert Tip: Use an effective egg wash a simple egg whisked with a splash of milk or water creates a beautiful golden, crispy exterior and helps seal the edges for a polished finish.

High & Consistent Oven Heat

Initial Blast:

High heat at the start of baking helps the butter melt quickly creating steam and setting the crust. This rapid crisping effect ensures that the pastry holds its shape and achieves that perfect texture.

Even Baking:

A fully preheated oven ensures consistent heat distribution, allowing your pies to cook and brown evenly. This ensures a crisp and golden crust all over without any undercooked spots.

Expert Tip: Preheat your oven adequately ensure it’s fully preheated to the correct temperature for even baking and optimal crisping from the start. This step is essential for achieving that ideal crispy crust.

Rating Scale

Level 1: Tender & Soft

Characteristics: This crust has a soft, slightly chewy texture. It’s more delicate and doesn’t achieve that satisfying crunch.
How to Achieve: Minimal chilling and slightly warmer butter will result in a tender crust. This is great if you prefer a softer texture but not ideal for achieving a crispy finish.

Level 2: Flaky & Golden

Characteristics: A light, flaky crust with a golden-brown exterior. This level is the standard and provides a nice balance of texture and crispness.
How to Achieve: Following the standard recipe with good chilling will give you a perfect balance of crispness and flakiness. The crust will flake easily but still provide a bit of crunch.

Level 3: Deep Golden Crunch

Characteristics: The ultimate crispiness with a deep golden color and a shatteringly crisp crust. The interior is light and airy and the crust is crisp to the bite.
How to Achieve: Extended chilling a higher initial baking temperature and specific fat ratios (e.g., using a higher proportion of butter) will help you achieve this deep golden crunch. This level is perfect for those who crave a crunchy texture.

Crispness Checklist

To help you achieve the desired crispness here’s a simple checklist of techniques:

• Chilling Time:
  • Shorter chilling time = Tender & Soft (Level 1)
  • Standard chilling time (1-2 hours) = Flaky & Golden (Level 2)
  • Extended chilling time (3 hours or more) = Deep Golden Crunch (Level 3)
• Butter Temperature:
  • Warmer butter = Tender & Soft (Level 1)
  • Cold butter = Flaky & Golden (Level 2)
  • Very cold butter (with a higher fat ratio) = Deep Golden Crunch (Level 3)
• Oven Settings:
  • Lower baking temperature (325°F-350°F) = Tender & Soft (Level 1)
  • Standard baking temperature (375°F-400°F) = Flaky & Golden (Level 2)
  • Higher initial baking temperature (425°F-450°F) = Deep Golden Crunch (Level 3)

Crispy vs. Flaky: A Deep Dive

Understanding the difference between crispiness and flakiness is key to perfecting your breakfast pie. While both contribute to a satisfying texture they are achieved through different methods and result in distinct textures.

Flakiness Defined

Flakiness comes from the layers of dough that are formed when cold butter is cut into the flour. As the dough bakes the butter melts and creates small pockets of air between the layers of dough. These air pockets give the crust its light layered and tender texture.

• How to Achieve: Ensure that the butter remains cold and that the dough is handled minimally. The key to flakiness is maintaining distinct butter pockets throughout the dough. The more layers you have the flakier your crust will be.

Crispiness Defined

Crispiness comes from the moisture evaporation and browning that occurs during baking. The heat of the oven causes the water in the dough to evaporate leaving behind a brittle crunchy texture. Achieving a crispy crust requires precise temperature control to prevent the dough from becoming soggy and to allow moisture to escape during baking.

• How to Achieve: Crispiness is best achieved through high initial heat, proper venting and a balanced fat ratio. By adjusting your oven temperature and chilling times you can emphasize crispiness over flakiness.

Techniques for Each

• Flaky Crust: To emphasize flakiness focus on using cold butter minimal handling of the dough and ensuring even distribution of butter throughout the layers. Keep the dough cold during every step and avoid overworking it.
• Crispy Crust: For crispiness increase your initial baking temperature to set the crust quickly and ensure proper venting to allow steam to escape. The higher fat content in the dough also contributes to a crispier finish.

By following the techniques for each level of crispness and understanding the nuances of flakiness and crispiness you can tailor your breakfast pies to your exact texture preferences. Whether you want a soft tender bite or a deep golden crunch these steps will guide you to perfection.

Delicious Filling Variations (Sweet & Savory Ideas)

Filling your crispy breakfast pies with the right ingredients is the key to unlocking incredible flavors including classical mac and cheese. Below are some sweet and savory ideas for fillings that will make your pies stand out. Plus, we’ve included a fun and interactive Flavor Profile Matcher to help you select the perfect filling for your taste buds.

Interactive ‘Flavor Profile Matcher’ for Fillings

Use this simple flowchart or quiz to discover your ideal filling:

• Sweet or Savory? (If you crave something sweet, choose from our Sweet Sensations for savory, head to Savory Delights.)
• Fruit-Based or Nutty? (If you prefer fruits, try our apple cinnamon or berry bliss. For a nutty twist, Nutella with hazelnuts is perfect!)
• Classic or Creative? (Looking for the classics? Go for apple cinnamon or sausage, egg and cheese. Want something new? Try mushroom & Gruyere or chocolate hazelnut.)

Sweet Sensations

• Classic Apple Cinnamon: A comforting, classic combination of cooked diced apples cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. This filling brings the perfect balance of sweet and spice making it ideal for a cozy breakfast treat.
• Mixed Berry Bliss: Fresh or frozen berries (thawed and drained) a little sugar and cornstarch for thickening. This filling is vibrant sweet and just the right amount of tartness. Perfect for any berry lover!
• Cream Cheese & Jam: Sweetened cream cheese with your favorite fruit jam swirled in. This indulgent filling is creamy and sweet with endless possibilities for flavor variations think strawberry, raspberry or blueberry jam.
• Chocolate Hazelnut: Nutella combined with chopped toasted hazelnuts. This filling is a decadent rich treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and add a little crunch to the mix.

Savory Delights

• Sausage, Egg & Cheese: Crumbled cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs and shredded cheddar cheese ideal for an air fryer egg burrito. This classic breakfast combination is packed with protein and flavor offering the perfect start to any day.
• Spinach & Feta: Sautéed spinach (squeezed dry), crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of garlic powder ideal for feta triangles. This savory filling is light yet flavorful perfect for those who love a Mediterranean twist.
• Ham & Swiss: Diced cooked ham and shredded Swiss cheese, with perhaps a hint of Dijon mustard. A perfect balance of savory, rich and tangy this filling adds a sophisticated touch to your breakfast pies.
• Mushroom & Gruyere: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and shredded Gruyere cheese. This earthy savory filling is rich in flavor and depth making it an elegant choice for brunch or a special treat.

Tips for Successful Fillings

• Moisture Control: Always ensure your fillings aren’t too wet. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness! If the filling is too watery it will make your crust soggy and lose that perfect crunch.
• Pre-cooking: Cook any raw meats or high-moisture vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) or egg-filled eggplants before adding them to your pies. This ensures that the filling is not only safe to eat but also prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
• Cool Completely: Cool your fillings completely before adding them to the dough. Hot fillings can cause the dough to soften and lose its crispiness. It also helps keep the filling firm inside the crust.

Expert Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Seasonal fruits, cheeses, or breakfast meats can be mixed and matched to make delicious personalized fillings. Just ensure your fillings aren’t too wet to avoid soggy bottoms!

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Enjoy the convenience of crispy breakfast pies at any time by preparing them in advance and freezing for future enjoyment. Follow these steps for hassle-free make-ahead options and freezing techniques that will keep your pies fresh and delicious.

Preparing for Future Feasts

Unbaked Pies:

Assemble the pies as directed but skip the egg wash. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once fully frozen, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for storage.

Freeze unbaked pies: Assemble freeze solid on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake you can bake them directly from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for ultimate convenience.

Baked Pies:

Bake the pies as directed and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap then foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Storage Duration

• Unbaked Pies: Up to 1 month in the freezer.
• Baked Pies: Up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Baking from Frozen (Unbaked)

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place Frozen Pies on a Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet:

Arrange the frozen pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensuring they’re spaced apart.

Brush with Egg Wash & Vent:

Brush each pie with egg wash for a golden finish and cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake:

Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the pies are deeply golden brown and cooked through. Since they’re frozen, you’ll need to add 5-10 minutes to the standard baking time. Keep an eye on them to ensure they bake evenly.

Your Freezer’s Best Friend

With these make-ahead and freezing instructions, you can prepare a batch of breakfast pies and have them ready for any busy morning or unexpected brunch. No more rushing around just pull out your prepped pies and bake them from frozen for an easy delicious start to your day!

Reheating for Optimal Crispness

The key to keeping your pies crispy after storage is to avoid the microwave. The microwave will make the crust soggy and diminish the texture. Instead, follow these tried-and-true methods to restore your breakfast pies to their crispy, golden glory.

The Enemy of Crispness: The Microwave

Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it will make the crust soggy and result in a less-than-satisfactory texture.

Best Methods for Restoring Crispness:

• Oven Reheating: Place cold or frozen baked pies on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes if cold or 20-25 minutes if frozen until heated through and crispy.
• Air Fryer Reheating: For ultimate crispness place the pies or even air fryer fish in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5-8 minutes if cold or 10-15 minutes if frozen. Check frequently to ensure the crust stays crispy and doesn’t burn.

Reheat for Crispness: Always reheat leftover or frozen pies like air fryer french toast in the oven or air fryer not the microwave. This ensures your pies retain their signature crispy texture that everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?

A: While you can use store-bought pie crust homemade pastry offers superior flavor and with our techniques unparalleled crispness and flakiness. If you prefer store-bought opt for an all-butter variety for the best results.

Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

A: Ensure your fillings aren’t too wet by pre-cooking or draining them. Also, chilling the assembled pies and baking at the correct temperature are crucial steps to achieving a crispy bottom crust.

Q: Can I make these gluten free?

A: Yes, you can experiment with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum). Keep in mind, results may vary slightly in texture but the pies will still be delicious!

Q: What’s the best way to serve these?

A: Serve warm straight from the oven or at room temperature. Sweet pies are great with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. Savory pies can be served with hot sauce or a side salad for extra flavor.

Q: My crust isn’t golden brown, what went wrong?

A: Ensure you used an egg wash and that your oven was fully preheated to the correct temperature. You may need to bake the pies for a few extra minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown finish.

Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe scales well making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and oven space to accommodate the extra pies.

Crispy Breakfast Pies Recipe Card

Enjoy Your Perfectly Crispy Breakfast Pies!