why make this recipe
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and simple treat that brings the taste of homemade desserts into your kitchen with less mess. Using the air fryer makes these pies crispy and golden brown without deep-frying. They are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast!
how to make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crust
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoons coarse sugar
Directions:
- Heat a medium saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the sliced apples, lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook the apples until they become slightly soft and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the apples cool for about 10 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut it into 4 1/2-inch circles. Place the circles on the baking sheet.
- Put 2 tablespoons of the apple filling on the bottom half of each circle. Flip the top half over to cover the filling and pinch the edges with a fork to seal.
- Use a small knife to make three slits in the crust on top of the pies.
- Brush the hand pies with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Place 2-5 hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the pies are golden brown.
how to serve Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Serve these hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also taste great on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
how to store Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.
tips to make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Use different types of apples for varying flavors. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices like ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
- Make sure not to overfill the pies to avoid leaks during cooking.
variation
You can try these hand pies with different fillings like berries or peaches for a fruity twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Yes! Homemade pie crust will work just as well.
2. Can I freeze the uncooked hand pies before frying?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags before freezing. Cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
3. How do I know when my hand pies are done cooking?
They will be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 2 pieces Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the pie assembly
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (14.1 ounces) You can also use homemade pie crust.
- 1 large egg For egg wash.
- 1 tablespoon water For egg wash.
- 3 tablespoons coarse sugar For sprinkling on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a medium saucepan on medium-low heat and add the sliced apples, lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch.
- Mix everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally and cook the apples until they become slightly soft and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the apples cool for about 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the pie crust.
- Cut the crust into 4 1/2-inch circles and place them on the baking sheet.
- Put 2 tablespoons of the apple filling on the bottom half of each circle.
- Flip the top half over to cover the filling and pinch the edges with a fork to seal.
- Use a small knife to make three slits in the crust on top of the pies.
- Brush the hand pies with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Place 2-5 hand pies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the pies are golden brown.