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To make these tasty Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, you need: - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 package (10 oz) refrigerated pie crusts - 1 large egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for this recipe. - Granny Smith: These apples are tart and hold their shape well. - Honeycrisp: They are sweet and crisp, adding a nice balance to the filling. Both types of apples bring great flavor and texture to your hand pies. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Apples: Use Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste. - Brown sugar: White sugar can replace brown sugar, but it will be less rich. - Cornstarch: Use flour as a thickener if you don’t have cornstarch. - Egg wash: Brush with milk or melted butter if you skip the egg. These swaps keep the recipe simple and still delicious! Start by peeling and dicing your apples. I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice balance of sweet and tart. Place the diced apples in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Then sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and two tablespoons of packed brown sugar. Finally, add one tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling. Mix everything well until the apples are coated. Let it sit for about ten minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend better. Next, take out the refrigerated pie crusts. Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Unroll the pie crusts and roll them out a bit more if needed. Cut each crust into four equal squares. You will have eight squares in total. Now, spoon one to two tablespoons of apple filling onto the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill them! Fold two opposite corners of the square over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal them tightly. For a fun touch, use a fork to crimp the edges. Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. This mix makes an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash to give them a golden color while cooking. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches. Air fry them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for a rich golden brown color and a flaky texture. Once done, carefully remove them using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you want, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Enjoy your tasty hand pies! To make your crust flaky, use cold ingredients. Cold pie crusts create steam when cooked. This steam helps the crust puff up. Roll out the crust on a floured surface. Keep the dough as thick as possible. Thin dough can burn and won't be as flaky. Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals the pies but adds a nice touch. If your filling leaks, don’t worry! First, make sure you don’t overfill. Use just 1-2 tablespoons of filling. If it still leaks, you can patch it up. Use some extra dough to cover any gaps. You can also place baking paper under the pies while cooking. This helps catch any drips. When using the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. Arrange the pies in a single layer. Avoid crowding them together. If you have many, cook in batches. This helps them crisp up nicely. Keep an eye on them as they cook. They will be done in about 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a flaky texture. {{image_4}} You can use other fruits for your hand pies. Pears, cherries, or blueberries work well. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. For example, cherries may need more sugar than apples. Experiment with your favorite fruits to find the best mix. Spices can change the taste of your hand pies. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Vanilla extract can add sweetness too. Just a small amount can make a big difference. You could even add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising kick. Want to make your hand pies healthier? Use whole wheat pie crusts instead of regular ones. You can also swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. For a lower-calorie option, consider using applesauce instead of some butter or sugar. These simple changes can keep the flavor while making them a bit better for you. To store your leftover hand pies, let them cool completely. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the crust crispy and the filling tasty. If you want to freeze your hand pies, first let them cool. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can bake them straight from the freezer. To reheat your hand pies, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. You can also use an oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust nice and flaky. Enjoy them as if they were fresh! Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time. Fill and seal the pies, then place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready to cook. If you want to store them longer, freeze them before cooking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes when you cook from frozen. You can bake these hand pies in a regular oven as well. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. You will miss that crispy air fryer texture, but they will still taste great! Check the color of the crust. It should be golden brown. If you press lightly, the crust should feel flaky and firm. You can also use a fork to poke a small hole in the pie. If the filling bubbles out, they are ready to eat! Always allow them to cool slightly before enjoying. You now know how to make tasty apple hand pies. We covered all the key ingredients and their best substitutes. I shared simple steps to prepare the filling, assemble, and cook in an air fryer. Remember the tips for a flaky crust and how to handle leaks. You can mix in different fruits or spices for fun variations. Store extras properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy these hand pies with family and friends. Happy baking!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Delight in fresh-baked goodness with these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies! Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these mini treats are filled with sweet apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. You’ll love how simple and delicious they are! Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to bring this tasty treat to your kitchen today. Enjoy a bite of autumn anytime!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium apples (recommended: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package (10 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)

1 large egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside for about 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.

    On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Cut each crust into 4 equal squares (you'll end up with a total of 8 squares).

      Place 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust square, being careful not to overfill.

        Carefully fold two opposite corners of each square over the filling to create a triangle shape. Press the edges together to seal, ensuring there are no gaps. For a decorative touch, use a fork to crimp the edges.

          In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until well blended to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish while cooking.

            Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd (you may need to cook them in batches).

              Air fry the hand pies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a rich golden brown and have a flaky texture.

                Using tongs or a spatula, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra sweet touch.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 25 min | Makes 8 hand pies