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- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced into small chunks - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth) - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted - 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (contains 2 crusts) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping) To make these air fryer apple hand pies, choose a large apple. I like Granny Smith for its tartness. Honeycrisp works well too. You will need lemon juice to keep your apples from browning. Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth to the filling. Using pre-made pie crusts saves time. They come rolled and ready to use. For the golden finish, you need an egg wash. The sugar on top adds a sweet crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to start your apple pie adventure! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take one large apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel and dice it into small chunks. Then, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apple with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon of packed brown sugar, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of optional nutmeg. Toss the mixture well so every piece of apple is coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors mix and become more vibrant. Next, take your pre-made pie crusts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crusts gently. This keeps them smooth and even. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles about 4 inches wide. Make sure to cut enough circles to hold all your filling. Now it’s time to assemble! Place half of the pie crust circles on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each circle. Leave space at the edges for sealing. To seal them, moisten the edges with a pastry brush or your fingertip using a beaten egg. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp them with a fork. This keeps the filling inside while cooking. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key to getting that perfect crispy texture. Brush the tops of the hand pies with any leftover beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden finish. Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar on top for extra sweetness and a crunchy bite. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown nicely on both sides. To avoid shrinking, chill your dough before rolling. Cold dough holds its shape better. Roll the crust gently to keep it thick and even. Use a light touch when cutting out the circles. If you press too hard, the dough may lose its structure. For a flakier crust, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before mixing it into the flour. You can also add a splash of vinegar or cold water to the dough. This helps it stay tender while baking. For a perfect golden color, brush the tops with beaten egg before cooking. This gives the crust a nice shine. Make sure to cover the edges too, so they brown well. Sprinkling sugar on top adds sweetness and a crunchy texture. Use coarse sugar for a better crunch. This small step makes a big difference in the final look and taste. Choose the best apple varieties for your pies. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and juiciness. You can mix different types for a balanced flavor. To balance sweetness with acidity, add lemon juice to the filling. It brightens the flavor and cuts through the sweetness. You can also add a pinch of salt, which enhances all the flavors. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape during cooking. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the hand pies with apple mixture; leaving some space around the edges ensures they seal properly and prevents bursting during cooking. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend in the filling. Adding a pinch of ginger or allspice can elevate the flavor profile of your hand pies. Serve Warm: These hand pies are best enjoyed warm. Consider pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat! {{image_4}} You can switch up the apple filling in many ways. Try adding more spices to make it unique. You can include: - Ground ginger for a warm kick. - Allspice for a richer taste. - Vanilla extract for a sweet touch. If you want, you can even use other fruits. Berries like blueberries or strawberries are great choices. Cherries also work well. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. You can make the crust from scratch if you feel adventurous. Use flour, butter, and water to create a flaky dough. This adds a personal touch and flavor. If you prefer, you can use pre-made crusts for ease. For gluten-free options, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just follow the package directions for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy the hand pies. Serving ideas can elevate your hand pies. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a hit. The cold ice cream pairs well with the warm pie. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top. This adds sweetness and a lovely shine. Enjoy the hand pies warm for the best taste. They are delightful fresh from the air fryer. If you let them cool, they can still be tasty but lose some crispness. To keep your air fryer apple hand pies fresh, use simple methods. First, let them cool completely. Place the cooled pies in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, reheating is key. For the best crispiness, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the hand pies for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crust crunchy and the filling warm. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also use an oven. This way, you get a great texture. In the fridge, hand pies last about 3 days. If you freeze them, they can be safe for up to 3 months. After this time, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for mold or an off smell. If the pie feels soggy or looks discolored, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your hand pies while they are fresh for the best taste! You cook apple hand pies in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C). This time ensures a crispy, golden finish. Flip the hand pies halfway through. This helps them brown evenly. Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time. Mix the diced apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to two days. Just remember to stir it before using. You can use many fruits for hand pies. Seasonal options include berries, peaches, or cherries. Each fruit offers a unique flavor. You can adjust the sugar and spices to match the fruit's sweetness. Yes, store-bought dough makes it easy and quick. Use pre-made pie crusts for a fast option. They save you time and effort. Just roll them out and cut your circles as directed in the recipe. In this article, we explored how to make delicious air fryer apple hand pies. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your pies. I shared ways to vary the flavors and crusts, as well as best practices for storing leftovers. With these pointers, you can create tasty hand pies that impress. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and serving ideas. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced into small chunks
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package pre-made pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apple with the lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Toss the mixture thoroughly until the apple pieces are evenly coated. Set this aside to let the flavors blend for about 10 minutes.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts gently to ensure they are smooth. Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles that measure approximately 4 inches in diameter.
  • Place half of the pie crust circles on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each circle, making sure to leave enough room at the edges for sealing.
  • With a pastry brush or your fingertip, moisten the edges of each circle with the beaten egg. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then use a fork to crimp and seal them securely.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reach the optimal cooking temperature.
  • Brush the tops of the hand pies with any remaining beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and a delightful crunch.
  • Arrange the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching to allow even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook the hand pies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly browned on both sides.
  • Once done, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They may be hot inside, so allow them to rest before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Keyword air fryer, apple, dessert, hand pies