Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

why make this recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combine the sweet flavors of baked apples with a light and crispy crust. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious dessert to enjoy at home. Using an air fryer makes these hand pies crispy without the excess oil, and they’re easy to prepare with a quick filling and pre-made dough. Plus, the smell of baking apples and warm spices will fill your kitchen!

how to make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced small (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) for filling, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 package pre-made pie dough (about 15 ounces / 425g), chilled
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping

Directions:

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat evenly and set aside.

2. Roll out the dough (optional): On a lightly floured surface, roll out pie dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into rectangles approximately 4×6 inches.

3. Fill the pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a border around edges.

4. Seal the edges: Fold dough over filling to create a pocket. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Moisten edges with water if needed.

5. Brush with butter and cinnamon sugar: Brush melted butter over tops of hand pies and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.

6. Preheat and air fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange hand pies in a single layer with space between. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until golden brown and crisp.

7. Cool and serve: Let hand pies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.

how to serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Serve these hand pies warm, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also make a great snack or a nice addition to a lunchbox.

how to store Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

tips to make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

• For best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
• If you want a golden color, brush the tops of the pies with egg wash before air frying.
• Feel free to add raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling for extra texture.

variation

You can try different fillings by using peaches, pears, or berries instead of apples. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly to match the fruit you choose.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of pre-made?
Yes, you can use homemade pie crust. Just ensure that it is rolled out to the same thickness as the pre-made dough.

2. How do I know when the hand pies are done?
The hand pies are done when they are golden brown on the outside and crispy. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach about 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the hand pies a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to air fry them.