Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
These delightful, portable versions of America's favorite dessert combine the nostalgic flavors of homemade apple pie with modern convenience. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving something sweet but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Medium Saucepan
- 4-inch Cookie Cutter
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar can substitute coconut sugar for a less refined option
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch slurry
For the Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts 14.1 oz (2 crusts) or homemade pie dough
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling (regular granulated sugar works too)
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples begin to soften.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the simmering apples and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a wide-mouth mason jar lid, cut out as many circles as possible from each crust (you should get about 8 total).
- Place about 1½ tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to leakage during cooking.
- Brush the edges with egg wash, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, then trim any uneven edges with a knife for a cleaner appearance.
- Brush the tops of each hand pie with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Cut a small vent on top of each pie using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the hand pies in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch (you'll likely need to cook in batches).
- Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The precise time may vary based on your air fryer model, so begin checking at the 7-minute mark.
- While the pies are cooling on a wire rack, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly cooled hand pies.
- Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.
Notes
- For a tart-sweet balance, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples make excellent substitutes for Granny Smith.
- If you're avoiding refined sugar, maple syrup can replace brown sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
- For extra flavor depth, toast your spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the apples.
- Keep your dough cold—if it starts feeling too warm as you work, place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before continuing.
- To maintain crispness when reheating, avoid using the microwave. Instead, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
- If you're avoiding refined sugar, maple syrup can replace brown sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
- For extra flavor depth, toast your spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the apples.
- Keep your dough cold—if it starts feeling too warm as you work, place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before continuing.
- To maintain crispness when reheating, avoid using the microwave. Instead, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9g
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