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Are you ready to enjoy a warm, delicious treat? Air fryer apple hand pies are the perfect snack for any time. With crisp crusts and sweet, spiced apple filling, they are quick and easy to make at home. I’ll guide you through all the steps, from mixing the filling to air frying. Let’s dive into this tasty delight that will impress your family and friends!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet and Spicy: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the apple filling, making each bite a comforting experience.
- Easy to Make: Using pre-made pie crusts saves time, allowing you to whip up these hand pies without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These hand pies are great for desserts, snacks, or even as a fun treat at gatherings, making them incredibly versatile.
- Crispy and Golden: The air fryer gives these pies a perfectly crispy texture while keeping the inside warm and gooey, ensuring a delightful contrast.
Ingredients
To make the best Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
These ingredients blend together to create a sweet, warm filling wrapped in a crispy crust. The apples bring a natural sweetness, while lemon juice adds a nice zing. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give it that cozy feel, perfect for any season. Brown sugar helps to caramelize the filling, making each bite a treat.
Using pre-made pie crusts saves time and makes it easy. The egg wash gives the pies a golden color, while the sugar on top adds a lovely crunch.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to start your delicious apple pie adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apple Filling
To start, grab a medium bowl. Mix the diced apples with the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until all the apples are coated. This step is key! Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. Resting helps the flavors blend and deepen. You will smell the warm spices and sweet apples come alive.
Preparing the Pie Crust
Next, take your pre-made pie crusts. Lightly flour a clean surface for rolling. Roll out the crusts until they are nice and thin. Use a round cutter or the rim of a bowl to cut out circles, about 5 inches wide. You should get eight circles. This will form the base for your hand pies.
Air Frying Process
Now, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your air fryer is hot when you cook the pies. While it heats, place about one tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or using your fingers. This step keeps the filling inside while cooking.
Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color. Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar on top for extra crunch. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer. Depending on your fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture. Once done, carefully remove the hand pies and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crust
To get a crispy crust, start with cold pie dough. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps keep the fat from melting too fast. Use a light touch when rolling. Too much pressure can make the crust tough. Make sure to crimp the edges well. This stops the filling from leaking out.
Flavor Boosters
Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a pinch of ginger for warmth. You can also mix in some vanilla extract with the apples. For nut lovers, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce in the filling gives a sweet twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your filling leaks, don’t worry. First, check that you sealed the edges well. If it happens, simply use a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling. This helps keep it from running out. If it still leaks, place a piece of parchment paper under the pies in the air fryer. This will catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor profile in your hand pies.
- Seal It Well: Make sure to crimp the edges tightly to prevent any of the delicious filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the filling for an extra depth of flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Since air fryers can vary in performance, start checking your hand pies a couple of minutes before the recommended time to avoid overcooking.

Variations
Different Fruit Fillings
You can switch out apples for other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Each fruit brings its own flavor. For example, pears add a soft sweetness. Berries offer a nice tartness. Just make sure to adjust sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the taste by adding caramel or raisins. Drizzle some caramel inside the pie for a rich flavor. Raisins add chewiness and sweetness. Mix them with apples before filling the crust. These small changes make a big difference.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Adaptations
For vegan or gluten-free options, use alternative crusts. You can find gluten-free crusts at many stores. For a vegan filling, skip the egg wash. Use a plant-based milk instead. You can also add maple syrup for sweetness in the filling. These swaps keep the joy of hand pies for everyone.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Hand Pies
To keep your hand pies fresh, follow these simple steps:
– Refrigeration: Place leftover hand pies in an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 days in the fridge.
– Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. They last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your hand pies at their best, reheating is key. Here’s how:
– Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook for about 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
– Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes.
Both methods bring back that delightful crunch and warm apple filling. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, you can use homemade pie crust. Making your own crust can add a special touch. To make a simple pie crust, you need:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold water
To prepare the crust, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mix looks like crumbs. Add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough forms. Roll it out and cut it into circles like you would with pre-made crust. This way, you can control the ingredients and flavor to your liking.
How long does it take to cook in the air fryer?
Cooking these apple hand pies in the air fryer takes about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Preheat your air fryer before placing the pies inside. This helps them cook evenly and become golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Every air fryer is a bit different, so check for that crispy look.
Are these hand pies suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze these hand pies. To freeze, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This keeps them tasty and ready to enjoy!
You’ve learned how to make delicious hand pies with simple ingredients. We covered the apple filling, pie crust prep, and air frying steps. You now know tips for the perfect crust and how to troubleshoot issues. Variations expand your choices with different flavors and dietary options. Remember, these hand pies store well, and reheating them keeps them tasty. Enjoy the process and share your creations with others. Hand pies are fun, easy, and a delight to eat. Happy cookin
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 2 ground nutmeg
- 1 4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 package pre-made pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until all the apples are well-coated with the mixture. Allow the mixture to rest for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pie crusts. Using a round cutter (about 5 inches in diameter) or the rim of a bowl, cut 8 circles from the dough (two crusts should yield enough).
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot when the hand pies are ready to cook.
Place approximately one tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
Gently fold the crust over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or pressing them together with your fingers to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful, golden finish. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for extra sweetness and a delightful crunch.
Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Keyword air fryer, apple, dessert, hand pies
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