Go Back
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! {{ingredient_image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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)

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

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