Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Simple and Tasty Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you love sweet treats but want to keep it simple, Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are for you! You can whip together these tasty pies in no time, and the air fryer gives them a perfect, crispy finish. I’ll guide you through easy steps, share tips for the best flavors, and even provide options for special diets. Ready to enjoy these delightful pastries? Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Make: These hand pies are simple to prepare, making them a perfect dessert for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
  2. Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that is hard to resist.
  3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, these hand pies are always a hit.
  4. Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making these hand pies a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

For these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:

– 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

– 1 tablespoon butter, melted

– 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts)

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Fresh apple varieties to use

I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for these pies. They are sweet and tart. This balance makes the filling tasty. You can also try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter option.

Alternative sweeteners

If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add a unique flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste.

Optional spices for flavor enhancement

Cinnamon is a must in this recipe. It adds warmth and depth. You can also add nutmeg for a cozy touch. If you like, try a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

To make the filling, start by mixing diced apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. This blend brings out the sweet and tart flavors. Toss the apple pieces until they are well coated. This step is key for flavor.

For measuring, use a kitchen scale if you have one. It gives you the best accuracy. If not, use measuring spoons and cups. Always level off ingredients for precision, especially with sugar and spices.

Creating the Hand Pies

Next, roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to get even thickness. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles with a cookie cutter or a glass. This gives you perfect shapes for your hand pies.

Take half of the circles and spoon about a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto each one. Moisten the edges with beaten egg to help them stick. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This prevents any filling from leaking out.

Air Frying the Hand Pies

Now, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is important for even cooking. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

Once ready, brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a nice crunch. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch, or they won’t cook evenly.

Cook the hand pies for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden brown and crisp when done. Carefully remove them and let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your tasty treats!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

To get that golden, crispy top on your hand pies, use an egg wash. Beat one egg until smooth. Brush it on the tops of your pies before cooking. This gives them a nice shine and helps them brown well.

You can also add sugar for extra crunch. Granulated sugar works best for this. Sprinkle it on top right after the egg wash. Powdered sugar is great for dusting after baking, but it won’t give the same crispiness.

Ensuring Even Cooking

When cooking hand pies, size matters. Make sure they are all about the same size for even cooking. If you make some larger than others, they may cook at different rates.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If your pies touch, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. This way, each pie has enough space to get crispy and brown all around.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold up well during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweetness.
  2. Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork or your fingers to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
  3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the hand pies in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space to crisp up evenly without steaming.
  4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and flavor that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change up the flavor of your air fryer apple hand pies. Try adding other fruits or nuts for a twist. Peaches, pears, or cranberries work well with apples. You can also mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Spices can make a big difference too! Besides cinnamon, you can try adding ginger, allspice, or cardamom. These spices can bring warmth and depth to your pies. Get creative and find the mix that you love!

Dietary Modifications

If you need a gluten-free option, look for pre-made gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer tasty choices that work great for hand pies. You can also make your own gluten-free crust using almond flour or a mix of gluten-free flours.

For vegan alternatives, switch the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of the egg wash, you can use a mixture of plant milk and a bit of maple syrup. This will give your pies a nice golden color while keeping them vegan-friendly. Enjoy exploring these options!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your apple hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. Let the pies cool completely before sealing them. If you plan to eat them later, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the hand pies. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat the hand pies while keeping them crispy, the air fryer works best. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the basket and heat for about 5 minutes. This method ensures the crust stays crunchy.

You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Both methods bring back that fresh, warm texture. Enjoy your tasty treat!

FAQs

Can I use frozen apple slices?

Yes, you can use frozen apple slices. First, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep them from being too watery. Once thawed, drain any extra liquid before mixing them with the lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices. This way, your filling stays tasty and not soggy.

How to make homemade pie crust?

Making a simple pie crust is easy. Here’s a quick recipe:

– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and diced)

– 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.

2. Add the butter and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

This crust works well for your hand pies and adds a homemade touch.

What’s the best way to serve Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies?

Serve your hand pies warm for the best taste. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even better. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over them for added flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these options!

This blog post covered everything you need for delicious Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. We explored fresh apple varieties, sweeteners, and spices for the filling. You learned how to prepare the filling, create the pies, and cook them perfectly in an air fryer. Tips helped ensure crispiness and even cooking. I shared various flavors and dietary options to try. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating for the best taste. Enjoy making these hand pies; they are fun and tasty treat

For these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - 1 tablespoon butter, melted - 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping) I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for these pies. They are sweet and tart. This balance makes the filling tasty. You can also try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter option. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add a unique flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste. Cinnamon is a must in this recipe. It adds warmth and depth. You can also add nutmeg for a cozy touch. If you like, try a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the filling, start by mixing diced apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. This blend brings out the sweet and tart flavors. Toss the apple pieces until they are well coated. This step is key for flavor. For measuring, use a kitchen scale if you have one. It gives you the best accuracy. If not, use measuring spoons and cups. Always level off ingredients for precision, especially with sugar and spices. Next, roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to get even thickness. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles with a cookie cutter or a glass. This gives you perfect shapes for your hand pies. Take half of the circles and spoon about a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto each one. Moisten the edges with beaten egg to help them stick. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This prevents any filling from leaking out. Now, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is important for even cooking. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Once ready, brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a nice crunch. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch, or they won’t cook evenly. Cook the hand pies for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden brown and crisp when done. Carefully remove them and let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your tasty treats! To get that golden, crispy top on your hand pies, use an egg wash. Beat one egg until smooth. Brush it on the tops of your pies before cooking. This gives them a nice shine and helps them brown well. You can also add sugar for extra crunch. Granulated sugar works best for this. Sprinkle it on top right after the egg wash. Powdered sugar is great for dusting after baking, but it won’t give the same crispiness. When cooking hand pies, size matters. Make sure they are all about the same size for even cooking. If you make some larger than others, they may cook at different rates. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If your pies touch, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. This way, each pie has enough space to get crispy and brown all around. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold up well during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweetness. Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork or your fingers to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the hand pies in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space to crisp up evenly without steaming. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and flavor that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your air fryer apple hand pies. Try adding other fruits or nuts for a twist. Peaches, pears, or cranberries work well with apples. You can also mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Spices can make a big difference too! Besides cinnamon, you can try adding ginger, allspice, or cardamom. These spices can bring warmth and depth to your pies. Get creative and find the mix that you love! If you need a gluten-free option, look for pre-made gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer tasty choices that work great for hand pies. You can also make your own gluten-free crust using almond flour or a mix of gluten-free flours. For vegan alternatives, switch the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of the egg wash, you can use a mixture of plant milk and a bit of maple syrup. This will give your pies a nice golden color while keeping them vegan-friendly. Enjoy exploring these options! To keep your apple hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. Let the pies cool completely before sealing them. If you plan to eat them later, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the hand pies. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat the hand pies while keeping them crispy, the air fryer works best. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the basket and heat for about 5 minutes. This method ensures the crust stays crunchy. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Both methods bring back that fresh, warm texture. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can use frozen apple slices. First, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep them from being too watery. Once thawed, drain any extra liquid before mixing them with the lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices. This way, your filling stays tasty and not soggy. Making a simple pie crust is easy. Here’s a quick recipe: - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and diced) - 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water 1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. 2. Add the butter and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. 3. Stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. 4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This crust works well for your hand pies and adds a homemade touch. Serve your hand pies warm for the best taste. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even better. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over them for added flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these options! This blog post covered everything you need for delicious Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. We explored fresh apple varieties, sweeteners, and spices for the filling. You learned how to prepare the filling, create the pies, and cook them perfectly in an air fryer. Tips helped ensure crispiness and even cooking. I shared various flavors and dietary options to try. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating for the best taste. Enjoy making these hand pies; they are fun and tasty treats!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, perfect for a quick dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until well coated, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut them into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
  • Lay half of the crust circles on a clean surface and spoon about a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of each circle.
  • Moisten the edges of the dough with the beaten egg, then fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal well.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for added crispiness.
  • Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to work in batches.
  • Cook the hand pies for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
Keyword air fryer, apple, dessert, hand pies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating