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- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 package (10 oz) refrigerated pie crusts - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Choosing the right apple is key. Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweet filling. Honeycrisp apples give a sweet, juicy bite that enhances the flavor. Fresh ingredients matter too. They make your hand pies taste better. Fresh apples bring brightness, while fresh pie crusts ensure a crisp texture. Always opt for the best quality you can find. It will show in your final dish. First, grab a medium bowl. Dice two medium apples into small pieces. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their great flavor. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to keep the apples fresh. Next, sprinkle in one teaspoon of cinnamon and two tablespoons of brown sugar. This mix adds sweetness and warmth. Also, add one tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling. Stir everything well and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend nicely. Now it's time to prepare the pie crust. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to make them flat. Cut each crust into four squares. You will have eight squares in total. These will be perfect for your hand pies. Take a spoon and scoop about one to two tablespoons of the apple filling. Place the filling in the center of each pie crust square. Fold the corners over the filling to create a triangle shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges. This step gives a nice look and keeps the filling inside. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Once preheated, arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the hand pies to turn golden brown and flaky. When done, carefully remove them and let them cool for a bit. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. To get a nice, flaky crust, roll out the dough evenly. Use a lightly floured surface. Start from the center and work your way out. This helps avoid tearing. When you cut the crust into squares, try to make them even. An egg wash is key for a golden finish. Mix one egg with a tablespoon of milk. Brush it on top of the pies before cooking. This step gives your hand pies a beautiful color. When cooking in the air fryer, arrange the pies in a single layer. Leave space between each pie. This helps hot air flow around them. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. This ensures that all pies cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Serve your hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs well with warm pies. You can also use caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping. For a fun touch, dust the pies with powdered sugar. It adds sweetness and makes them look fancy. Try serving them on a colorful plate for extra flair. {{image_2}} You can add a twist to your apple filling. Try mixing in a splash of vanilla extract. This will enhance the sweet taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Both flavors pair well with apples. If you want a crunch, think about nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture. You can also mix in a handful of raisins. They bring sweetness and chewiness to each bite. Don’t limit yourself to apples! Peaches work well too. Their juicy sweetness adds a nice change. You can also use mixed berries for a tart flavor. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries make a lovely combo. Try combining different fruits for unique flavors. For example, mix apples with berries. The contrast of flavors will surprise you in the best way. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular pie crusts for gluten-free ones. There are many good brands available. Look for ones that are flaky to mimic the original texture. To keep the hand pies from being too dry, add a bit more filling. This will help maintain moisture. You may also need to adjust cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. To store your hand pies, choose airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Allow the pies to cool for about 15 minutes before storing. This helps prevent sogginess. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. For the best results, reheat in the air fryer. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat the pies for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the oven. Set it to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes. The microwave is not ideal, as it makes them soft. You can freeze hand pies before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To freeze after cooking, let them cool and then follow the same steps. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook from frozen in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen pie crusts. They work well for these hand pies. Just thaw them first. Follow the package instructions for thawing. This ensures a nice, flaky crust. For best results, roll them out slightly before cutting. This helps them fit better around the filling. Look for a golden-brown color. The pies should be flaky and crisp. You can also check the filling by carefully cutting one pie open. The apples should be tender and hot. If they are not, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes. Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Just mix the diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to a day. This lets the flavors blend well. Just remember to use it within a day for the best taste. Many sauces pair well with apple hand pies. Here are some tasty options: - Caramel sauce - Vanilla ice cream - Whipped cream - Cinnamon sugar dip These add a fun twist and enhance the flavor of the pies. Feel free to mix and match! These apple hand pies are fun and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, the best apple types, and how to prepare them step-by-step. I shared tips for a flaky crust and suggestions for serving. You can also try fun variations with different fruits or flavors. Enjoy making this tasty treat, serving it warm, and sharing it with others. I hope your kitchen fills with the sweet smell of baked apples. Happy baking!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in delicious homemade Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies that are quick and easy to make! With simple ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, and flaky pie crust, you'll create delightful treats in just 25 minutes. Perfect for dessert or a snack, these golden, crispy pies are sure to impress. Don't wait, click through for the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package (10 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.

    Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut each crust into 4 squares (total of 8 squares).

      Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of each pie crust square.

        Fold the corners of the square over the apple filling to form a triangle and pinch the edges to seal well. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash for a golden finish.

            Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).

              Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and flaky.

                Carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 25 min | 8 hand pies