Go Back
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Sprinkling of coarse sugar (for garnish) When making these hand pies, the choice of apples matters. I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the brown sugar. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and adds a nice zing. Ground cinnamon gives the filling a warm, cozy flavor. The refrigerated pie crusts save time and give a great texture. If you like, you can make your own crust, but store-bought works well. The egg wash makes the pies shiny and golden. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top adds a sweet crunch. By gathering these ingredients first, you set yourself up for success. Each item plays a role in creating delicious hand pies. So, let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. This blend makes a tasty filling. Toss the apples well so they get coated evenly. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the apples soften a bit. Next, roll out one pie crust on a floured surface. Cut the crust into four equal squares. Each square will hold the apple filling. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of each square. Be sure to leave some space around the edges. Then, fold the square over to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges. This step keeps the filling from leaking out. Now, it's time to cook! Transfer the hand pies to the air fryer basket. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a nice golden color. Sprinkle them with coarse sugar for a little crunch. Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip the pies halfway through for even cooking. When they turn golden brown, they are ready! Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying. To get the best crispiness from your air fryer apple hand pies, preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps the pies cook evenly and get that perfect golden color. It only takes a few minutes, so don’t skip this step. Another key tip is to flip the pies halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get crispy and brown. You can easily enhance the flavor of your apple filling. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick. Adjust the spices to your taste; a little more or less can change the whole pie. You can also think about using other fillings. Mix in some nuts, raisins, or even a bit of caramel sauce for a fun twist. Compotes made from berries can add a burst of flavor, too! Pro Tips Chill Your Dough: Keeping the pie crust cold will help ensure that your hand pies are flaky and tender once cooked. Mix and Match Apples: For a more complex flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the hand pies. A little filling goes a long way, and this will help prevent any leaks during cooking. Brush with Butter: For an extra rich flavor, you can brush the crusts with melted butter instead of egg wash before air frying. {{image_2}} You can change up the filling for your hand pies. Try using pears instead of apples. They add a sweet and juicy twist. Berries work well too! You can use blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor. Mixing different fruits creates a fun medley. Combine apples, pears, and berries for a unique taste experience. This variety keeps your snacks exciting and fresh. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well. You can find these in most grocery stores. For vegan options, skip the egg wash. Instead, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy. This keeps your hand pies golden without using eggs. These small changes make the recipe more inclusive for everyone. Enjoy making your hand pies even if you have dietary needs! To keep your apple hand pies fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your hand pies again, reheating is key. The best method is to use the air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pies soggy. If you do use a microwave, heat them in short bursts and enjoy quickly. Air fryer apple hand pies can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. Yes, you can use homemade pie crust. Making your own crust can make the pies taste even better. Homemade crust gives you control over the ingredients and texture. You can add your own flavors, like a bit of sugar or spice. This can make your apple hand pies extra special. You can serve apple hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds a nice creaminess to the sweet pies. Caramel sauce is also a great option for drizzling on top. You can even offer whipped cream or a side of warm apple sauce. These pairings make the hand pies even more delightful. Making air fryer apple hand pies is simple and fun. You learned about the list of ingredients and how to prepare the filling and crust. We explored tips for crispiness, like preheating, and swapping fruits or adjusting flavors. You found out how to store and reheat these treats for the best taste. Try making these tasty hand pies today. They are a great treat for everyone.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 sprinkling coarse sugar (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated; set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  • While the apple mixture is resting, roll out one pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut the crust into 4 equal squares.
  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of each pie crust square, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Fold the square over to create a triangle shape, then press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are tightly sealed.
  • Transfer the hand pies to an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra sweet crunch.
  • Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
  • Once done, allow the hand pies to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a delightful touch.
Keyword air fryer, apple, dessert, hand pies