If you’ve ever craved a warm, flaky, and sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen, then this Air Fryer Apple Turnover recipe is for you! As a fan of quick and easy desserts, I absolutely love how this recipe combines the irresistible flavor of spiced apples with the light crispiness from the air fryer. You get the perfect golden-brown crust that is so satisfying, and the deliciously sweet filling oozes out with every bite.
Making apple turnovers in the air fryer is an absolute game-changer! Gone are the days of waiting for the oven to preheat or dealing with greasy frying oil. The air fryer makes this dessert come together in no time, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat or preparing a dessert for a special gathering, this recipe will definitely impress your guests—and your taste buds!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Puff Pastry: The base of any good turnover is a flaky puff pastry. Puff pastry is light, buttery, and rises perfectly when baked. It gives the turnovers that signature flaky texture we all love. You can find puff pastry sheets in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
Apple Filling: The heart of this dessert! Fresh apples, peeled and diced, are tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice to create a warm, spiced filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust.
Butter: Butter brings a richness to the apple filling while also helping it to cook down into a soft, caramelized consistency. A small dollop of butter adds a beautiful shine to the turnovers once they’re cooked.
Cinnamon: The warm and cozy flavor of cinnamon is a must for any apple dessert. It pairs perfectly with the apples, enhancing their sweetness while giving the filling a subtle spice.
Sugar: A bit of sugar is essential for sweetening the apples. It helps to create that nice, caramelized layer in the filling. You can adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Egg Wash: An egg wash (a simple mixture of egg and water) is used to brush over the puff pastry before cooking. It gives the turnovers a lovely golden color and a slight sheen once they’re air-fried.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract adds depth to the apple filling, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples.
Ingredients list
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preparing the apple filling. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the sugar begins to caramelize. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you work on the pastry.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
While the apple filling is cooling, unroll the puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 4 squares. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling will ooze out during cooking.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, creating the classic turnover shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the pastry. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, making sure they are well sealed to prevent any filling from escaping while cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the top of each turnover. This will give them a beautiful golden color once they’re air-fried.
Step 5: Air Fry the Turnovers
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the turnovers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the apple turnovers to cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own, or you can drizzle them with a bit of powdered sugar or caramel sauce for an extra touch.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter turnover, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
- Use different apples: Granny Smith apples give a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, but you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter flavor.
- Don’t overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the turnovers with the apple mixture, as they may burst open during cooking.
- Brush with butter: For an even richer flavor, you can brush the pastries with a little melted butter before adding the egg wash.
FAQs
Can I make the turnovers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turnovers and store them in the fridge for a day before air frying them. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
Can I freeze the turnovers?
Absolutely! Once they are assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, pears or berries can be substituted for apples if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the fruit’s texture.
How can I make these turnovers even more decadent?
For a little extra indulgence, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the turnovers after they’ve cooled. You could also dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious, easy, and crispy Air Fryer Apple Turnovers!