There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked apple hand pies, especially when they’re made in an air fryer! These little delights are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re craving a quick dessert or hosting a get-together. The air fryer creates a perfectly golden, crispy crust with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that will have you reaching for seconds.
Making apple hand pies in the air fryer is a game-changer! It’s faster, simpler, and just as delicious as traditional oven-baked pies. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these hand pies with minimal ingredients and kitchen equipment. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible treat at home.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pie Crust: The foundation of any hand pie, a flaky, buttery pie crust will give these treats their signature crispness. You can use store-bought dough for a quicker prep time or make your own from scratch for a more personalized touch.
Apples: Fresh apples are key for the filling. A tart variety like Granny Smith works wonderfully because it holds its shape and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Sugar: You’ll need both granulated and brown sugar to sweeten the filling. Brown sugar gives the filling a deeper, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the apple filling, elevating the flavor and making it smell amazing as it cooks.
Butter: A bit of butter in the filling helps to bind the apples together and adds richness to the flavor. It’s an essential ingredient that rounds out the taste of the pies.
Egg: The egg acts as an egg wash to give the hand pies their golden, crispy finish once they’re air-fried. It also helps the edges of the pie crust seal together nicely.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the apple filling, making it even more aromatic and mouthwatering.
Ingredients List
- 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (or homemade dough)
- 2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and become tender. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the pie crusts.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Using a round cutter (or a bowl), cut circles from the dough. You should aim for about 4-5 inch rounds to create a nice hand pie size. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie, one for the bottom and one for the top.
Step 3: Fill the Hand Pies
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of one pie dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges of the dough with a little egg wash, then place the second dough circle on top. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies. Brush the top of the pies with egg wash to give them a beautiful golden finish.
Step 4: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for an even crisp.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t Overstuff the Pies: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it could spill out during cooking. A spoonful of filling per pie is just right.
- Use Cold Dough: If using store-bought pie dough, keep it cold before rolling it out for better handling and to prevent sticking.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg, cloves, or even a bit of lemon zest to the apple filling for a twist.
- Air Fry in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Serve Warm: These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for these apple hand pies?
Yes! Store-bought pie crust is a convenient option that still yields delicious results. Just make sure to chill it before rolling out for easier handling.
Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked hand pies. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, air fry straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What apples work best for apple hand pies?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they’re tart and hold their shape during cooking. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and pie crust ahead of time and assemble the hand pies when you’re ready to cook them. They also store well in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Enjoy these delectable air fryer apple hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch!