Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that brings the warm flavors of apple pie into a portable form. These hand pies are easy to make and come out crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet apple filling inside. Whether you need a quick dessert for a gathering or a tasty snack for yourself, these hand pies are sure to impress. The air fryer allows for a healthier version of this classic dessert, reducing the need for excessive oil while still achieving that satisfying crunch.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies is not only simple but also a fun activity. This recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners. Using store-bought pie crust saves time, so you can focus on the fun part: assembling and cooking your delicious hand pies! Plus, the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as they cook will be enough to make your mouth water. This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the amount of sugar or spices to fit your taste.
What You Need for Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
To make these delightful hand pies, you will need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Prepared Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade. Store-bought makes this recipe quick and easy.
- Apple Pie Filling: You can use canned or make your own with fresh apples, sugar, and spices.
- Egg: This will be used for the egg wash to give the pies a beautiful golden color.
- Sugar: A sprinkle of sugar adds sweetness and a little crunch.
- Cinnamon (optional): This spice enhances the apple flavor and adds warmth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups prepared pie crust
- 1 cup apple pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Making Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies is straightforward and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is important for even cooking.
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Roll out the pie crust: If you’re using refrigerated pie crust, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into circles. A larger cookie cutter or a glass can work well for this.
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Add the filling: Place a spoonful of your apple pie filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they may burst open during cooking.
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Fold and seal: Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges properly. This not only keeps the filling inside but also gives a nice design to your pies.
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Prepare the tops: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash. This will give them a wonderful, golden color as they cook. Sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon on top for extra sweetness and flavor.
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Arrange in the air fryer: Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching each other to let the hot air circulate.
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Cook: Cook the hand pies for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. If you like them extra crispy, you can add a couple of minutes to the cook time, but keep an eye on them!
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Cool and serve: Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these sweet treats warm!
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies can be enjoyed in several ways. They are delicious served warm right out of the air fryer. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. If you want to get fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce on top or pair them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert table at parties or gatherings.
How to Store Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store these hand pies in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze them before cooking, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
Easy Tips to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
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Use chilled dough: Cold pie dough is easier to handle and results in a flakier finished product.
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Don’t overfill: A small spoonful of filling is enough. Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open.
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Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the sugar in the filling or the amount you sprinkle on top.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for a different flavor twist.
Try These Variations of Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
If you want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Berry Hand Pies: Substitute apple pie filling with mixed berry filling for a fruity twist.
- Peach Hand Pies: Use peach filling instead of apples for a summer version.
- Caramel Apple Pies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty Hand Pies: Mix in some chopped nuts with the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
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Can I use homemade pie crust?
- Yes! Homemade pie crust can make this recipe even better. Just ensure it’s rolled out evenly for easy handling.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
- You can bake these hand pies in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
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How can I make them vegan?
- Use a plant-based pie crust and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba for brushing.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them unbaked. Cooking from frozen will just take a bit longer.
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Are these hand pies gluten-free?
- You can use a gluten-free pie crust to make this recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a wonderful way to enjoy the classic taste of apple pie in a convenient form. They are simple to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and the ease of the air fryer, you’ll have delicious desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy making these tasty treats at home!
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. They are sure to become a favorite in your home!
Print
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies bring the warm flavors of apple pie into a portable treat, perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups prepared pie crust
- 1 cup apple pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles.
- Add a spoonful of apple pie filling to the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Prepare the tops by brushing with beaten egg wash, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Arrange the hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, adding extra time for crispiness if desired.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be frozen before or after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg