If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of fall desserts, then you absolutely have to try this Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe. These hand pies are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all crisped to golden perfection in a fraction of the time traditional baking takes. The air fryer makes the process quick and clean, delivering delicious, portable treats that everyone will adore. Whether you’re aiming for a snack, dessert, or something special to share, this recipe is a total game changer that’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a vital role in creating that mouthwatering final bite. From the buttery crust to the luscious apple filling, these few staples combine to make a snack that is both charming and satisfying.
- Refrigerated pie crust (1 package): The buttery base that forms the flaky shell around your sweet apple treasure.
- Apple pie filling (1½ cups): Choose your favorite canned or homemade filling for that classic cinnamon-apple burst in every pie.
- One large egg: Used for an egg wash that gives the hand pies a glossy, golden finish.
- Coarse sugar (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a delightful, sparkling crunch after baking.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Begin by unrolling your refrigerated pie crust or rolling out homemade dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 4½ to 5-inch round cutter, cut out eight circles—four from each crust sheet. This size ensures your hand pies are easy to hold and perfectly portioned.
Step 2: Add the Apple Filling
On one half of each dough circle, spoon about 1½ tablespoons of apple pie filling, making sure to include some of the syrupy juices. Add 4 to 5 apple slices carefully, leaving a ½-inch border around for sealing. This balance helps prevent leaks during cooking and keeps every bite juicy yet neat.
Step 3: Seal and Brush
Whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Brush the edges of each pie circle with this mixture to help the dough adhere as you fold it over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork if you like for a pretty finish. Don’t forget to brush the entire outside of the pies with egg wash to achieve that alluring golden sheen.
Step 4: Vent and Sugar
Use a sharp paring knife to cut three small slits on the top of each hand pie. These vents are crucial as they allow steam to escape during air frying, preventing your pies from bursting. Sprinkle the pies generously with the coarse sugar for that extra sparkle and a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place 2 to 4 hand pies in your air fryer basket, depending on its size, and set the temperature to 350°F. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently inside. You might find the first batch takes a little longer, but after that your air fryer will be perfectly heated, speeding up the process for the rest.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce instantly enhances these hand pies. For extra indulgence, a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the perfect complement that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair your air fryer hand pies with a warm cup of spiced cider or a robust cup of coffee to create a cozy snack break or dessert experience. Fresh fruit or a light salad balances the sweetness if you want a fuller treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these on a rustic wooden board or alongside a colorful fall-themed napkin brings out their inviting charm. You might even stack them in a cute, bakery-style box for easy sharing at gatherings, making the Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their flaky crust and juicy filling beautifully when stored properly, ready for a quick treat whenever you want.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen by increasing the cooking time by a few minutes to get that golden crust and warm filling.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers at their best, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This method restores the crispness of the crust like fresh-baked, making each bite just as satisfying as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust tastes incredible and works perfectly for this Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe. Just roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and a flaky texture.
What type of apples work best in the filling?
For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or any mixed apple pie filling you prefer. If you’re using canned filling, pick one with nice cinnamon notes to enrich the taste.
Can I make these hand pies without an air fryer?
Yes, these pies can be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. However, the air fryer speeds up cooking and delivers extra crispiness, making it a fantastic tool for this recipe.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during cooking?
Don’t overfill the dough circles—leaving a ½-inch border for sealing is key. Also, brushing the edges with egg wash before folding helps the dough stick tightly and reduces leaks.
Can I customize the filling?
Definitely! While apple pie filling is classic, you can experiment with other fruit preserves or cook down your own fruit mixtures to tailor this Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Making these delightful Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe is a joyful experience that brings warmth and happiness to any day. They are easy to whip up, beautiful to serve, and downright delicious to eat. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these little pockets of fall magic. You’ll probably find yourself coming back for seconds!
PrintAir Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe
These easy air fryer hand pies are a delightful fall dessert that come together quickly and bake to a crisp, golden perfection in your air fryer. Using refrigerated or homemade pie crust, filled with hearty apple pie filling, these hand pies are perfect warm and can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (14.1-ounce / 399g) package refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie crust
Filling
- 1½ cups apple pie filling (400g), from 1 (21-ounce / 595g) can or homemade
Egg Wash & Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Unroll the pie crusts from the package or roll 2 homemade pie crusts to be about ⅛-inch thick. Use a 4½ to 5-inch diameter round cutter to cut 4 circles from each crust, totaling 8 circles.
- Add Filling: Place 4 to 5 slices of apple along with about 1½ tablespoons of juices from the pie filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border to prevent overflow.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- Seal and Crimp: Brush the edges of each dough circle with the egg wash. Fold the empty half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork if desired for a decorative and secure seal. Brush the entire outside surface of each hand pie with egg wash.
- Vent and Sugar Topping: Use a paring knife to cut 3 half-inch slits on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during cooking. Sprinkle the tops evenly with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Air Fry the Hand Pies: Place 2 to 4 pies in the basket of your air fryer, depending on its size. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Cool on a wire rack.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue cooking the remaining hand pies in batches. Serve warm, optionally with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- You can press together any pie dough scraps and re-roll them once to yield 9 to 10 hand pies instead of 8.
- Don’t overfill the pie crust circles to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Always make steam vents by cutting 3 slits on top of each pie to stop pies from bursting open; the egg wash helps seal these edges.
- The first batch may take up to 12 minutes to cook, later batches cook faster (10-11 minutes) once the air fryer is fully heated. Preheat the air fryer if your model recommends it.
- Serve as-is or with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
- Double the recipe when cooking for a larger group.
