Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that brings the taste of homemade goodness right to your kitchen. They feature sweet, tender apples wrapped in a crispy crust, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a quick snack, a comforting dessert, or a fun family project, these hand pies are the way to go!
Why Make This Recipe
These hand pies are not only delicious but also super easy to make. Using an air fryer helps you achieve that perfect golden crust without the extra oil. Plus, they’re great for busy days when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that your whole family will love. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 pie crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
- Additional cinnamon sugar (optional)
Directions:
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For the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the apples become soft and tender. If the mixture is too liquidy, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
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For the Hand Pies: Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into circles about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie.
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled hand pies and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if you like. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
These hand pies are best served warm, fresh from the air fryer! They make a lovely dessert, and you can enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They’re also perfect for a cozy family gathering or a fun snack after school.
How to Store Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
If you have any leftovers, you can store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture!
Tips to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Choose the Right Apples: Use sweet, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the dough circles; this will help prevent leaks during cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like allspice or cloves for a unique flavor twist!
Variation (if any)
You can easily adapt this recipe by adding other fruits like pears or berries to the apple filling for different flavors. You can also try different types of pie dough, like puff pastry, for a flakier texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen apples?
Yes, you can use both! Just be sure to thaw any frozen apples and drain any excess liquid.
Is it possible to make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pies ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake them in a regular oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.